| < Prev | Next > |
|---|
Vairocana is a frequent motif of Tibetan thangkas and other art objects like metal statues. He is one of the five Dhyani Buddhas. His position among the five is that of a 'primus inter pares', the first among equals.
Vairocana is revered both by Hindus and Buddhists alike. No wonder that he is especially popular in Nepal where Hinduism and Buddhism live side by side without a strict border line.
Senior of the Dhyani Buddhas
Whenever the five Dhyanis are shown together, you will always find Vairocana in the middle. How can you recognize him? Not too difficult. He is shown in white color, is sitting on a lotus throne and he is holding his hands in teaching position gesture. Please see the detailed image. By the way, these hand gestures are called mudras.
Vairocana's Consort is the White Tara
The images that I have seen of Vairocana showed him all alone. But he has a girl friend, none less than the famous White Tara. Happy Vairocana! The White Tara is considered a "good girl" with a soft and friendly and helpful character.
In strict "Buddhist speak", one does not speak of a "girl friend", of course. These deities have a 'consort' or a 'shakti' or a 'female counterpart' or an 'affiliated female'. Funny.
Dieter Wanczura, July 2010.
