Vajrasattva / Dorje Sempa Statue

 Vajrasattva / Dorje Sempa – The Buddha of Purification

Vajrasattva, the embodiment of unconditional kindness, is always portrayed with a gentle face and a luminescent countenance. His practices are all related to confession and purification, and he is the supreme remover of obstacles for Tibetan Vajrayana Buddhists. It is said that of all the countless methods to purify obscurations and negative karma, the practices of Vajrasattva are the best. Through meditation and recitation related to Vajrasattva, students can purify their minds in preparation for more advanced Tantric practices. It is believed that all harmful acts can be purified and all obscurations removed though sincere dedication to Vajrasattva and his practices.

Gestures and Attributes

Vajrasattva holds the Vajra (or Dorje) and Ghanta (or Bell), which together represent the body, speech, and mind of the Buddha. In Tantric ritual, the Vajra is held in the right hand and the bell is held in the left. The Vajra represents the compassion of the Buddhas, the masculine principle, and the bell represents wisdom, the feminine principle. To achieve enlightenment, these principles must be combined. Used together in ritual, the Vajra and Ghanta purify the surrounding space of negative energies, and raise beneficial energy for positive work.

About this Sculpture

This statue is an exceptionally beautiful portrayal of Vajrasattva / Dorje Sempa. Expertly sculpted from copper alloy using lost wax method, the statue has been gilded with 24 karat gold with hand painted face and decorated with turquoise and coral stones to yield a rich and sensuous finish. The Bodhisattva's figure is gracefully poised as he sits in sublime meditation. He wears a finely carved crown and the elegantly detailed ornaments of a Bodhisattva, signifying his compassionate vow to work for the benefit of sentient beings. His necklaces and arm ornaments, in particular, are beautifully and intricately carved. His monastic robes are exquisitely carved throughout, showing intricate marvelous detailing of leaves and vines, where the lotus base is also intricately hand carved with Chhepu and a pair of Makara (Mythical Aquatic Creature) side by side at the back of the lotus base. And over all, the stunning rich gold gilding, the fine intricate and detailed hand carvings and decorated with stones gives it look more beautiful and live. 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.