According to both Mahayana and Vajrayana traditions of Buddhism, the Buddha godhead may be resolved into five vectors (Tathagatas). Each of these spiritual vectors embodies a necessary and sufficient trait of Bodhisattvahood, and is a Buddha in Himself. The oil painting that you see on this page depicts the five Buddha godheads.

From left to right, the five Tathagatas are Akshobhya, Vairocana, Amitabha, Amoghasiddhi, and Ratnasambhava. The colours associated with them come from element and symbolism: water (thunderbolt), ether (wheel), fire (lotus), air (diamond), and earth (jewel), respectively.

The faces of the Tathagatas are alike in their quiet contemplation; nay, deep samadhi (yogic contemplation). The complexions are executed in pastel shades with overtones of white. Against the solid black background, these colours look magical.