A rare depiction of Vajrasattva in gilt bronze. The youthful face and nearly naked torso is adorned with intricately chased jewelry, earrings, necklaces and armband bracelets. Along with the lifelike gestures of the hands, the slightly tilt of the deity’s head are in accord to tradition. Vajrasattva is holding two large lotus flowers, and upon which where the vajra and bell are seated. Here in his downward gaze and gentle smile, we are given the sense that the deity has cut through all obstacles, completed the Tantric ritual of purification and is in a state of perfection.

The name Vajrasattva can be translated as Diamond Mind or Thunderbolt Mind. He is the esoteric aspect of the Bodhisattva Samantabhadra, and is associated with the sambhogakaya and purification practice, which is an essential course in Tibetan Buddhist meditation and rituals. The Vajrasattva mantra: OM VAJRASATTVA HUM is regarded as having the ability to purify negative karma, create right actions and bring forth tranquility.