Shakyamuni Buddha appeared in this world with the sole purpose of benefitting all sentient beings. Out of great compassion Lord Buddha revealed many different means/paths to enlightenment and set forth three Wheels of Law to suit varying degrees of intelligence and receptivities.
Shakyamuni Buddha himself was, it is said, in the form of Vajradhara while he was teaching tantric path to his gifted disciples.
Vajradhara is depicted holding a Vajra and a bell in his left hand and his arms are kept crossed in front of him expressing complete integration of Prajna and Upaya. He is usually depicted in blue colour in vajraparyanka posture. He has a crown, an Urna and an Ushnisha as a Sambhogakaya Buddha. Vajradhara is also depicted in father-mother (Anju-Aji in Newari) aspect. en he holds his usual symbols while his arms are crossed at the back of his consort. the consort is none other than Prajnaparamita in deified form.
The Kargyudpa lineage of Tibetan Buddhism begins with the Buddha Vajradhara. The individual in this tradition is allowed to visualize his root Guru as Buddha Vajradhara. Guru Tilopa is said to have received Mahamudra instruction directly from Buddha Vajradhara through visions and other extraordinary means.
In Nispannayogavali, Vajradhara is the main deity in Vajrasattvamandala. He is three faced, six-armed and reddish white in color. His right arm holds a vajra, a sword and a kapala and his left hand holds a bell, an ankush and a noose. He stands in the Ardhaparyanka posture and dances in Tandava style.
Finishing: Stone Setting
The Vajradhara is adorned with an exquisite array of semi-precious stones, including turquoise, coral, and lapis lazuli. These stones are carefully selected and meticulously placed on the Vajradhara's surface, adding a touch of opulence and enhancing its overall beauty. Each stone is thoughtfully positioned using a high-quality adhesive, ensuring secure and long-lasting attachment. The vibrant colors and unique patterns of the stones create a captivating contrast against the backdrop of the Vajradhara, elevating its visual appeal and making it truly eye-catching.
Beyond their decorative purpose, these semi-precious stones carry symbolic significance in various cultures and traditions. Turquoise is often associated with protection and healing, coral represents vitality and passion, while lapis lazuli symbolizes wisdom and truth. The inclusion of these stones not only adds to the aesthetic allure of the Vajradhara but also imbues it with deeper meaning and cultural symbolism.
The intricate placement of these semi-precious stones showcases the meticulous craftsmanship and attention to detail that goes into the creation of the Vajradhara. It is a testament to the skill and artistic vision of the artisans who delicately adorn the statue, resulting in a truly remarkable and captivating piece of art.
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Full Fire Gold Plating
This Vajradhara is finished with full gold plating. also known as mercury gold plating or fire gold plating. This traditional technique involves the application of a genuine layer of gold onto the Vajradhara. Referred to as mercury gold plating, it is considered the correct and authentic form of gold plating in Nepal. Despite being more expensive than electroplating, this traditional mercury gold plating is gaining popularity again in Nepal. People are drawn to its authenticity, longevity, and the unmatched beauty it brings to the Vajradhara. The resurgence of interest in this traditional form of gold plating reflects a growing appreciation for the craftsmanship and cultural heritage of Nepal
Mercury gold plating is a time-honored process where a real layer of gold is carefully applied to the Vajradhara. Skilled artisans expertly handle the amalgamation of gold with mercury, ensuring precise application and stunning results. This method not only imparts a rich and lustrous appearance to the Vajradhara but also enhances its durability, allowing the gold plating to last for an extended period.
Detailed Description of Mercury Gilding
The process of Fire Gold plating is both time-consuming and intricate, requiring skilled artisans to carefully apply the gold layer using specialized tools and techniques. Despite the labor-intensive nature of the process, the end result is a stunning work of art that is sure to impress anyone who sees it.
Source wikipedia
Fire-gilding or Wash-gilding is a process by which an amalgam of gold is applied to metallic surfaces, the mercury being subsequently volatilized, leaving a film of gold or an amalgam containing 13 to 16% mercury. In the preparation of the amalgam, the gold must first be reduced to thin plates or grains, which are heated red-hot, and thrown into previously heated mercury, until it begins to smoke. When the mixture is stirred with an iron rod, the gold is totally absorbed. The proportion of mercury to gold is generally six or eight to one. When the amalgam is cold, it is squeezed through chamois leather to separate the superfluous mercury; the gold, with about twice its weight of mercury, remains behind, forming a yellowish silvery mass with the consistency of butter.
