046
The Adi-Buddha, Vajradhara ("Bearer of the Adamantine Scepter")
Thangka, painting
Cotton support with opaque mineral pigments in waterbased (collagen) binder
23.25 x 32.75 inches
Indeterminate region
Ca. 16th century
Indeterminate style
In Buddhism, the Adi-Buddha demonstrates the totality of the teachings and
the final goal. Depending on specific teachings, any of several Buddhas
may represent the Adi-Buddha concept. The Adi-Buddha, Vajradhara, is a visual
reification of the totality of the Buddhist teachings. In essence, abstract
concepts are made accessible to practitioners through the image. He carries
a vajra and a ghanta (bell), symbols of wisdom and compassion, in his crossed
arms. These attributes demonstrate the totality of enlightenment. Vajradhara
is also the source from which all Buddhist deities emanate.
John Huntington
Museum #: 94.003
Huntington Archive Image Scan #: T1034