A Closer Look at the Iconography of the Five Prajnas

The Five Prajnas are the enlightened consorts of the Five Dhyani Buddhas, each one embodying a unique form of transcendent wisdom. These remarkable women represent the dynamic side of enlightenment and wisdom in their most pure and transformative essence. Through their presence, the five female Buddhas embody the energy that transforms the five poisons; ignorance, desire, anger, pride, and jealousy into the five wisdoms.

In Buddhist art and rituals, their imagery is packed with meaning, showcasing not only their individual traits and roles but also the profound unity of compassion and wisdom. This blog dives into the world of these powerful female Mothers, providing a closer look at their visual symbolism and spiritual importance within the tantric tradition.

The Five Prajñas and Their Consorts

The Five Prajñās, seen as the enlightened partners of the Five Dhyāni Tathagatas, represent the vibrant wisdom that comes with awakening. Their connection with the Buddhas illustrates the deep bond between wisdom (prajñā) and method (upāya), creating a complete journey toward realization where form and emptiness beautifully blend without any sense of duality.

These associations reflect the profound unity of wisdom and compassion, central to Vajrayana Buddhism, emphasizing the transformative power of enlightened qualities.

Iconography of the Five Prajnas

The iconography of the Five Prajnas beautifully captures their deep wisdom and transformative nature. Each representation of a Prajna showcases the distinct spiritual essence it holds, guiding practitioners on their journey toward greater understanding and enlightenment.

1. Locanā - Consort of Vairocana

According to Advayavajra Samgraha, Locana is said to hail from the Tathagata kula (clan). She is depicted in both peaceful and wrathful forms with her arm numbered in all two, six, and eight forms.

• Wisdom Aspect: Dharmadhātu Wisdom
  

• Color: White (Symbolizing purity and openness)

• Element: Space

• Seed Syllable: Lom

• Iconographic Features:

  • Depicted seated in a meditative posture with right hand in Varada Mudra. Her left hand rests on her chest.

  • Wears a five-Buddha crown, signifying the integration of all wisdom aspects.

  • Holds a wheel in her lotus while being seated in Lalita asana.

Locana's image is very rare although one of her notable depiction is found in the Swoyambhu Stupa, Kathmandu, Nepal. It is believed that the devotees who practice upon Buddha Vairocana and Locana will acquire the wisdom to cut through delusion.

2. Māmakī - Consort of Akṣobhya

Buddha Mamaki belongs to the Vajra family thus, the vajra is her recognition symbol. As a bearer of vajra, she is a powerful figure and her nature is considered to be of hatred. She is also known by her other name; Dvesarati.

• Wisdom Aspect: Mirror-like Wisdom

• Color: Blue (Symbolizing clarity and reflective nature)

• Element: Water

• See Syllable: Mam

• Iconographic Features:

  • Holds a vajra in right hand, signifying indestructibility and sharpness of insight.

  • Sometimes depicted with a mirror, emphasizing the reflection of reality as it is, without distortion.

  • Her expression remains calm and serene, reflecting the unchanging, undisturbed nature of truth.

  • Shown with two hands but is also depicted in six-armed, eight-armed, and twelve-armed forms.

Mamaki is specfically worshipped in the Nepal's Newar Buddhist tradition in a triad ritual objects. They are called Anti, Khayakori, and Thapin in Newari language. Anti refers to a special jar for keeping fermented wine, Khayakori for yoghurt, and Thapin for keeping fermented beer.

3. Pāṇḍaravāsinī - Consort of Amitābha

Buddha Pandara is the embodiment of passion or lust which later reconstructs to wisdom of discriminating awareness. It is because in Vajrayana Buddhism, lust (kāma or rāga) is also considered a path to enlightenment when overcame with sadhana. Pandara's other name is Ragarati.

• Wisdom Aspect: Discriminating Wisdom

• Color: Red (Symbolizing passion transformed)

• Element: Fire

• See Syllable: Pam

• Iconographic Features:

  • Usually depicted with a lotus, representing purity born from the muddy waters of ignorance.

  • Sits in a peaceful, contemplative posture, often radiating warmth and compassion.

  • Her gentle smile signifies the discernment between pure and impure perceptions.

4. Samayatārā - Consort of Amoghasiddhi

Mother Samayatara or Tara is also called Irsyarati which translates to the nature of jealousy. She transforms jealousy into an all accomplishing wisdom. Tara hails from the Karma family and is an embodiment of the enlightened activity of all Buddhas of three times.

• Wisdom Aspect: All-accomplishing Wisdom

• Color: Green (Symbolizing vitality and action)

• Element: Air

• See Syllable: Tam

• Iconographic Features:

  • Holds a double vajra on her right hand, emphasizing skillful means and protective power.

  • Often shown in a dynamic posture, signifying her active role in overcoming obstacles.

  • Her symbol is a green night lotus (Utpala).

  • Often depicted with two arms, six arms, or eight-arms.

5. Vajradhātvīśvarī - Consort of Ratnasambhava

Buddha Vajradhatveshvari is surrounded by the four female Prajnas; Locana, Mamaki, Pandara, and Tara when seated together. It is said that she resembles Vajrasattva, as described in the Pancakara of Advayavajra Samgraha. Her other name is Nairatma, Vajravarahi, and Jnanadakini.

• Wisdom Aspect: Equality Wisdom

• Color: Yellow (Symbolizing richness and impartiality)

• Element: Space or Emptiness

• Iconographic Features:

  • Seated in Lalita asana as a dynamic figure.

  • Usually depicted with two arms while her images are also drawn with six and eight arms.

  • Her right hand makes the Varada mudra that also gives rise to a lotus stalk. The lotus holds a jewel.

  • Her left hand makes Vitarka mudra, that also supports a lotus stalk.

The Union of Wisdom and Compassion (Yab-Yum)

In tantric Buddhism, the concept of Yab-Yum, which translates to "father-mother," beautifully illustrates the union of method (the male principle) and wisdom (the female principle). This union is key to understanding the non-duality that is essential for achieving enlightenment. In this sacred imagery, the male figure, often one of the Five Dhyani Buddhas, represents method, compassion, and skillful means. Meanwhile, the female figure, depicted as one of the Five Prajnas, embodies wisdom and the ultimate reality. Their close embrace symbolizes the harmonious blending of these principles, showing that wisdom and compassion are intertwined on the journey to awakening.

This symbolic union is just not about physical desire; rather, it signifies a deep integration of enlightened qualities. The Yab-Yum iconography typically portrays the female consort seated on the lap of the male deity, their hearts aligned, reminding us that method and wisdom are not distinct but rather two sides of the same enlightened state. Through meditative practices, practitioners visualize this union to cultivate a balance between active compassion and profound insight, ultimately leading to a direct experience of reality's true nature.

The Transformative Wisdom of the Five Prajnas

The Five Prajnas, honored as the partners of the Five Dhyani Buddhas, embody the vibrant and transformative essence of wisdom in Vajrayana Buddhism. They’re not just companions; they are unique expressions of enlightened energy, each one transforming a specific mental poison into a distinct aspect of transcendent wisdom. Their presence lights the way from confusion to clarity, from suffering to freedom.

In their symbolic forms, the Five Prajnas unveil the deep potential that exists within every human experience – the magical process of transforming ignorance, desire, anger, pride, and jealousy into wisdom, compassion, and inner peace. By visualizing their qualities and embodying their attributes, practitioners not only gain insight but also embrace the living connection between compassion and wisdom. This journey of inner transformation ultimately leads one to the realization of non-dual awareness, where wisdom and method come together, transcending ordinary thought and revealing the radiant nature of awakened consciousness.