Mandkesvara

11 x 17 Signed and Numbered.

The Mandkesvara represents the primordial union of wisdom and compassion, depicted as a male (compassion(karuṇā)) in union with female (insight & wisdom" (prajñā) through coalescence or interpenetration. The symbolism is associated with Anuttarayoga Tantra and while there are various interpretations of the symbolism stays consistent.

The symbolism of union and sexual polarity (sadhana) is part of the completion stage and is a central teaching in Tantric Buddhism. The sacred Tantric practice leads to rapid development of mind by using the experience of bliss, non-duality, and ecstasy while in communion with one's consort, either visualized, or in the case of advanced practitioners, physical. The very advanced nature of the actual practice with consort is exceptionally challenging, The union is realized by the united practitioners as a mystical experience within one's own body, two as one.