Vajrapāṇi Bodhisattva

The bodhisattva Vajrapāṇi can be identified by the vajra they hold, here in the proper right hand. The vajra, dorje in Tibetan, is a small ritual scepter (seen below) that symbolizes many things in Vajrayana Buddhism. The vajra was originally the god Indra’s weapon, a lightning bolt, but in a Buddhist context first came to symbolize the power of Vajrapāṇi as a protector of Buddhism, and later the power of a concentrated mental state of awareness.

Vajrapāṇi is one of the three oldest and most important bodhisattvas in Buddhism, representing the power of all of the buddhas, where Avalokiteśvara represents their compassion, and Mañjuśrī represents their wisdom. This version of Vajrapāṇi sits in the posture of “royal ease,” with one leg reaching down as if about to leave their seat and take action to protect or assist a believer.