Vajrasattva, The Bodhisattva

Vajrasattva is a bodhisattva who is also known as 'The Prince of Purity' and he is most closely associated with the process of purification of an individual's karma, and the purification of karma in general. Literally translated, Vajrasattva's name can be translated to meaning either He With Thunderbolt Mind or He With Diamond Mind. The meanings behind that are in reference to diamonds and thunderbolts being so incredibly strong and powerful that they can penetrate any ideas, surfaces, or substances.

Vajrasattva is known for his ability to not just purify and reveal concealed truths for those looking to progress on their pathway towards enlightenment, but he is said to be able to provide purification to karma in general.

Vajrasattva can also allow for peace and general enlightened activity for those who follow his teachings. Vajrasattva is depicted in illustrations as being pure white in color, almost translucent, again as a symbol of his purity. Illustrations and statues of Vajrasattva show him as being a beautiful young prince, covered with the trappings of a wealthy young man. He is shown seated upon a pure white open lotus that is sitting on a moon disk. The white lotus is an important symbol because it is said to be the embodiment of purity and truth. The lotus grows in muddy and dirty waters, yet climbs out of the mud, and clouded disillusions, to become a pure white blooming flower that is wholly untainted by what is surrounding it.

Like the purified lotus, an enlightened mind can rise up above the muddy thoughts of greed, hatred, and deception. In illustrations of him, the bodhisattva Vajrasattva is shown wearing celestial silken clothing with beautiful jewels adorning his body. His left hand holds a bell, which is symbolic of the wisdom that comes from emptiness. In his right hand he holds a vajra, which is the symbol for great bliss. The combination of the bell and the vajra are symbolic of Vajrasattva having attainted an enlightened state. Vajrasattva is also typically depicted with a moon disk over his heart, with the letters of his one hundred syllable mantra around the edges of the moon disk, in a clockwise pattern.

There are two mantras associated with Vajrasattva. The shortened and much less formal mantra is based upon the one hundred syllable mantra. It may be significantly shorter at just six syllables, but it does contain the essential points of the one hundred syllable mantra.

The six syllable mantra for Vajrasattva is as follows:

Om Benza Satva Hum

The long-form of the Vajrasattva mantra is typically repeated 100,000 times with the goal of purifying the karma of the individual reciting it. It is also very typically recited at funerals or other purification ceremonies

The Vajrasattva mantra, or 100 syllable mantra, is as follows.

Om Vajrasattva Samayam
Anupalaya
Vajrasattva Tvenopatistha
Drdho Me Bhava
Sutosyo Me Bhava
Suposyo Me Bhava
Anurakto Me Bhava
Sarva Siddhim Me Prayaccha
Sarva Karma Su Ca Me
Cittam Sreyah Kuru Hum
Ha Ha Ha Ha Hoh
Bhagavan Sarva Tathagatavajra
Ma Me Munca
Vajri Bhava Maha Samaya Sattva
Ah (Hum Phat)


The most basic version of this mantra ends with the Ah syllable. However, the Hum syllable is typically added when the mantra is being recited to benefit someone who has died. The purification of their karma is thought to help them on their journey towards enlightenment, and is not unlike any other symbolic rituals held at funerals or memorial services. The syllable phat is typically added to the mantra when it is being recited as a means of subduing demons that may be present.

The literal translation for this mantra can be complex to convert into understandable English, but one of the translations for this mantra is often found to be the following.

O Vajrasattva honor the agreement Reveal yourself as the vajra-being Be steadfast for me Be very pleased for me Be wholly nourishing for me Be passionate for me Grant me all success And in all actions make my mind more lucid O Blessed One, vajra of all those in that state, don't abandon me O being of the great contract be a vajra-bearer

This mantra is entreating Vajrasattva to stand beside the individual as a spiritual friend and guide who will manifest in their meditations and in other areas of their lives. The mantra is imploring Vajrasattva to be both the means for a pathway and the pathway itself towards enlightenment for all sentient beings.

One aspect of the Vajrasattva mantra that often baffles those who are not yet familiar with it is the 'Ha ha ha ha ho' group of syllables. However, it is believed that the recitation of these syllables is symbolic of the sound of joyful liberation; typically liberation from the negativities that are causing us to suffer. This group of five syllables is also thought to be representative of the five Buddha families; all of whom are emanations of Vajrasattva.

Whether chanted as a part of the purification rites at a ceremony, or to be used as means of purifying your own karma, this is a powerful mantra. It is important to note that the purification that is offered by Vajrasattva is not just for the spiritual karma, but it is also for the physical body and also the mind. A person who is about to embark on a new spiritual journey or direction will need to be wholly purified on several different levels in order to gain the most benefit from their journey. Vajrasattva offers them the purification of mind, body, and soul; thus allowing them to embark on their new journey with a wholly unencumbered self.

Not only do followers invoke Vajrasattva to help them with the purification of their karma, but he is often also beseeched upon to help those who are struggling with a difficult emotional time. The purification of their mind and their spirits will help the individuals to achieve the much-needed peace that will free them from the obstacles of suffering in their pathway.

If you are interested in the Vajrasattva Buddha, we have a few items featuring Vajrasattva. We have this Silver and Brass Vajrasattva Buddha Statue, we also have a Vajrasattva Buddha Statue in Silver, and we have a Vajrasattva Buddha Thangka.