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Akshobhya is the second in rank of the Five Dhyani Buddhas. These are not real beings, but just a kind of virtual concepts of Buddhism. Pretty sophisticated, these Dhyani Buddhas. And even more strange: in spite of this intellectual concept on a high level, the Five Dhyani Buddhas are very popular among the common people of Nepal who are often illiterate.
Akshobhya is often to be found on Buddhist art objects. A reason for friends of Himalayan art to remember his name and get a bit of an idea what he looks like.
Akshobhya - the Second Dhyani
Akshobhya is second in rank of the Dhyani Buddhas, thus deputy in charge of Vairocana. The Dhyani Buddhas are associated with a certain compass direction. For Akshobhya it is the eastern direction. When placed on a stupa, he always looks in Eastern direction.
Each Dhyani Buddha is represented by his specific color. For Akshobhya it is the color blue. And his element is the water. He also has an animal associated with him - an elephant. Why does he need all these association? Frankly, I have no idea. I hope it is not important.
And last but not least, Akshobhya has a little girl friend. Her name is Locana.
Akshobhya in Tibetan and Nepalese Arts
Akshobhya is always shown in the typical position of crossed legs, sitting on a lotus throne. The left hand is palms up. Often he is holding a beggar's bowl, sometimes a thunderbolt ('vajra') . The right hand is hanging over the knee with the fingertips touching the ground in this 'The earth is my witness' hand gesture. The palms of his right hand are showing inward.
When Ashobhya is not alone but with his consort (his girl-friend) Locana, then he is shown in yab-yum position. Yab-yum is simply a sexual position where the female sits on the lap of the male. If you need some illustrations, take a look at the article about the yab-yum position.
Dieter Wanczura, August 2010.
