Raktayamari and Vajravetali, early 14th century. Creator: Unknown

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Raktayamari and Vajravetali, early 14th century. Creator: Unknown

Raktayamari and Vajravetali, early 14th century. The Buddhist deity Raktayamari embraces his female partner, Vajravetali, their union symbolizing the bliss of enlightenment. As the red ("rakta") enemy ("ari") of Yama, the god of death, Raktayamari conquers death itself. By defeating death, he also ends the cycle of rebirth and the suffering it causes. With Vajravetali, he tramples the buffalo of Yama, along with figures associated with the attachments that trap us in a state of ordinary existence. By meditating on Raktayamari, and by identifying with him as he destroys these obstacles, the Buddhist practitioner comes closer to spiritual liberation

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Conquering Dharmapala Embrace Embracing Enlightenment Liberated Liberation Orange Orange Colour Rebirth Tantric Buddhism Tempera On Cloth Tibet Tibetan Tibetan Buddhism Trampled Trampling Walters Art Museum Wrath Wrathful Yama Yamer

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This stunning 14th century temple painting depicts the powerful union of the Buddhist deities Raktayamari and Vajravetali. Raktayamari, the red conqueror of death, is shown embracing Vajravetali, symbolizing the bliss of enlightenment. As the enemy of Yama, the god of death, Raktayamari's defeat of death ends the cycle of rebirth and the suffering it brings. Together, they trample the buffalo of Yama and figures representing attachments that keep us in a state of ordinary existence. Raktayamari, also known as Amaravajra or Avalokitesvara, is a dharmapala or protector deity in Tantric Buddhism. His red color symbolizes the destruction of ignorance and desire. Vajravetali, or Vajra Yogini, is a wrathful manifestation of the goddess Tara. The orange and grey tones of their bodies are contrasted against the gold and tempera background, creating a striking visual effect. This painting is believed to have originated in Tibet or the Tibetan cultural sphere and is an important example of the rich artistic heritage of Asian Buddhism. The image of Raktayamari and Vajravetali is a powerful reminder of the potential for spiritual liberation through the defeat of death and the destruction of attachments. The exact origin of this painting is unknown, but it is now housed in the Walters Art Museum in Baltimore, Maryland, where it continues to inspire and captivate visitors from around the world.

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