Buddhist Deities Scroll No. 40 Vajrapani with Scenes of Teachers, 40×78 cm

The Buddhist Deities Scroll No. 40 Vajrapani with Scenes of Teachers, 40×78 cm is a wall scroll in the style of a Tibetan thangka from the Buddhist Deities series. A multi-figure composition: in the centre is the dark blue wrathful Vajrapani raising a vajra, wearing a tiger skin and snake ornaments, in a wide stance on a lotus within a halo of flames. Around him are scenes from the lives of lamas, hermits and lay people, with Buddhas and teachers above and below. The bright image with gold-coloured embossing on a red background is framed by a wide border with a gold-coloured floral pattern; there are rods with gold-coloured end caps at the top and bottom and a hanging cord at the top. Size 40×78 cm, weight about 280 g.

Who is depicted on the scroll

Vajrapani ("Holder of the Vajra", Tibetan: Channa Dorje) is the bodhisattva of spiritual power and one of the three main bodhisattvas together with Avalokiteshvara (compassion) and Manjushri (wisdom). His wrathful form, the vajra in his raised hand and the halo of flames symbolise the strength that destroys ignorance, fear and obstacles on the path. The scenes from the lives of teachers and practitioners around him recall the lineage of the teaching, which Vajrapani is said to protect.

What a thangka is

A thangka is a traditional Tibetan Buddhist painting on a scroll. Such images serve as a support for meditation and contemplation, and at home they are a reminder of the qualities the deity embodies: wisdom, compassion, strength and protection. A scroll is easy to roll up and carry, which is why thangkas have long accompanied wandering monks.

Where to hang it

The scroll is hung in a meditation or yoga room, above a home altar, in a study or living room — at eye level or slightly higher, in a clean and calm place. It is not recommended to hang images of deities in a bathroom, kitchen or opposite the bed. Protective deities are traditionally placed so that they "face" the entrance to the room.

As a gift

The Vajrapani with Scenes of Teachers scroll is a valuable gift for Buddhist and yoga practitioners, collectors of Eastern art and anyone interested in Tibetan culture.