VAJRASATTVA - DIAMOND BEING

Estimated Value:

1.500 € - 2.500 €

Result:

2.072 € incl. Premium and VAT

Description:

Tibet, Amdo Province, 19th c.
52,5 x 28 / 108 x 70 cm
Vajrasattva (rDor-je sems-dpa'), the "White Buddha", is the first emanation of the Adibuddha (primordial Buddha) in the Samboghakaya, the "Ornamental Body" in the "Doctrine of the Three Bodies". Vajrasattva is worshipped as the mystic Buddha of the initiations in the mandalas, and invoked for the purification of negative karma and transgressions through body, speech and mind. Vajrasattva holds in his two hands the symbols of the diamond vehicle: on the right the diamond sceptre (Skr. Vajra, tib. rDo rje) and on the left in his lap the bell (Skr. gantha, tib. dril-bu). The vajra symbolises the diamond essence of the Buddha's teaching, symbolising the method by which the seeker seeks to attain inner self-realisation in the realisation of emptiness. The ghanta, with its all-pervading sound, symbolises wisdom - the goal. The bell and the lotus are identical in their symbolism. The lotus throne, besides the attainment of the highest wisdom through the realisation of emptiness, also signifies the purity and the immaculateness of the deities. The path and method to realisation lead through the path of the Bodhisattva, which in Mahayana Buddhism corresponds to the realisation of all-encompassing compassion. Vajra and Gantha also symbolise the unity of experience of samsara (world of appearances) and nirvana, as the two aspects of the same reality. Because Vajrasattva has united both aspects, namely path and goal, in himself through his secret teachings, he carries both symbols in his hands. The painting shows him with the fivefold crown of wisdom, adorned, with the sixfold jewellery - the six paramitas, the six virtues: Rings on arms and legs - devotion, belt - morality, ear ornaments - patience, necklace - strength, crown - immersion, ash and brahma string - insight (prajña). He is enthroned with his legs crossed on a moon lotus, the seat of the peaceful deities, in contrast to the sun lotus, the seat of the wrathful deities. In front of his rock plateau on which Vajrasattva is enthroned, the symbolic offering of the Five Senses is depicted: Flower - Smell, Violin - Hearing, Mirror - Sight, Snail with Essences - Taste and Silk Bow - Touch. All five areas of perception are offered as gifts to the deity, because attachment to the five aggregates of perception is seen as causing suffering, since ultimately no self exists. Tempera and gold on cotton fabric, original brocade border, protective curtain and ribbons.
From an old and important German private collection, collected between 1950 and 1987, collection number T 47 - Traces of age, wear

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