This tsa tsa depicts the bodhisattva Vajrapani [Tib.: »Chagna Dorje« - ཕྱག་ན་རྡོ་རྗེ།] in his Manifestation as »Nilambaradhara« Vajrapani .
Nilambaradhara Vajrapani [Sanskrit for »Vajrapani Wearing a Blue Cloak«] is a wrathful, protective manifestation of the bodhisattva Vajrapani, embodying the ultimate power, energy, and unconquerable strength of all Buddhas. He is highly revered in Vajrayana Buddhism as the »Lord of Secrets« who protects secret tantric teachings
It differs in some details from his usual iconography. These differences are explained here. A general description of Vajrapani can be found here. here.
Unlike his usual depictions, Vajrapani on this tsa tsa is characterized by a slightly larger stature.
He is trampling on a human figure. The small size and lack of detail of this trampled figure make it difficult to identify with certainty. In Buddhist iconography, several interpretations are therefore possible:
Vajrapani holds the dorje or vajra - which is associated with him in iconography - in his raised right hand in. In this manifestation, his left hand does not hold any attribute; instead, he forms the »Shuni-Mudra«. In traditional iconography, he is always depicted holding a snare in his left hand. In traditional iconography, he is always depicted holding a snare in his left hand.
He is always surrounded by a flame-like aureole. It symbolizes the purifying power of enlightenment, represented by the flames surrounding his body. Within the mantra circle, this aureole is depicted here in a slightly reduced size for symbolic purposes.
Vajrapani stands on a single-tiered lotus throne bordered at the top by a string of pearls. A unique feature is the ornamental relief band beneath the throne, which supports it and features a spiral pattern of tendrils or waves. In the center is a lanceolate or leaf-shaped motif framed by symmetrically arranged spirals.
The outer edge of the tsa-tsa features a circumferential Tibetan inscription. The text at the bottom left shows the beginning of the mantra of the Buddhist creed. It ends at the Bodhisattva's right elbow. The text that follows [beginning to the right of the dorje] is no longer part of this mantra. Click on the link at the bottom of this page for a detailed explanation of this text.
Traces of fine sand in the lower third of the votive plaque suggest that it was used as filling for a stupa after its completion.
Condition: Only a few very small, light-colored imperfections. On the reverse side, there is a slightly larger chip in the upper right corner.
| The Buddhist Creed |
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Measurements: | 4 x 2.8 x 1.1" | 10.2 x 7.0 x 2.7 cm |
| Price: | Make an offer |
| Shipment: | Parcel Service from Germany |
| Material: | Burned Clay |
| Age: | 16th century |