1999

21,5x32,5 cm., (8,4x12,7 inches)

canvas, mineral colors, gold

Private collection, Buryatia

(tib. rdo rje sems dpa')

A peaceful aspect of Buddha, Vajrasattva and especially the recitation of his hundred syllable mantra for purification are central to the preliminary practices of the vajrayana.

In the Kalachakra Tantra, Vajrasattva is called the gnosis (jnana) of supreme, immutable rapture. At the very beginning of the Hevajra Tantra, we find Vajrasattva defined thus: Vajra is said to be indivisible, and Sattva is the oneness of the three forms of existence joined together by continuous wisdom (prajna) and thus called Vajrasattva. According to the Yogaratnamala's commentary on this passage, the three forms of existence are body, speech, and mind. They result from the transformation of the five psycho-physical components, the five skandhas, and become united in the arising of prabha, clear light. In the Dzogchen teachings, we are told that Vajrasattva gnosis is self-arising and need not be sought.

James Rutke (Palden Lotsawa)