Thangka of Vajrakila and Diptachakra c. late 19th century
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This 19th century Tibetan Thangka depicts Vajrakila, a wrathful deity who is a fierce protector and a powerful manifestation of the Buddha. Vajrakila is shown with multiple heads and arms, holding various weapons and symbolic objects, and is surrounded by a fiery aura. The deity sits upon a lotus pedestal and is flanked by other figures associated with his iconography. The composition is organized according to the Tibetan Buddhist tradition of mandalas and uses intricate details and vibrant colors.
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In Tibetan Buddhist practice, buddhas and bodhisattvas can express both benevolent and wrathful sides. Vajrakila is a wrathful form of the Cosmic Buddha Vajrasattva, a purifying force who valiantly tramples obstacles on the path to enlightenment. Vajrakila is shown in the center, in union with the female deity Diptachakra, who represents wisdom. The focal meditational deity is surrounded by 10 miniature Vajrakila images, their lower bodies in the form of a triangular ritual dagger to peg down evil forces. Vajrakila’s garments further heighten the graphic vision, with distended eyeballs representing the conquest over human afflictions, such as desire, illusion, and ignorance. Below are guardian deities of the four directions, and above is Padmasambava, a Buddhist monk to whom Vajrakila is said to have appeared in a mystic revelation.
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