Vajradhara,
Bearer of the Thunder Bolt (Chinese: Diamond Holder). He is the Tantric form of
Shakyamuni, who represents the essence of enlightenment, and the primordial Buddha
from which all other Buddhas are born. Vajradhara is also considered as the metaphysical
equivalent of the Buddha Samantabhadra, who transmits total communion with the
infinite. Here the finely realized Buddha is seated in full lotus, radiates with
vitality in a youthful countenance, his body sways gently, with delicately modeled
fingers and crossed wrists in a gesture that symbolizing the union of wisdom and
compassion.