4” Vajrasattva Statue

Vajrasattva

Vajrasattva, the sixth Dhyani Buddha, is regarded as the priest of the Five Dhyani Buddhas. Vajrasattva is the Buddha of Purification. Vajrasattva is not represented in the stupa like other Dhyani Buddhas, but independent shrines are dedicated to his worship. Vajrasattva wears all ornaments, rich dress and a crown. Vajrasattva is white in color. Vajrasattva sits cross legged in the meditative pose like other Dhyani Buddhas. Vajrasattva always carries the vajra in his right hand with palm upwards against the chest and ghanta (bell) in the left hand resting upon the left thigh. As the "work" or Karma protector, Vajrasattva also manifests the energies of all Buddhas. Any practice of Vajrasattva is related to the practices of confession and purification as present in all Buddhist traditions. 

Vajrasattva right hand holds the vajra at the level of his heart while his left hand clasps the bell. The bell is said to symbolize wisdom and the vajra signifies the means of utilizing this wisdom. Together the vajra and the bell symbolize the fusion of all polarities, including masculine and feminine qualities, in one Enlightened experience.
 Vajrasattva - The Buddha of Purification

Vajrasattva, the embodiment of unconditional kindness, is always portrayed with a gentle face and a luminescent countenance. His practices are all related to confession and purification, and he is the supreme remover of obstacles for Tibetan Vajrayana Buddhists. It is said that of all the countless methods to purify obscurations and negative karma, the practices of Vajrasattva are the best. Through meditation and recitation related to Vajrasattva, students can purify their minds in preparation for more advanced Tantric practices. It is believed that all harmful acts can be purified and all obscurations removed though sincere dedication to Vajrasattva and his practices.

Gestures and Attributes

Vajrasattva holds the vajra (or dorje) and ghanta (or bell), which together represent the body, speech, and mind of the Buddha. In Tantric ritual, the vajra is held in the right hand and the bell is held in the left. The vajra represents the compassion of the Buddhas, the masculine principle, and the bell represents wisdom, the feminine principle. To achieve enlightenment, these principles must be combined. Used together in ritual, the vajra and ghanta purify the surrounding space of negative energies, and raise beneficial energy for positive work.