Vajradhara / Chana Dorje Statue

 Vajradhara – The Primordial Buddha

Vajradhara is the ultimate primordial Buddha according to the Gelug and Kagyu schools of Tibetan Buddhism, and he is metaphysically equivalent to Samantabhadra in the Nyingma and Sakya traditions. Vajradhara is the Tantric form of Shakyamuni, as Shakyamuni appeared in the aspect of Vajradhara when he delivered the third Wheel of Law and set forth the Tantric path for his gifted disciples. Guru Tilopa is said to have received the Mahamudra instructions directly from Buddha Vajradhara through visions and other extraordinary means. Vajradhara represents the very essence of enlightened mind - achieving the "state of Vajradhara" is synonymous with complete realization. He is revered as both the revealer of mysteries and the mystery itself.

The Medicine Buddha, or Bhaisajyaguru, is the Buddha of Healing. Meditating on the Medicine Buddha is considered to be a powerful method for increasing healing powers, allowing practitioners to alleviate their own sufferings as well as those of others. Through his boundless compassion and generosity, Bhaisajyaguru helps sincere seekers overcome physical illness and infirmity. But even more importantly, the Buddha is the skillful doctor who heals the great disease afflicting all sentient beings. By providing the Dharma as a profound antidote to the poisons of attachment, hatred and ignorance, he lifts the veil of delusion and points the way to freedom.

Iconography

Buddha Vajradhara is depicted holding a golden vajra in his right hand and a silver bell in his left. His arms are crossed in front of him expressing the complete integration of Prajna (wisdom) and Upaya (skillful means). Although he is a Dharmakaya, or primordial, Buddha, he is usually represented iconographically in Sambhogakaya form adorned with beautiful garments, ornaments, and a crown, symbolizing his ability to ceaselessly benefit living beings by means of his emanations which pervade all worlds. It is believed that all the one hundred Buddha families can be condensed into the five Buddha families, which in turn are all held within the compassionate heart of Buddha Vajradhara.

About this Sculpture

Finely sculpted from copper alloy using lost wax method, the statue has been submitted to oxidation process to yield a rich and sensuous finish. Expertly cast from copper alloy with fine hand carvings, this statue is a beautiful portrayal of Vajradhara / Chana Dorje.  This sculpture was individually handcrafted in Patan, Nepal by master artisans of the Shakya clan who are considered among the best in the world. These craftsmen are the modern heirs to a centuries-old tradition of creating sacred art for use in temples and monasteries. The fine metalworking techniques have been passed down from generation to generation since ancient times.