Vajradhara – The Primordial Buddha
Vajradhara Thangka Scroll Painting: Vajradhara is the ultimate primordial Buddha according to the Gelug and Kagyu schools of Tibetan Buddhism, and he is metaphysically equivalent to Samantabhadra in the Nyingma and Sakya traditions. Vajradhara is the Tantric form of Shakyamuni, as Shakyamuni appeared in the aspect of Vajradhara when he delivered the third Wheel of Law and set forth the Tantric path for his gifted disciples. Guru Tilopa is said to have received the Mahamudra instructions directly from Buddha Vajradhara through visions and other extraordinary means. Vajradhara represents the very essence of enlightened mind – achieving the “state of Vajradhara” is synonymous with complete realization. He is revered as both the revealer of mysteries and the mystery itself.
Gesture and Attributes
Buddha Vajradhara is depicted holding a golden Vajra in his right hand and a silver bell in his left like shown in this Vajradhara Thangka Scroll Painting. His arms are crossed in front of him expressing the complete integration of Prajna (wisdom) and Upaya (skillful means). Although he is a Dharmakaya, or primordial, Buddha, he is usually represented iconographically in Sambhogakaya form adorned with beautiful garments, ornaments, and a crown, symbolizing his ability to ceaselessly benefit living beings by means of his emanations which pervade all worlds. It is believed that all the one hundred Buddha families can be condensed into the five Buddha families, which in turn are all held within the compassionate heart of Buddha Vajradhara.
