The Indian Buddhist Iconography
by Benoytosh Bhattachacharyya | 1958 | 51,392 words | ISBN-10: 8173053138 | ISBN-13: 9788173053139
This page contains an iconography image of Vajrasattva (Yab-yum) and represents figure 43-44 of the book Indian Buddhist Iconography, based on extracts of the Sadhanamala English translation. These plates and illustrations represent either photographs of sculptures or line-drawing reproductions of paintings or other representations of Buddhist artwork.
Figure 43-44 - Vajrasattva (Yab-yum)
.jpg) Figure 43: Vajrasattva, Yab-yum (Nepal) |
 Figure 44: Vajrasattva, Yab-yum (Side view) |
Vajrasattva, the Sixth Dhyāni Buddha, is regarded by the Nepal Buddhists as the priest of the Five Dhyāni Buddhas. He is not represented in the Stūpa like the other Dhyāni Buddhas, but independent shrines are dedicated to his worship. His worship is always performed in secret and is not open to those who are not initiated into the mysteries of Vajrayāna.
Vajrasattva is represented widely in all Buddhist countries of the North. Some of his single and Yab-yum forms are illustrated here (Figs. 43, 44). His white colour suggests that his spiritual sire is Vairocana of white colour. His position amongst the Dhyāni Buddhas is anomalous. Vajrasattva is widely represented in Tibet and China