Q: It seems that Vajrasattva and Vajradhara, be it single or yab-yum, are in the same posture and have the same implements. The only difference is their color: Vajrasattva is white and Vajradhara blue. In line drawings they look the same.

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A: Not quite. Apart from the color both figures can be distinguished by how they hold vajra and bell. Vajradhara holds them with his hands crossed and turned inwards, whereas Vajrasattva shows the vajra. It is best seen in direct comparison.

Q: What are Pledge-, Wisdom-, and Concentration-Beings?

A:There are only three:

(1) the commitment/pledge or symbolic being (Skt: samayasattva, Tib: dam tshig sems dpa') which is the deity visualized by/as oneself;

(2) the wisdom being (Skt: jnanasattva; Tib: ye shes sems dpa') which is the real deity abiding in dharmadhatu;

(3) the concentration being (Skt: samadhisattva; Tib: ting 'dzin sems dpa') which is what is within the heart of the deity, usually in the form of a seed syllable in one's heart.

The commitment being is analogous to the coarse body. The wisdom being is analogous to the subtle (primordial) body (phra-ba gzhug-ma’i lus). The concentration being is analogous to the most subtle mind.

Q: Does the Single Yamantaka belong to the Father Tantra, and the 13 Deity Yamantaka to both, Father and Mother Tantra? What are the main difference in the nature, structure, path and results between these two practices ?