Bajrasattva / Dorjesempa – The Buddha of Purification
Bajrasattva / Dorjesempa, the embodiment of unconditional kindness, is always portrayed with a gentle face and a luminescent countenance. His practices are all related to confession and purification, and he is the supreme remover of obstacles for Tibetan Vajrayana Buddhists. It is said that of all the countless methods to purify obscurations and negative karma, the practices of Bajrasattva are the best. Through meditation and recitation related to Bajrasattva / Dorjesempa, students can purify their minds in preparation for more advanced Tantric practices. It is believed that all harmful acts can be purified and all obscurations removed though sincere dedication to Bajrasattva / Dorjesempa and his practices.
Gestures and Attributes
Bajrasattva / Dorjesempa holds the Bajra (or Dorje) and Ghanta (or Bell), which together represent the body, speech, and mind of the Buddha. In Tantric ritual, the Bajra is held in the right hand and the bell is held in the left. The Bajra represents the compassion of the Buddhas, the masculine principle, and the bell represents wisdom, the feminine principle. To achieve enlightenment, these principles must be combined. The Bajra and Bell both are the main attributes of the Bajrasattva / Dorjesempa. Used together in ritual, the Bajra and Ghanta purify the surrounding space of negative energies, and raise beneficial energy for positive work.
About this Sculpture
Expertly cast from copper alloy using lost wax method and gilded with 24 karat gold with fine intricate hand carvings, this statue is a beautiful portrayal of Bajrasattva / Dorjesempa. This sculpture was individually handcrafted in Patan, Nepal by master artisans of the Shakya clan who are considered among the best in the world. These craftsmen are the modern heirs to a centuries-old tradition of creating sacred art for use in temples and monasteries. The fine metalworking techniques have been passed down from generation to generation since ancient times.
