This Vajradhara thangka was designed and painted by Bill Burns during the winter of 2006. Vajradhara is the name of the primordial buddha and is associated with the state of mind that possesess fearlessness. "Vajra" suggests thunderbolt and indestructability. "Dhara" is often translated as "holder" or "possesser". This deity is visualized in the practice of Guru Yoga. Guru Yoga is an essential devotional tantric practice in which the guru is perceived as the essence of all the buddhas, the meditational deity and also the nature of one's own mind. One's root teacher is seen in the form of Vajradhara, the ultimate state of enlightenment.

Below is a closeup of the main deity.

Last updated June 14,2006