Buddhist Deity: Vajrapani (Amitabha Set of Three)
Vajrapani, Peaceful (Standing Sculpture)The central image for each of the each compositions below is Amitabha Buddha accompanied by two Bodhisattva attendant figures of Avalokiteshvara and Vajrapani. In some examples the two are seated and in others they are standing. The Avalokiteshvara is typically on the proper right of Amitabha, white in colour and holding a large white lotus blossom. The Vajrapani is generally on the proper left of Amitabha, blue in colour and identified by the vajra scepter held in the hand or adorning the top of an utpala flower.
Not all paintings of Amitabha in a set of three includes Avalokiteshvara and Vajrapani. Sometimes Manjushri or Maitreya can be substituted, or possibly other figures depending on the tradition, artist or commissioning individual.
Both the Namcho Tradition of Amitabha in Sukhavati and the Trehor Namkha Gyan Tradition favour Vajrapani either standing or seated on the proper left side of Amitabha.
Jeff Watt 1-2024
(The images below are only a selection of examples from the Amitabha Main Page).
