South Asia: Pala Sculpture and Painting
Artist: unknown
Title: The Adi Buddha Hevajra
Material: stone
Site: West Bengal (?)
Current Location: unknown
Period/Date: ca. 10 th. century
Iconography/Iconology: Hevajra and his prajna Nairatma are manifestations
of class of deities that become very prominent in the ninth century. They
are known as Heukas after the proper name of one of the earliest of the
type and are known as istadevatas (chosen gods). In Buddhist methodologies,
a teacher will assign an istadevata to his desciple and it is the istadevata's
responsibility to guide the desciple to enlightenment. The iconography of
these figures and their attendants is a detailed map of the yogic process
through which the desciple will achieve enlightenment. The figure of Nairatma
embracing Hevajra and in the act of intercourse is indicative of their symbolism.
The prajna, or female, represents both the perfection of wisdom (Prajnaparamita)
and the attainment of universality (sunyata). The male represents both compassion
(karuna) and skillful means (upaya). Their union (envisioned as a sexual
union) demonstrates the attainment of enlightenment by realizing the non-duality
of their respective components.
Stylistic Comments: Large, finely finished sculptures such as this
were probably used in a shrine or temple to the deity. To this day these
figures remain extremely esoteric and are rarely talked about or shown to
non- initiates. The details of the figures are iconographically determined,
leavoing litte room for stylistic variation. However, such elements as the
lotus pedestal, aura, etc. are subject to change and are characteristic
of the tenth century.
