In
Tantric Mahayana tradition, Vajrapani is believed to be the
last Buddha to appear in the world, yet Vajrapani is frequently
the first Buddha to appear at the entrance of a Buddhist temple.
Vajrapani is one of the ten Dharmapala Bodhisattvas. He is
often portrayed in his fierce emanation, in which he is a
powerful Protector of Dharmar and remover of obstacles. Vajrapani
is originally grouped with Avalokiteshvara and Manjushri.
The three celestial Bodhisattvas are archangelic protectors;
as Vajrapani representing power , Avalokiteshvara representing
compassion, and Manjushri wisdom.
The
grandeur and dense black body of this Vajrapani is a superb
example of the naturalism and monumentality of the 15th century
Tibetan Buddhist art. The statue is induced with spirit and
poise, his terrific appearance illustrates his triumpth of
the Snake Demon Naga. This superbly cast piece is detailed
with tongues and teeth in three howling heads, with eyebrows
patterned in upturn waves, and swirling scarves that pass
around his shoulders and flutter to the sides. Vajrapani,
also the God of War, is shown thrusting six wide stretching
arms in an active warrior pose (pratayalidha), alertly poised
in the threatening gesture. With the exception of one hand
that holds a battle axe which conquers the force of evil;
the other five hands of Vajrapani are shown holding various
vajra scepters that symbolize all supreme power of the divine
Indra, which is capable of transforming all negativity into
bliss.
This
statue is in the tradition of the later Tibetan art when it
had penetrated deeply into the cultures of China, Manchuria,
Inner and Outer Mongolia. Though in the 1500s, Chinese workshops
were already prolific in Tibeto-Chinese Buddhist art , there
is little distinction among the regional schools of this Tibetan-style.
Elements of this sculpture such as the smooth, sleek, active
and broad planes of the body, can be taken as indicative of
the Tibeto-Mongolian school around 17th century.
