Essay: Sutrayana Compared with Tantrayana
Buddhist IconographySutrayana Iconography Compared with Tantrayana Iconography
In mainstream Buddhist art of the sutra traditions represented by the Theravada and Mahayana traditions, the Buddha and other enlightened beings, or bodhisattvas, are usually depicted in serene and peaceful states. The Buddha is often seen in a meditative posture, either sitting or standing, with specific hand gestures, symbolizing different aspects of his teachings. Iconography in this context is usually simple, narrative based and focused on representing the path to enlightenment through the examples of ethical conduct, meditation, and wisdom.
Bodhisattvas, heroic aspirants to enlightenment, the principal students of the Buddha populating the Mahayana sutras, are also frequently depicted. The more important of the bodhisattvas are associated with identifiable symbolic objects, such as a lotus flower, a vase of nectar, or a wheel, representing aspects of Buddhist teachings as similes or metaphors.
In Tantric or Vajrayana Buddhist art, the iconography can also be relatively simple or extremely elaborate, complex, and highly symbolic. The deities represented in Tantric Buddhism can take on more wrathful or passionate aspects, representing the transformation of negative emotions into wisdom and compassion. In general there are said to be three main appearances, peaceful, semi-peaceful/semi-wrathful and wrathful. In all there are Eleven Types of Deity Appearance.
A unique feature of Tantra, and specifically Yoganiruttara (anuttaryoga), is to symbolize the divine masculine and feminine principles through images of deities embracing in sexual union, known as yuganandha. This is not meant to be a literal depiction of dynamic sexual activity but rather a static symbolic representation of the union of wisdom (prajna, represented as female) and compassion or skillful means (upaya, represented as the male), necessary for reaching or achieving complete enlightenment. (A partial or less than complete enlightenment means achieving one of the ten Bodhisattva Levels known as a bhumi).
In addition, there are many other deities associated with specific practices, such as Manjushri for wisdom, Avalokiteshvara for compassion, Vajrapani for power, Tara for various activities and Mahakala for protection. These deities in their most basic form have one face and two hands. In their more complex appearances the deities can have multiple arms, heads, or other body parts, symbolizing their multiple and vast abilities, functions and divine characteristics.
Tantric Buddhists also use mandalas, geometric diagrams that symbolize the deity within a greater context, universe-like, and used as meditation aids. A mandala usually depicts a particular deity at the center of a palace, with four gates, populated with deities, symbolic elements and attributes. By visualizing and entering the mandala in meditation, it is believed that a practitioner can transform their mind by taking on the qualities that the various deities represent.
While both standard Buddhist and Tantric Buddhist iconography have the same goal to represent spiritual concepts and aid in spiritual practice, Tantric iconography is generally more esoteric, complex, and symbolic. At times Tantra purposely uses imagery that is shocking, deviant, sexual and counter to accepted social norms and therefore often derided by those unfamiliar with its symbolic meanings.
Shinzo Shiratori, 6-2023
