Our Vajrapani statue represents the Buddha’s power and he is a most venerable Bodhisattva deity. Additionally, his existence as a protector is referenced in the Pali Canon. Furthermore, the Golden Light Sutra gives him the title of the “Great General of the Yakshas”.
The name Vajrapani is a Sanskrit word that translates as “thunderbolt in the hand”. Therefore, our Vajrapani statue depicts him in his classic warrior pose wielding a vajra over his right shoulder. The vajra is an ancient symbol that originated in India. It was a carried into battle by the ancient generals, but in Buddhism it symbolizes the male aspect of compassion and skillful means. Additionally, the wrathful appearance of Vajrapani is meant to crush obstacles to spiritual realization.
Additional features of our Vajrapani statue include the burning flames of pristine awareness which surround him. Additionally, he wears the skull crown that is adorned with the five skulls that symbolize the five poisons. The five insidious poisons in Buddhism are greed, hatred, ignorance, jealousy and pride. These five poisons have been converted into the five transcendent wisdoms. Furthermore, wrathful Vajrapani has three eyes which represent his knowledge of the past, present and future.
