Vajrasattva (Sanskrit) with Consort (2001)
Dor je sem pa yab yum (Tibetan)

16” x 24” ◊ Ground mineral pigment and gold on cotton cloth

The single-faced Buddha Vajrasattva (Vajra-Hero) is depicted here in white embracing his consort Vajragarvi. His right hand is in vajramudra, the five-pronged vajra held upright at the level of his heart. The five-pointed vajra symbolizes enlightenment and the five omniscient Buddhas and the essence of their combined wisdoms. In his left hand is the inverted ghanta or bell at hip-level that coincides with the navel chakra. Adorned with elaborate gold jewelry including opulent earrings and a crown, there is a flowing silk scarf draped around his neck. His right leg is crossed atop his left to form the vajrasana posture.

Vajragarvi is holding a scull-cap in her right hand and a flaying curved knife in the left. The consort is also decorated with lavish jewels and bracelets, wearing silk skirts intricately decorated with gold detail. She is the seated in the lap of Vajrasattva, with her legs interlaced around him, gazing upward into his face. A fire-red halo encases the entwined couple with glowing rays emanating from their bodies to generate an aura of light. The pair is seated on an orange moon disc resting atop a multi-colored lotus throne.

Precious offerings including incense and wish-fulfilling jewels are assembled on the ground at the foot of the lotus. Vajrasattva is a preeminent tantric deity who manifests the energies of all Buddhas. As the karma ‘protector’ his one hundred-syllable mantra is recited as a powerful process of purification to cleanse the spirit and dispel negative mental activities.