Vajrapani. Tibet, 19th century. Bronze. It... Lot 147

Vajrapani. Tibet, 19th century. Bronze. It shows signs of use and wear. Measurements: 24 x 19 x 8 cm. Vajrapani appears here represented in warrior attitude, carrying in one hand the vajra and in the other a rope bow that symbolizes the union of the beings with the ultimate truth. Vajrapani is one of the first bodhisattvas to appear in Mahayana Buddhism. He is the protector and guide of Gautama Buddha and symbolizes the power of Buddha. Vajrapani is also called Chana Dorji and Chador and is widely depicted in Buddhist iconography as one of the first three protector deities or bodhisattvas surrounding the Buddha. Each of them symbolizes one of the Buddha's virtues: Manyushri manifests all the wisdom of the Buddhas, Avalokitevara manifests the immense compassion of all the Buddhas and Vajrapani protects the Buddha and manifests all the power of the Buddhas. He is worshipped in Shaolin Monastery, in Tibetan Buddhism and in Pure Land Buddhism (where he is known as Mahasthamaprapta and forms a triad with Amit?bha and Avalokite?vara). Manifestations of Vajrap?ni can also be found in many Buddhist temples in China, Taiwan and Japan as Dharma protectors guarding the doors of monasteries and temples. Vajrap?ni is also associated with Acala, where he is serenaded as a vajra holder.