21" x 16.5" Vairochana Buddha Thangka Painting

Vairocana Buddha Thangka Painting

 Vairochana – The Great Illuminator

Buddha Vairocana is regarded as the foremost and oldest of the five Dhyani, or Wisdom, Buddhas. He is also considered to be the embodiment of enlightened wisdom realizing emptiness. His place is in the holy inner sanctum of the stupa where he is the master of the whole temple and its contents. Meditating on an image of Buddha Vairocana is specifically believed to vanquish the delusion of ignorance, transforming it into the wisdom taught by the Dharma. For this reason, he is sometimes called the “Great Illuminator”. He is often depicted in the company of dragons, which represent the thundering power of the Dharma teachings. He is the head of the Tathagata Buddha Family that includes Buddha Shakyamuni and Manjushri.

Gestures and Attributes

Vairocana is not often represented, but when he is, he is said to be the sum of all the Dhyani Buddhas and combines all of their qualities. He is therefore pure white in color, because white is the blending of all colors of the visible spectrum. Further, the brilliance of Vairocana’s representation is intended to serve as a reminder that all phenomena are empty – without inherent existence or permanent identity. His two hands are held against his chest with the tips of the thumbs and forefingers of each hand touching. He forms the Dharmachakra Mudra, the gesture of teaching and turning the Wheel of Dharma, indicating that he has the power to dispel ignorance

About this Scroll Painting

This is a Tibetan Style Thangka Scroll Painting which is entirely hand painted by the experienced artisan using same ancient techniques. This Manjushri Thangka Scroll Painting is hand painted on cotton canvas with 24 karat gold detailing; by the artisans of Patan in Nepal who have been in the business from generations.