Primordial Buddha Vajradhara

ABS 194

 Code: ABS 194

  Country: Tibet

  Style: Nepalese School

  Date: 1400 - 1500

  Dimensions in cm WxHxD: 13.8 x 20 x 9.3

  Materials: Gilt copper; inset with turquoise

The “old translation tradition” (snga bsgyur) Tantras of the rNying ma tradition identify the Adibuddha (Tib. Dang po’i sangs rgyas) with Samantabhadra (Tib. Kun tu bzang po), the “new translation traditions” (gsar ma pa), namely the bKa’ brgyud, Sa skya and dGe lugs traditions, identify him with Vajradhara (Tib. rDo rje ’chang).
Vajradhara (Dorjéchang).
Vajradhara
 
Vajradhara is the ultimate Primordial Buddha, or Adi Buddha, according to the cosmology of Tibetan Buddhism. Vajradhara displaced Samantabhadra Buddha in Gelug and Kagyu mythologies, but is metaphysically equivalent. Achieving the 'state of vajradhara' is synonymous with complete realisation.
From the primordial Vajradhara/Samantabhadra were manifested the Five Wisdom Buddhas (Dhyani Buddhas):
    * Akshobhya
    * Amoghasiddhi
    * Amitabha
    * Ratnasambhava
    * Vairocana
 
Vajradhara and the Widsom Buddhas are often subjects of mandala.
Vajradhara and Samantabhadra are cognate deities with different names, attributes, appearances and iconography. Both are Dharmakaya Buddhas, that is primordial Buddhas, where Samantabhadra is unadorned, that is depicted without any attributes. Conversely, Vajradhara is often adorned and bears attributes, which is generally the iconographic representation of a Sambhogakaya Buddha. Both Vajradhara and Samantabhadra are generally depicted in yab-yum unity and are primordial buddhas, embodying void and ultimate emptiness.

Bock, Etienne; Falcombello, Jean-Marc; Jenny Magali, 2022. Trésors du Tibet. Sur les pas de Milarépa.. Paris: Flammarion. p. 55

Sèngué, Tcheuky, 2002. Petite Encyclopédie des Divinités et symboles du Bouddhisme Tibétain. Editions Claire Lumiere . Pp. 106-107 - Références françaises: Vajradhara