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Vajradhara

A Dictionary of Buddhism | 2004 | | Copyright

Vajradhara (Skt., wielder of the thunderbolt).
1. One of the Five Jinas, he is identified with the Absolute or primordial reality (dharma-kāya). In iconography he is portrayed holding a thunderbolt (vajra) in his right hand symbolizing the power of compassion (karuṇā) and skilful means (upāya-kauśalya), and a bell (ghaṇṭā) in his left symbolizing the pure clear sound of transcendental insight (prajñā) which penetrates everywhere without obstruction. Dark blue in colour, he is anomalously depicted in the regal attire of a saṃbhoga-kāya Buddha.

2. A tantric term for a fully accomplished adept (siddha).

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DAMIEN KEOWN. "Vajradhara." A Dictionary of Buddhism. 2004. Encyclopedia.com. 27 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

DAMIEN KEOWN. "Vajradhara." A Dictionary of Buddhism. 2004. Encyclopedia.com. (May 27, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O108-Vajradhara.html

DAMIEN KEOWN. "Vajradhara." A Dictionary of Buddhism. 2004. Retrieved May 27, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O108-Vajradhara.html

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Vajradhara

The Concise Oxford Dictionary of World Religions | 1997 | | Copyright

Vajradhara. In Tantric Buddhism, the source of the Five Jīnas or Dhyāni-Buddhas. He is identified with the Absolute or primordial reality which is the source of all enlightenment.

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JOHN BOWKER. "Vajradhara." The Concise Oxford Dictionary of World Religions. 1997. Encyclopedia.com. 27 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

JOHN BOWKER. "Vajradhara." The Concise Oxford Dictionary of World Religions. 1997. Encyclopedia.com. (May 27, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O101-Vajradhara.html

JOHN BOWKER. "Vajradhara." The Concise Oxford Dictionary of World Religions. 1997. Retrieved May 27, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O101-Vajradhara.html

Learn more about citation styles