The first line of the 100 syllable Mantra of Vajrasattva- “Om Vajrasattva Samayam Anupalaya” (Om Vajjrasattva Preserve the bond) underlines the affinity felt by a follower of Vajrayana Buddhism with the Bodhisattva. Repeated consistently, the Mantra forms a bond, a spiritual contract between the devotee and Vajrasattva according to which, the Prince of Vajra (thunderbolt) extends his celestial protection to the follower in the face of earthly and otherworldly hurdles. This six-foot imposing Nepalese Vajrasattva statue is an expression of the devotee’s faith in the gloriousness of the Bodhisattva. Placed on a multi-tiered elaborately designed platform, seated on a double-rowed lotus platform (Vishwapadmasana), this gilded copper Vajrasattva is an enchanting piece of art from Nepal, a fitting representative of the unbelievably detailed work of the artists of Kathmandu valley.
Bodhisattva Vajrasattva is in the lotus posture (padmasana), with an exquisite five-pronged Nepalese crown adorning his head, its tassels forming tasteful curls on the side of his peaceful face. Round earrings in the drooping earlobes, three sets of ornate necklaces on the torso, armbands, bracelets, and long anklets embrace the divine limbs of Vajrasattva endowing this gilded copper statue with a spellbinding attractiveness. A fine scarf with floral patterns is draped on the wide shoulders of Vajrasattva and is molded on his sides in gorgeous curves. A matching luxuriant brocaded dhoti (lower body garment) with its soft folds near the Bodhisattva’s knees and ankles speaks for the mastery of the maker of this copper Vajrasattva icon, who has imbibed the solid material with an incredible malleability. In Vajrasattva’s right hand is the Vajra (thunderbolt), a ritual object in Vajrayana and a weapon, which is believed to cut through the darkness of ignorance, and in his left hand is a bell, both the attributes held with immense gracefulness by the Bodhisattva. In the Vajrayana tradition, Vajra (Dorje) and bell (drilbu) signify the amalgamation of method and wisdom respectively. This combination is a tangible form of Enlightenment that requires an adept balance between knowledge and the ability to employ it.
A profusely decorated and dramatic aureole surrounds this gilded copper Vajrasattva, containing images of elephants on lotuses, snow lion, Buddhist deity, Makara (mythical elephant-lion composite animal), youthful Naagakanya (serpent women), and a flying Garuda (bird mount of Vishnu) with a snake in his beak. The religious figures are interspersed with leaves that appear to be growing from the panel of the outstanding aura. Adding a touch of colors tastefully to the Vajrasattva icon is a royal platform painted with rich red, blue and green shades and embellished with motifs designed using gold, turquoise, and coral. Two snow leopards standing in the middle section of the platform with their limbs raised, look as if they are carrying the throne of Vajrasattva on their shoulders. As the copper underneath absorbs the purity of gold captivatingly in this statue, the powers of Bodhisattva Vajrasattva sheathes the mortal form with the glistening purity of Enlightenment.
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