‧Written by Sheng-yen Lu‧
In Mahamudra, we must first learn the seven-point meditation posture, which is also known as the seven-point posture of Vairocana. This meditation posture is intended to balance the mind and body through the seated posture. In India, the sitting meditation pos- ture is called the full-lotus position, and we know it as the crossed- legged position. As it is often seen in Buddhist statues, the legs are depicted in the vajra posture, with both legs crossed and the soles facing upwards. This is why it is called the vajra position.
By sitting in the full-lotus position, the body and mind are completely balanced, discursive thoughts are removed, and blood circulation is improved. The body is able to remain soft, yet it is also able to endure discomfort. Moreover, through the seven-point meditation posture, one can obtain the primordial wisdom, achieve meditational stability, and directly attain buddhahood.
Why is it called the seven-point posture of Vairocana? It is because Vairocana Buddha, the Great Sun Tathagata, is the central Buddha of the Five Dhyani Buddhas and the principal deity of Esoteric Buddhism. Being the main deity in both the Vajradhatu Mandala and Garbhadhatu Mandala, his status and position symbolize universal luminosity.
Forming the Wisdom-Fist Mudra [Bodhyagri Mudra], Vairocana presides over the Vajradhatu or Diamond Mandala as the “Vairocana Wisdom Dharmakaya.” In the Garbhadhatu or Womb Mandala, he displays the Dharmadhatu Mudra and is called “Vairocana of Reasons Dharmakaya.”
According to the Buddhist scriptures, the image of Vairocana is described as follows:
The golden-colored Vairocana is enthroned on an eight- petaled lotus. Appearing as a bodhisattva, he is seated cross- legged on a jeweled lotus. He wears a five-buddha crown dec- orated with white sashes. Behind him, there is a five-colored halo with a round aura on top. He emanates rays of magnifi- cent and vibrant lights from his entire body, and he has dark maroon hair that falls to his shoulders. Vairocana is adorned with glittering earrings and attired with tiers of precious jew- els, blue pearls, and ornaments that fall down to his knees. He wears jade or pearl armlets on his arms, and golden bracelets on his wrists. Vairocana’s hands are crossed with the palms facing upwards.
(to be continued)
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