When the metal to be gilded is wrought or chased, it ought to be covered with mercury before the amalgam is applied, that this may be more easily spread; but when the surface of the metal is plain, the amalgam may be applied to it directly. When no such preparation is applied, the surface to be gilded is simply bitten and cleaned with nitric acid. A deposit of mercury is obtained on a metallic surface using quicksilver water, a solution of mercury(II) nitrate, the nitric acid attacking the metal to which it is applied, and thus leaving a film of free metallic mercury.
The amalgam is equally spread over the prepared surface of the metal, the mercury is then sublimed by heat just sufficient for that purpose; for, if it is too great, part of the gold may be driven off, or it may run together and leave some of the surface of the metal bare. When the mercury has evaporated, which is known by the surface having entirely become of a dull yellow color, the metal must undergo other operations, by which the fine gold color is given to it. First, the gilded surface is rubbed with a scratch brush of brass wire, until its surface is smooth.
It is then covered with gilding wax and again exposed to fire until the wax is burnt off. Gilding wax is composed of beeswax mixed with some of the following substances: red ochre, verdigris, copper scales, alum, vitriol, and borax. By this operation, the color of the gilding is heightened, and the effect seems to be produced by a perfect dissipation of some mercury remaining after the former operation. The gilt surface is then covered over with potassium nitrate, alum, or other salts, ground together, and mixed into a paste with water or weak ammonia. The piece of metal thus covered is exposed to heat, and then quenched in water.
By this method, its color is further improved and brought nearer to that of gold, probably by removing any particles of copper that may have been on the gilt surface. This process, when skillfully carried out, produces gilding of great solidity and beauty, but owing to the exposure of the workmen to mercurial fumes, it is very unhealthy. There is also much loss of mercury to the atmosphere, which brings extremely serious environmental concerns as well.
This method of gilding metallic objects was formerly widespread but fell into disuse as the dangers of mercury toxicity became known. Since fire-gilding requires that the mercury be volatilized to drive off the mercury and leave the gold behind on the surface, it is extremely dangerous. Breathing the fumes generated by this process can quickly result in serious health problems, such as neurological damage and endocrine disorders since inhalation is a very efficient route for mercuric compounds to enter the body. This process has generally been supplanted by the electroplating of gold over a nickel substrate, which is more economical and less dangerous
Fire Gold Plating In Nepal
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Gold Painted Face
The face of Vajradhara is painted with gold to enhance its significant features, particularly the eyes, and lips. This detailed painting is essential as it brings forth the crucial attributes of the expression of eyes and lips that metal carving alone cannot capture.
Moreover, the painted face serves as a symbolic and sacred ritual in Buddhism, preparing the statue for consecration and practice. The act of painting the face with gold in Buddhism holds deep meaning. It represents the intention to bring life and expression to the statue, imbuing it with a sense of vitality and presence. The application of gold on the face showcases the devotion and craftsmanship of the artisans, ensuring that every detail is carefully attended to honor the sacred essence of the Vajradhara.
Protecting the Face In the process of painting the face, a special variation of gold is utilized. This variation is transformed into a powder form that can be applied as paint. The gold used is believed to be 100% pure, enhancing the reverence and spiritual significance associated with this practice.
As the face is painted it is highly recommended that the face of the statue is to be greatly taken care of as it requires a very professional and skilled face artist to repair the face of dirt and damages. Commonly to protect it from damage, the statue with painted face is placed under a glass box and it is always covered with a cotton face mask if it has to be moved
Video of Face Painting
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Lost-Wax System
This Vajradhara of Vajradhara is made by the process of the Lost Wax system. This is a very complicated, time consuming and historic process of making metal sculptures.Which is why it is sometimes called Precision Casting as well. Hence the sculptures made by this process are comparatively expensive. There are many new, advanced and less time consuming methods of casting metal sculptures available as well. But due to the benefits provided by the traditional lost wax system in quality control and customization, we prefer the Loss wax system over Ceramic molding, or sand casting to make our Vajradhara.
Below we have tried to illustrate the process of making a loss wax system statue:
The method of metal casting in which a molten metal is poured into a mold that has been created by means of a wax model. Once the mold is made, the wax model is melted and drained away. Bronze statues come to life differently than marble statues. Instead of carving a block or marble, the bronze artist uses the lost-wax technique to make a series of molds, and then pours melted bronze into the final mold to create the sculpture. This method has been around since 4500 BCE.
