Two quite different figures share the name Samantabhadra, "universally good". Thangkas of each are easy to tell apart once you know what to look for.
Samantabhadra, the primordial Buddha
In the Nyingma tradition (Tibetan Kuntuzangpo), Samantabhadra is the primordial Buddha: the pure nature of the mind, before and beyond any teaching. He is the figure on our site called "Buddha Shakti aka Samantabhadra".
- Dark blue, the colour of the sky, seated in meditation, his hands resting in his lap.
- Naked, without crown or jewels: nothing is added to the nature of mind.
- Often in union with his white consort, Samantabhadri (Kuntuzangmo), the union of awareness and emptiness.
Samantabhadra, the bodhisattva
In Mahayana Buddhism, Samantabhadra is also the bodhisattva of practice and great vows (Chinese Puxian Pusa). His ten great vows, from the Avatamsaka Sutra, are recited across East Asia, and Mount Emei in China is his sacred mountain.
- Seated on a white elephant, often with six tusks: the strength of steady practice.
- The silks, jewels and crown of a bodhisattva, often holding a lotus or a wish-fulfilling jewel.
- Often paired with Manjushri, who rides a lion, on either side of Shakyamuni Buddha.
In a painting
For the primordial Buddha, look for an even, deep blue and a calm, centred figure. For the bodhisattva, look for a well-drawn elephant and fine detail in the jewellery and silks.
