The Iconography of Nepalese Buddhism

tra is very efficacious in purifying our defilements through
confession practice. It is said if confession is done with the
four opponent powers, then non-virtuous actions or obscurations
will be purified. e first opponent power is the force
of reliance. is means looking upon the visualized image of
Vajrasattva as the embodiment of one’s refuge. e second opponent
power is the sincere regret for the non-virtuous action
done by oneself. e third opponent power is desisting from
evil deeds. e fourth opponent power is to apply power of
good deeds; and specially regarding this case, practicing the
meditation and recitation of Vajrasattva without parting from
Bodhicitta while remaining in the state of emptiness. Vajrasattva
is a very popular tutelary deity for Nepalese Vajracaryas.
He is worshipped very often by Nepalese Buddhists through
Gurumandala ritual.
3.3 Vairocana Buddha
He is one of the five Tathagatas symbolizing all pervasive wisdom
(skt. uvisuddha dharma dhatu jnana) i.e. knowledge
free from all kinds of obscuration. He is placed generally in
the sanctum of the stupa. Sometimes he is placed between
Akshobhya and Ratna Sambhava in the stupa. He resides always
in the Akanistha heaven.
He is white in color and his hands are held against his
chest with the tips of thumb and forefinger of each hand
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