Vajrayogini is a 18th century brass and gilt copper alloy sculpture, found in Tibet of the deity Vajrayogini. In the Himalayan culture, Vajrayogini is defined as the female embodiment of a cognitive journey that leads to Buddhahood. Vajrayogini is one of the principal female deities. She is represented in many different forms, colours, and states. Vajrayogini refers to a larger umbrella of the all knowing buddhahood, while it’s different recognized name Vajravarahi refers to smaller specific categories.
The sculpture is identified as a female deity due to her feminine figure, smaller size, and a more oval-shaped face. Vajrayogini’s body is ornamented with jewelry. A closer look at her face reveals an emotional expression. The bulging eyes and opened mouth showing fangs highlight that she is represented as a wrathful deity. Such deities are symbols of wisdom, which is usually considered a feminine trait in Buddhism.
Another identifier of Vajrayogini is her stance, and hierarchical scale in comparison to the figures under her. She is usually depicted with her right leg stretched out, and her left one slightly bent, a pose that is referred to as Alidha in Sanskrit. Her figure is surrounded by an oval structure that symbolizes cremation grounds. It indicates that the ordinary world is lifeless in comparison to the rich world of the inner life.
Upon closer look at the sculpture, it is clear that the figure’s feet are stepping on top of two corpses. This act is another representation of the wrathful form of Vajrayogini, sometimes referred to as Krodha Kali in Sanskrit. The theme of death is further evident in the piece, through the artists addition of corpses to the cremation grounds.
The left leg is extended in a half dance posture pressing on the heart of a human corpse. The right leg is stretched out pressing down on another human corpse. The human corpses lay on top of a sun disc and lotus blossom, those being symbols of detachment in Buddhism.
The described composition is a representation of one of the highest level practices in Vajrayana, the Troma. Troma allows those who practice it to heal painful emotions, cut attachments to ego, and awake from ignorance. All in order to recognize one’s true nature, Dharmakaya. This understanding results in accomplishing merit and wisdom, the elements that Vajrayana embodies.
Considering that the sculpture is made out of different metals, it would have probably been created using a hollow metal casting technique. Metals have became the dominant medium for producing religious sculptures in the Himalayas, through the use of a hollow metal casting technique. This was done by; creating a wax mold (mixture of bee’s wax, vegetable oil, tree resin) by hand, the wax is dipped into fine clay mixture several times which coats it from the inside and outside then coated with layers of a different clay (coarse clay and rice husk), heat is then applied to drain the wax, molten metal is poured into the mold, the mold is cooled then broken, and finishing touches are added to the metal (buffing, gilding, chiseling, painting, adding semiprecious stones).
Citation:
- “Buddhist Deity: Vajrayogini, Krodha Kali.” Himalayan Art Resources. Accessed November 3, 2019. https://www.himalayanart.org/search/set.cfm?setID=359.
- “Buddhist Deity: Vajrayogini, Vajravarahi Main Page.” Himalayan Art Resources. Accessed November 3, 2019. https://www.himalayanart.org/search/set.cfm?setID=142.
- “Item: Vajrayogini (Buddhist Deity) – Krodha Kali (Wrathful Black Varahi).” Vajrayogini (Buddhist Deity) – Krodha Kali (Wrathful Black Varahi) (Himalayan Art). Accessed November 3, 2019. https://www.himalayanart.org/items/490.
- The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica. “Vajrayogini.” Encyclopædia Britannica. Encyclopædia Britannica, inc., January 13, 2015. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Vajrayogini.
- “Troma Nagmo, the Wrathful Black Mother.” Dorje Chokhor Ling Buddhist Center. Accessed November 3, 2019. http://www.shiwagonpa.org/site/en/troma-eng/.
- “Vajrayogini-18th Century: Rubin Museum of Art.” The Rubin. Accessed November 3, 2019. https://rubinmuseum.org/collection/artwork/vajrayogini.
