049
The Heruka Buddha, Hevajra ("Adamantine [exclamation] HE!" ) with
the Troupe of Dakinis
Thangka, painting
Cotton support with opaque mineral pigments in waterbased (collagen) binder
25.5 x 33.75 inches Central Tibet
Ca. 18th century
Indeterminate style
The underlying methodology of the Hevajra teaching is the overcoming of
ego and the attainment of non-self (nairatma) that leads to enlightenment.
In the center of this painting, the Heruka Buddha, Hevajra, dances, embracing
his prajna, Nairatma ("Non-self"). In his eight right hands he
holds skull cups containing animals, while in his eight left hands he holds
skull cups containing humans. Each of these cups is a specific offering
made to Hevajra by the meditator as Nairatma. Eight dakinis, who are emanations
of Nairatma, occur below the central paired-deity. Above the pair, teachers
and deities of the Nyingma tradition emerge from the radiating "liquid"
rainbows of light.
Sonal Patel
Museum #: 92.051
Huntington Archive Image Scan #: T1037