Vairochana

        The name Vairochana means "He Who Is Like the Sun" or "the Radiating One." Vairochana represents either the integration of or the origin of the Dhyani Buddhas. His wisdom is the Wisdom of the Dharmadhatu. The Dharmadhatu is the Realm of Truth, in which all things exist as they really are. Vairochana's wisdom is also referred to as the All-Pervading Wisdom of the Dharmakaya. The Dharmakaya is the Body of the Law, or the absolute Buddha nature.
        Vairochana's transcendent wisdom reveals the realm of highest reality and overcomes the poison of ignorance, or delusion. His wisdom is considered to be the origin of or the total of all the wisdoms of the Dhyani Buddhas.
        Vairochana is usually located in the center of mandalas of the Dhyani Buddhas. According to some texts, he is positioned in the east. His color is white (or blue), symbolizing a pure consciousness. He rules over the element of ether and embodies the skandha of consciousness. In some systems, he is associated with the skandha of form.
        His symbol is the dharmachakra, the wheel of the Teaching, or the wheel of the Law. It denotes the teaching of the Buddha. Its eight spokes represent the Noble Eightfold Path, which Gautama revealed in his first sermon after his enlightenment. This symbol is printed around the border of the lithograph. Vairochana's lotus throne is supported by the lion, symbol of courage, boldness and an eager, advancing spirit.
        Vairochana's mudra is the dharmachakra mudra, the gesture of turning the wheel of the Teaching. Because he embodies the wisdom of all Buddhas, Vairochana's bija is the universal sound Om. His mantra is Om Vairochana Om.
        This statue, like other Tibetan sculptures of the thirteenth to early fifteenth centuries, shows a sophistication in detail and in the application of inlay and inset jewels.

Western Tibet, 14th century
H. 10"(25.4 cm)
Trustees of The Victoria and Albert Museum, London, England
On loan from the MacPherson Family Collection

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