This sculpture shows a deity in
embrace with his consort in a position
of sexual union known as Yab-Yum. The
Yab-Yum, Tibetan literally "father-
mother", is a common symbol in the
Buddhist art, especially in Tibet. The
deity is sexual union with his
consort. The use of sexual union as a
symbol of mystical union evolved from
Indian Tantric thought. This union
image is not an example of erotic art,
but is a manifestation of the Buddha's
highest spiritual essence. The male
deity, represents compassion for all
beings, which is the natural
expression of such wisdom. The
goddess, as his consort, represents
transcendent wisdom, the direct
awareness of reality as the Buddha
experienced it and taught it. These
figures are frequently worked in the
shape of statues or reliefs, or are
painted on thangkas. Yab-Yum may also
be represented through the aniconic
signification of yantra and mandala.
The symbolism of union polarity is a
central teaching in Tibetan Buddhism.
The union is realized by the
practitioner as a mystical experience
within one's own body. Even in Tibet
the Yab-Yum images are not intended
for general use but are meant to be
viewed only by those who have received
proper instruction concerning their
esoteric significance.
This magnificent gilt bronze sculpture
may be Chakrasamvara united with his
consort Vajravarahi in the form of
Yab-Yum. Chakrasamvara is one of the
most popular deities in Tantric
Buddhism in Tibet and the Himalayan
regions after the 11th century. He is
the primary meditation deity (yidam)
of Tibetan Buddhism and is also
prominently featured in a number of
other traditions. Chakrasamvara can
appear in several dozen different
forms, from simple to complex and
peaceful to wrathful, which makes it
necessary to rely on the descriptive
literature in the Sanskrit and Tibetan
languages to identify his various
forms. In Tibetan Buddhist art,
Chakrasambara is frequently depicted
in ecstatic embrace with Vajravarahi.
This elegant statue shows many
delicate details. Chakrasamvara has a
semi-wrathful face, two hands and
legs. He wears the Bodhisattva
ornaments such as the decorated crown
and beads necklaces. He is also
adorned with prominent pendant
earrings, beads belt and bracelets.
Vajravarahi, Chakrasamvara's consort,
holds a skull cup and a flaying knife
(kartika). In the iconography of
female meditation deities, it is
common to find the hooked kartika in
her right hand and the skull cup in
her left, representing the inseparable
union of wisdom and skillful means.
(Reference : Adelheid Herrmann-Pfandt.
"Yab Yum Iconography and the Role of
Women in Tibetan Tantric Buddhism."
The Tibet Journal 22:1 (Spring 1997):
12-34; John Huntington & Dina Bangdel.
The Circle of Bliss: Buddhist
Meditational Art. Columbus; Chicago:
Columbus Museum of Art & Serindia
Publications, 2004.) -MK
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