TIBET, XVEME SIECLE

This imposing Buddhist tutelary deity is named after a tantric text, the Cakrasamvaratantra. The text gives instructions for meditational and ritual practices of the highest form of yoga. He embraces his consort Vajravarahi and tramples on the Hindu gods Kalaratri and Mahakala to demonstrate the superiority of Buddhism. His multiple hands hold various attributes with the principle ones the vajra and ghanta, symbol of the transcendency of duality, the ultimate goal of every follower of the Buddhist path.