Vajrapani

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In Vajrayana Buddhism there are three main Bodhisattvas which represent the essential characteristics of all the Buddhas: Manjushri associated with wisdom, Avalokiteshvara with compassion and Vajrapani with power.

The name Vajrapani means the holder of the Vajra representing the power aspect of complete enlightenment. In the Sutra tradition of Mahayana Buddhism the Bodhisattva Vajrapani is portrayed in a peaceful appearance while in the Vajrayana tradition he is described in his most characteristic wrathful form and known as Guhyapati that means 'the Lord of Secrets' because he is considered as the main recipient and protector of all the sacred Tantra texts, literature, and teachings derived directly from Buddha Shakyamuni

Because of his importance among all schools of Tibetan Buddhism it is common to see the Bodhisattva Vajrapani depicted in thangka paintings together with other deities, usually placed on the bottom right corner. Due to the importance of this Bodhisattva there are different manifestations of his wrathful form as well.
In this thangka painting Guhyapati Vajrapani appears with his blue body, one face and two hands. The right hand holds a five pointed vajra and the left hand is raised to the heart is pointing in a wrathful gesture and holding a whip.
On the bottom are depicted Avalokitesvara on the left corner and Manjushri on the right corner.

Vajrapani has the power to transform our fear and feelings of being powerless into action and strength. Because of his qualities he is considered both a meditational deity and a protector (dharmapala).

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