Vajrapani
Newari Paubha Painting 
Handmade mineral pigments on canvas
 
Artist: Sudharshan Suwal 
 
Vajrapani is the protector of Shakyamuni Buddha and symbolises the very power of enlightened mind. Vajra translates as indestructible diamond, and Pani means hand and together,  indestructible hand. It is the insight into truth that makes Vajrapani indestructible. Our own will-power, the Vajrapani’s power within us, allows us to remove the obstacles to wisdom and compassion. The protective power of Vajrapani helps beings overcome obstacles to progress on the path to liberation, overcoming all obstacles and defeating pride, anger, hate and jealousy, known as poisons in Buddhism.
 
The sense of overwhelming power defines the wrathful forms of Vajrapani, standing in an ocean of flames, hair standing on end, face transformed by wild fury. This ferocious style of meditation is aimed at transforming anger, hate and strong emotions into enlightened characteristics. In peaceful form, Vajrapani is a noble warrior, ready to be our hand of protection and strength. In his wrathful form, no obstacle can stand. 
 
Vajrapani is universal to nearly all Buddhist traditions. Vajrapani practices can be found in the Pali Canon, Theravada, the Shaolin tradition, in Tibetan Buddhism and in Pure Land Buddhism in China:
 In the Pali Canon he is the protector of the Buddha. 
In Mahayana Buddhism, Vajrapani is one of the three bodhisattvas manifesting one of the Buddha's virtues: Manjushri manifests the Buddha’s wisdom, Avalokiteśvara manifests the Buddha’s immense compassion, and Vajrapāni protects Buddha and manifests all the Buddha’s power 
In Vajrayana Buddhism in Tibet and Nepal, Vajrapani is In Tibetan Buddhism, Vajrapani is synonymous with power. He can be a Buddha, a bodhisattva and a protector all at the same time. Vajrapani belongs to the Vajra Family of Akshobhya Buddha, and is often called Guhyapati or Lord of Secrets. The secret element is more about looking inward and the esoteric methods of understanding the true nature of reality or insight into truth than the idea of keeping esoteric secrets. 
In Cambodia: he is one of the three main deities of three monasteries (dating to 953 AD) who honour Buddha, Prajnaparamita, and Vajrapani.
In India: in the early period, Vajrapnai was mostly a protector of Shakyamuni, not yet thought of as a Bodhisattva, but already the Hand of the Buddha.
In Japan, He is known as Shukongoshin (the “head vajra-wielding god”).
In Gandhara (Central Asia), he is fused somewhat with Herakles (Roman Hercules) due to Greek influence after Alexander the Great’s invasion. He is associated also with Indra (and Zeus by the Greeks.)
 
Vajrapani mantra in Sanskrit:
Om Vajrapani Hum