Item: Mandala of Guhyasamaja (Buddhist Deity) - Akshobhyavajra

Akshobhyavajra, Guhyasamaja (Tibetan: mi kyo dor je, sang wa du pa. English: the Unshakeable Scepter, Secret Assembly): depicted in the center of a mandala, the principal deity of the Father (Method) classification of Anuttarayoga Tantra of Tantric Buddhism.

Peaceful in appearance, with a stern expression, blue in colour, he has three faces and six hands, embracing the consort. Lineage teachers are seated along the top and descend at the sides.

Guhyasamaja has two main traditions, the Arya (Nagarjuna) Lineage and the Jnana (Jnanapada) Lineage. The subject of this painting is the Arya Lineage. Of the three types of Anuttarayoga Tantra this is the chief of the 'Method' (Father) class.

Jeff Watt 9-2003