Shiva and Parvati in Yab-Yum amulet

Beautiful, heavy bronze amulets depicting Shiva and Parvati in yab-yum position.

The yab-yum position is a well-known image in the iconography of (especially tantric) Buddhism and Hinduism, and often misinterpreted as a depiction of a mere sexual union. But the symbolism is in fact much more layered and complex.

In short, the yab-yum position shows the ultimate union of the masculin and feminine divine principle. In Tibetan Buddhism, the two figures in this position can be identified as Samantabhadra and Samantabhadri. Samantabhadra is seen as a representation of the Primordial Buddha (Adi-Buddha); he embodies the 'timeless awareness' (jñāna; gnosis) and thus can not be quantified with terms of origin, time, place or essence. He is the ultimate reality. Sitting on his lap is Samantabhadri, his partner and female counterpart, the representation of the Primordial Mother-Buddha. 

In the Tibetan buddhist iconography they are mostly depicted naked; which has not so much to do with an erotic entanglement, but symbolizes being free from all kinds of distortions and blockages. They are completely pure, showing only their naked spiritual essence.

The yab-yum position thus shows the ultimate union of the primordial male and female principles, in which it is clear that duality is but a mere concoction of our human ignorance.

The exact position in which they are sitting, with the female on the lap of the male, front-sides  of the bodies facing each other, can further be explained by the fact that in this position all chakra's touch each other. With the heart chakra of course being the most important here; there is complete heart-to-heart contact. And having the faces so close together makes for the complete awareness of each other's breath, melting together in the pure prana-energy.

Over time, more and more cross-overs and mixed forms developed between Tibetan Buddhist culture and their neigboring Hinduist regions. Something that can also be seen in the iconography of their spiritual traditions. This shows also on these amulets.

In early Hinduism the ultimate union between Shiva and Parvati (in their role as the primordial divine masculine and feminine) was often represented by more archaic and simple depictions formed by yoni and lingam objects. But on these amulets their union can be seen in the very detailed, heavily Buddhist-influenced yab-yum representation.

These beautiful amulets are hand-hammered into a concave shape with a weight varying between 180-230 grams per piece. Diameter of each amulet is approximately 9 centimeters (measured without the eyelet).

These amulets are from vintage origin and therefore might show some signs of their age and previous usage, but overall they are in very good condition.

There are multiple ones available, with different colored cords (which of course can be removed to hang them on your own cord or necklace). Via the selection-menu you can choose your favorite cord-color. From there, we will handpick the exact one for you at random.

Sold per piece.