Vajrapani
Samundra Man Shrestha, 2011
Oil on canvas
84 × 112 cm

© Anjana and Purna Shakya

Vajrapani, Holder of the Vajra (in Sanskrit Vajra means thunderbolt) represents the Bodhisattva of wisdom and is Samundra’s most well-known masterpiece. As ultimate protector of the Buddha’s teachings, Vajrapani symbolises wisdom; his anger destroys all things that hinder the path to enlightenment. The sheer drama and power with which Vajrapani destroys the hindrances in the path of enlightenment radiate from the painting’s surface. The canvas takes on a new life of its own, capturing the atmosphere of intense compassion and energy. There is an expression of wrath on Vajrapani’s face, with bulging, bloodshot eyes and bared fangs, and he swiftly turns his corpulent body towards his luminous Vajra with cupped hands as if reaching out to clutch it. As wielder of the Vajra, Vajrapani also embodies the great power of Buddha’s enlightened heart-mind in an effort to convert others of different persuasions to the Buddhist path. The peaceful form of the Shakyamuni Buddha depicted in the top right, is enveloped in an aura of pure white light. The intricate brushwork and utmost attention to the surface design combine to communicate the embodied presence of Vajrapani’s passion.