Vajrasattva in Yab Yum Thangka

This Vajrasattva Buddha thangka was handmade in Nepal. This thangka is 34 inches long and 20 inches wide. This thangka is made from brocade material. Here, Vajrasattva is shown in yab yum, which means that he has a consort on his lap. Vajrasattva's consort is Vajragarve. In his right hand he holds a vajra (dorje), and in his left hand he holds an upturned bell. Vajrasattva is a bodhisattva in the Mahayana tradition and in the Vajrayana tradition. In Tibetan Buddhism Vajrasattva practices are common to all four schools. The Vajrasattva purifies karma, and brings peace and enlightenment to believers. Vajrasattva also helps believers during purification practices.