Yamantaka

In Sanskrit this deity is known as Vajra-bhairava (Yamantaka) and in Tibetan as "rdo-rje- 'jigs-byed", and signifies fear of the vajra. In Tibetan Esoteric Buddhism this image signifies the wrathful aspect of the Bodhisattva Manjusri, and all Buddhist orders use it in their Anuttara-yoga (highest yoga tantra) practice. It is particularly important in the Gelugpa and Sakyapa sects, and in the Gelugpa sect the Dharma of the rdo-rje-'jigs-byed image is the highest form of Esoteric practice. The attributes of this image are extremely complex. It is made of bronze and represents the greatest technical and artistic achievement in Tibetan Esoteric sculpture.