Item: Vajrayogini (Buddhist Deity)

Vajrayogini (Tibetan: dor je nal jor ma): a female meditational deity arising from the Chakrasamvara cycle of Tantra (esoteric literature) of Northern Buddhism. This form of Vajrayogini is not specifically identified as yet but follows generally the descriptions for the Maitri Kachod appearance and tradition according to the Sakya Tradition of Tibetan Buddhism. See the Vajrayogini Outline Page.

Sanskrit: Vajrayogini Tibetan: Dor je nal jor ma

Maitri Kachod: "...she has one face and two hands, red in colour, radiant, smiling, with bared fangs and a slight frown. With three round red eyes she looks upward; with black hair flowing downward. The left hand holds a nectar filled skullcup together with the left leg dangling from the bend of the elbow. In this manner she drinks the nectar from the skullcup. The right hand holds a five-pointed vajra against the heel of the right foot; supported on the right knee. Adorned with various flower garlands and other ornaments she dwells in the middle of the blazing fire of pristine awareness."

Vajrayogini, is a representation of complete buddhahood in female form. Classified as Wisdom or 'Mother' Anuttarayoga Tantra the practices originate with the Chakrasamvara Cycle of Tantras. Although found in a variety of forms, she is common to all schools of Tibetan Buddhism. In this suggestion of an identification she is a special teaching passed down from the lineage of the Indian mahasiddha Maitripa through to the Sakya School.

Jeff Watt 3-2004

Thematic Sets
Buddhist Deity: Vajrayogini Sculpture
Sculpture: Figurative, Three Parts
Buddhist Deity: Vajrayogini (Holding a Vajra)
Buddhist Deity: Vajrayogini Main Page
Sculpture: Female
Collection of Rubin Museum of Art: Sculpture (Gallery 1)