Description

Vajrasattva (The Adamantine Being)
Vajrasattva (Sanskrit: Vajrasattva or Vajrasattva Mahāsattva), transliterated as Wazhila Satwa Mahasatwa, is venerated in Vajrayana Buddhism through epithets such as Holder of the Vajra, Thunderbolt Bearer, Vajrapāṇi (金刚手, “Vajra-in-Hand”), Lord of Secrets (金刚手秘密主), Vajrasattva Bodhisattva, and Great Vajra Bodhisattva Mahāsattva (金刚手萨埵摩诃萨埵).
The term sattva (萨埵) carries dual meanings:
“Sentience” (有情之义), denoting compassionate engagement with all beings.
“Heroic Resolve” (勇猛之义), symbolizing unwavering courage on the path to enlightenment.
Together, these qualities define Vajrasattva as the “Heroic Great Being” (勇猛之大士), embodying the fusion of wisdom and indomitable action.
Sacred Roles in Esoteric Buddhism:
Purifier of Karma: Central to practices like the *100-Syllable Mantra* for cleansing obscurations.
Primordial Purity: Represents the innate clarity of mind in highest yoga tantra traditions.
Guardian of Tantric Teachings: Wields the vajra (symbolizing method) and bell (symbolizing wisdom), unifying skillful means and insight.