Original Size of Thangka ( 25 x 35 inches )
In Vajrayana practice, Vajrayogini is the most renowned female meditational deity. In this Vajrayogini thangka painting, she holds up a vajra-handled curved flaying knife and drinks from a skull bowl. A garland of freshly severed heads hangs down almost to the ankle of her left leg. The right leg is bent and brought up to her inner thigh in a dancer's pose.
Vajrayogini is beautiful, the most heavenly of all women.
But it is not her beauty that attracts.
Rather, it is her promise,
the potential of controlling the ego and its cravings,
that draws the practitioner.
Her relative beauty is but a metaphor
for that which is absolutely beautiful- the Void State. (shunyata)
On the thangka, Vajrayogini is shown in the middle inside her abode. On top of her is lineage masters. Below her are offering goddesses and four direction gatekeepers. Outside the Mandala, on top are Amitayus, Hevajra, and Bhutadamara. Many offering goddesses paying homage to her. Below we have protectors Mahakala and Cittapatti.
For the Vajrayana practitioners, this thangka will be helpful to inspire in your practice. Small in size it can easily fit into your shrine. Or you can carry on if you are a frequent traveler and do not want to miss your daily practice.
