Norbulingka Palace: Vajradhara and Consort

CHINA, Tibet, Lhasa

This statue depicts Vajradhara with his wisdom consort. Both are sculpted with four faces, wearing crowns. The crowns are inlaid with pearls about the piled usnisa in the center. Vajradhara is depicted with twelve arms while his consort has six. Each of the hands holds various ritual implements. Vajradhara sits in full lotus position on a double lotus pedestal while his consort sits in his lap in the yab-yum posture, embracing his hips with her thighs. This signifies the innate dependence of wisdom and compassion, a meaning further emphasized by the hands most immediately clasping her being crossed and holding the vajra and bell, which have the same significance.