Vajradhara means holder of the Vajra or indestructible reality. The vajra represents fully awakened mind.
Vajradhara (Dorje Chang, Tib) is blue in color, wearing peaceful ornaments. He holds a vajra or dorje in his right hand and a bell in his left hand, crossed over the heart. This symbolizes the ultimate unity, never separated, of wisdom and skillful means. He is a primordial buddha, an adi-Buddha.
I did a lot of prostrations to Vajradhara in the Kagyu refuge tree, surrounded by yidams, dakinis and gurus of the lineage. I love the indestructible titles. One of my favorites is Bearer of the Thunderbolt. Sort of reminds me of Zeus, only a Zeus of the mind.
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Table of Contents
Vajradhara (Tibetan Buddhism) Summary
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Central Concept | Vajradhara (Sanskrit: वज्रधार,金刚持金刚萨埵), Dorje Chang |
| Meaning | “Holder of the Vajra”, Diamond Holder |
| Context | Tibetan Vajrayana Buddhism |
| Related Concepts | Adi Buddha, Kāya (three bodies of a Buddha), Sammasambodhi (perfect enlightenment), Dorje (Vajra) |
| Explanation | Dorje Chang is a central figure in Vajrayana Buddhism, seen as the embodiment of Sammasambodhi (perfect enlightenment) and the Dharmakaya (truth body) of the Buddha. Vajradhara represents the unchanging, radiant reality that underlies all phenomena. |
| Depiction | Often depicted with a white body, four faces representing the four cardinal directions, and multiple arms holding various vajra implements and other symbolic objects. |
| Importance | Dorje Chang is a key figure in Vajrayana practices. He is visualized during meditation and mantras are recited in his name. Vajradhara is considered the source of all Vajrayana teachings and lineages. |
| Connection to Adi Buddha | The concept of Vajradhara is closely linked to the Adi Buddha. While the Adi Buddha represents the ultimate reality itself, Vajradhara embodies the enlightened being who manifests from that reality. |
| Distinction from Buddha | It’s important to distinguish Vajradhara from historical Buddhas like Siddhartha Gautama. Vajradhara represents a Buddha archetype, the embodiment of enlightenment itself, rather than a specific historical person. |
Additional Notes:
- Dorje Chang is a complex figure with various interpretations within Vajrayana traditions.
- The specific iconography and symbolism associated with Vajradhara can vary depending on the tradition or lineage.
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Vajradhara and the 5 wisdom Buddhas
Dorje Chang gives rise the 5 Dhyani buddhas, also known as the 5 wisdom buddhas. These are the fully enlightened aspects of the different mandala directions: Center, East, South, West, and North.
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Central Concept | Five Wisdom Buddhas (Tibetan: rigs-lña) |
| Context | Tibetan Vajrayana Buddhism |
| Related Concepts | Vajradhara, Adi Buddha, Kāya (three bodies of a Buddha), Mandala |
| Explanation | The Five Wisdom Buddhas represent different aspects of enlightened mind. They are seen as emanations of the Adi Buddha or Vajradhara, embodying specific qualities and wisdoms. The Five Wisdom Buddhas are often arranged in a mandala, a visual representation of the cosmos and the enlightened mind. |
| The Five Buddhas | Color |
| Vairocana | White |
| Akshobhya | Blue |
| Ratnasambhava | Yellow |
| Amitabha | Red |
| Amoghasiddhi | Green |
| Importance | The Five Wisdom Buddhas play a significant role in Vajrayana practices. They are visualized during meditation, and mantras are recited to cultivate the qualities they represent. Understanding their symbolism is essential in Vajrayana teachings. |
| Importance | The Five Wisdom Buddhas play a significant role in Vajrayana practices. They are visualized during meditation, and mantras are recited to cultivate the qualities they represent. Understanding their symbolism is essential in Vajrayana teachings. | |
Additional Notes | * The Five Wisdom Buddhas can also be seen as aspects of a single enlightened mind. * Each Buddha has a specific hand gesture (mudra) and symbolic attributes. * Their colors and cardinal directions hold specific meanings within Vajrayana cosmology.
Vajradhara correlates to Samantabhadra Buddha, the primordial Buddha of the Nyimgma Lineage.
May all beings be happy
May all beings be peaceful
May all beings be safe
May all beings awaken to the light of their true nature
May all beings be free