There are few important steps in lost wax casting process :
Step 1: Sculpting ( It all starts in the studio with an idea, Then figuring out how to realize the vision in clay.)
Step 2: Mold Making.
Step 3: Wax Pouring.
Step 5: Wax Spruing.
Step 6: Shell Dipping.
Step 7: Bronze Pouring.
Interestingly enough Loss wax process is also called Investment casting because after layers have been formed and dried, the wax is melted out of the ceramic tree by using steam (120°C) in an autoclave. This is why it is called "lost wax casting". The majority of the molten wax which can then be regenerated and is reusable.
Before Making statue :At work room making the wax models.
Softening a piece of wax over a brazier.
Relaxing after softening the wax The working environment with works in progress.
Working the face of an Ekajata wax model.
Working the face of wax model.Using a modeling tool to form the face of Ekajata.
Deatail of wax model
The design for Ekajata compared to the Tibetan book on which it was based.Statues Maker Are master in buddhism .
Detail of A partially finished Candamaharoshana (Acala) wax figure made in the Tibetan style.
A finished wax image of Mahakala.
Anthor Finished Wax Model of Shakyamuni Buddha
One of the modelers working in the room shows the Pehar image on which he is working.
The artist showed how the goat , which had been completed earlier, fits under the image. ,
Tej Jyoti Shakya and his wife, Nani Maya Shakya Covering the wax model in a mixture of clay and dung
Pressing the mixture of clay and dung around the wax image.
The board with the clay and dung mixture ready for use.
Model Pieces drying after the initial (dipped) thin layer of fine clay.
Clay-covered model pieces drying in the sun.
Molds waiting to be put into the burnout furnace
The same molds, seen in the previous image, in the burnout furnace
The double row of refractory bricks used to support the heated molds during casting.
The melting furnace and a pile of coke used for melting the metals. Laying the bed of coke in the melting furnace.
The first ignition of the coke.
Checking the coke bed.
The electric blower used to force air into the melting furnace
Beginning to fill the crucibles with scrap copper.
Preparing the bed of burning coke to receive the crucibles
Sorting various metals used in the alloys.
Weighing precious metals that are used in the alloys
Weighing copper from Singapore to achieve a correct alloy.
Different sizes of crucibles and various types of metals to be cast in this melt.
Placing the crucibles in the bed of coke filled with metal are in place.
After the crucibles are in place, more coke is piled around them.
The crucibles are covered with scrap metal to hold in the heat.
The electric fan is then connected.Soon a very hot flame is produced.
The entire furnace temperature goes up to about 1800 -1900 degrees.
Setting up molds in between the refractory bricks to receive the molten metal. Handling the molds with asbestos gloves and bracing them with fragments of bricks.
Pouring the molten metal into the base of a mold
Another view of the artists pouring the molten metal.Detailed view showing the molten metal being poured into the sprues.
Preparing to lift and pour molten metal from one of the larger crucibles.
Cooling a mold containing the recently poured metal.
Beginning to break away the clay mold from the metal casting. The mold breaks away revealing the metal image inside
The first metal image from the day's work.
Examining the image for flaws
Two auras (prabhamandalas), one that cast perfectly and one (in front) that only partially filled.
Opening more molds
Researchers mark specific metal images for future identification.
Cleaning the details of the image with a metal tool.
Sawing off the sprues from Aura image. The sprue metal will be reused in future castings.
Two auras that worked perfectly. The one on the right has been cut off of the sprues, while the one on the left still has the sprues attached.
The finishing specialist begins the finishing process with a set of tools, including a small hammer. to give more detail
The entire surface of the image will be gently hammered to a final, almost polished finish.
The finisher's tools and the work in progress
Finishing work on an image of the Buddha.
Hammering the chest of an image that is being held against the work block
A Buddha image hammered and chased to the final, detailed finish.
Cleaning in a very mild acid bath. The image and prabhamandala are placed in a final acidic bath to make sure the surface is absolutely clean.
Drying the image with a blow torch.
