Akshobhya, one of the
Dhyani Buddhas, symbolises the 'Immovable' or 'Unshakable.' Akshobhya is credited with a mirror-like wisdom that reflects all things calmly and uncritically and reveals their true nature. Meditating on Akshobhya is an effective antidote to the corrupting poisons of hatred and anger.
In the mandala of the Five Dhyani Buddhas, Akshobhya is usually positioned in the east (which is at the bottom) but he is sometimes placed in the center. His color is blue. Master of the element of water, Akshobhya personifies the skandha of form. In some systems, he is associated with the skandha of consciousness. His animal is the elephant, the symbol of constancy and strength. His symbol is the vajra, also called the thunderbolt or diamond scepter, symbolising enlightenment, pure consciousness, or the essence of Absolute Reality. Some Buddhist traditions hold that the vajra signifies the union of man and the Buddha.
Akshobhya's mudra is the bhumisparsha mudra, or the earth-touching gesture. This is the mudra Gautama Buddha used to summon the earth as witness to his right to attain enlightenment, when he was challenged by the Evil One, Mara. Akshobhya's bija is Hum and his mantra is 'Om Akshobhya Hum'.
