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Original fileAkshobhya Buddha
Akshobhya detail, 'The Dhyani Buddha Akshobhya', Tibetan thangka, late 13th century, Honolulu Academy of Arts (cropped)
About This Work
Akshobhya is represented with dark blue skin, seated in the full lotus position upon a lotus throne. He wears a golden five-leaf crown, elaborate jewelry, and necklaces. His right hand rests on his right knee with fingers pointing toward the earth, while his left hand rests in his lap in a meditative position. The background is a vibrant, saturated red, framed by an architectural throne structure that includes stylized decorative motifs and animal figures.
Akshobhya is one of the Five Wisdom Buddhas in Vajrayana Buddhism, representing the transmutation of anger into mirror-like wisdom. This iconography is central to the practice of the mandala and the philosophical teachings found in the Guhyasamaja Tantra.