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Brief Introduction :
This image represents the understanding & application of internal & external tantric energy, by skilfully influencing & directing energies arising from everyday experiences [Skt. dharmas]. Vajradhara expresses not just the awoken mind but the direction of understanding which develops into a transcendent experience of the Dharmakaya. This is symbolised by the lightening [Skt. vajra] headed bell [Skt. ghanta] which represents the feminine creative wisdom and the double ended lightening sceptre representing 'energy', method & the masculine. Vajradhara personifies the ways [bell] & means [lightening sceptre] to objectively transform experience beyond everyday conception of space & time.
Dharmakaya is often taken to mean the 'truth body' & is one of the three Forms of or realms of understanding [Skt. Trikaya]. The Principle of Non-Duality i.e. the 'union of two' is represented in the Bell [Skt. Ghanta] & the Lightning sceptre [Skt. Vajra]. The bell embodies female wisdom & the Diamond Sceptre being compassion or method. The truth body of Vajradhara and Vajrayana tools will empower your journey in all places. This involves unlocking the mysteries or obscuration's of the material & inner world through methods of tantric practice & understanding. In fact Vajradhara represents latent power of transformation using tantric through wisdom to allow us to uncover Great Bliss. Vajradhara the realised way of method. Since Vajradhara personifies the essence of non dualitic union the figure represents a mastery of the symbols portrayed in other tantric deities & having understood their meaning does not need to bear them.
Iconography :
The name Vajradhara means the bearer of the lightning sceptre. The inherent tradition of lightning representing transformation & energy originates 2,500 c. BCE. The term Vajra is a typical Sanskrit word being a composite of va- meaning to bear or carry, ja or ja whose syllable denotes the energy & ra meaning to rise, overcome or power. The vajra sceptre is a special object embodies the principle of change. Conjoined prongs at each end denote lightning bolts and their being conjoined denotes latent self reacting energy. In effect as important to Buddhism as the Cross to Christianity. The Vajra [Tib. Dorje] has four prongs enclosing a fifth central prong making five in total and at both end. The tridents is another representation of the lightening more associated with Hinduism. Varjadhara's arms are crossed in a gesture of Victory over the Three Worlds [Skt. Triolyavijaya mudra also called Skt. Vajrahumkara],with reference to the syllable 'Hum', & is seated in the lotus seat [Skt. Padmasana] The lotus seat & the crossed arms mudra are together called the Skt. Vajrasana or Position of transcendent change. The white sash draped across Vajradharas chest represents the purity and essence of the varjayana school of Buddhism. In fact Mahayana & Hinayana both arise from the ancient Vajrayana tradition of personal transformation.
Commentary :
Vajradhara is one of two primeval [Skt. Adi] Buddhas associated with the Trikaya Doctrine. The Sanskrit stem Tri means three & the word Kaya means body in the sense of form. Samantabhadra & Vajradhara, Bodhisattvas & mankind all exist within the primary dimension called Nirmanakaya because have been conceived by the human mind and so in part manifests within time and space. Vajradhara also exists in a second dimension of emptiness realised through the understanding of the emptiness of all phenomena called Dharmakaya. Dharmakaya [Skt.] means Truth Body or Reality Body. Dharmas are phenomena in this universe such as candles, televisions, planets, cows and significantly the laws governing them. The principle of Dharmakaya is that there is no individuality at all as nothing exists on its own and all is transient. The idea is that in fact they are temporary arrangements of emptiness. Thus Dharmakaya is ultimate truth of the unreal nature of all things and that truth is in fact nothing of emptiness. The concept of emptiness helps us break our attachment or dependency on the physical world and free ourselves from cyclical existence.
Dharmakaya represents the inconceivable [Skt. Acintya] aspect of a Buddha out of which Buddhas and indeed all phenomena [Skt. Dharmas] arise and to which they return after their dissolution. The principle of Dharmakaya helps us free ourselves from material bondage & dependency on the material world to take us towards Individual & Universal Bliss which is the union of Great Love and great Freedom. The Five Transcendent Buddhas [Skt. Dhyani Buddhas] arose from the Vajradhara, Adi Buddha,& Samantabhadra. As we detach ourselves we are able to create the Sambhogakaya state of Great Bliss. Some Vajrayana sutras refer to a fourth kaya dimension called Svabhavikiakaya [Skt.] meaning the self created body in the sense of self arising and self perpetuating essence embodying the three other kaya's. This alludes to the self arising self emanating and self perpetuating Thousand Petalled Lotus of Great Bliss.
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