Padmasambhava, often depicted with a luminous complexion that appears white yet resonates with a warm, reddish glow, carries an expression that embodies both serenity and a hint of wrathfulness. His peaceful smile contrasts with the wild intensity of his gaze, which appears to penetrate the hearts of those he seeks to guide and tame. 

Padmasambhava is frequently depicted wearing a lotus crown adorned with reflective mirrors, and a variety of dazzling jewels, multicolored feathers, commonly identified as peacock feathers, symbolizing transmutation of poison into wisdom. However, in certain Nyingma oral traditions, these are described as vulture feathers, emphasizing high vision and evoking the sky-like awareness of the Great Perfection

This crown, a symbol of enlightenment, is enhanced by silk streamers that cascade down, signifying the peak of all philosophical views. Below the crown, a delicate tiara of colorful ribbons gracefully trails. 

His attire consists of a beautifully tailored gown adorned with blue sequins that shimmer like starlight. Over this gown, he drapes three Dharma robes, each symbolizing the complete spectrum of the Buddha’s teachings: Śrāvakayāna, representing personal liberation through discipline; Mahāyāna, emphasizing universal compassion and the bodhisattva ideal; and Vajrayāna, embodying the esoteric path of direct transformation through tantric methods.   

 His attire is further complemented by a unique monk's skirt that adds to his dignified presence. Completing this ensemble is a striking maroon brocade cloak, cinched at the waist by a tantrika's belt—an ornate sash (A piece of cloth designed to be worn around the (waist) that serves not just as a garment but as a symbol of his spiritual authority as a fully realized tantric master.  

Padmasambhava is depicted sitting in a “playful, royal pose,” which suggests a casual yet commanding presence. One leg is outstretched, reminiscent of the regal postures of historical kings, embodying both nobility and ease.    

He leans slightly to the right, evoking a relaxed yet poised presence. His right-hand rests upon his knee, gripping a Vajra — a potent symbol of indestructible awareness and enlightened compassion. In his left hand, cradled gently, is a skull cup (kapāla)—a vessel made from a human skull, symbolizing the transmutation of ego and impermanence into the nectar of wisdom. Within the cup sits a vase of longevity (bumpa), overflowing with the ambrosial nectar of immortality, representing the boundless blessings of awakened realization. 

Within the crook of his arm rests a khatvanga—a ritual staff that signifies both his union with the consort (often visualized as Mandaravā or Yeshe Tsogyal, depending on the context), representing wisdom, and his complete realization of tantric teachings. The staff is crowned with three severed heads: one fresh, one decaying, and one skeletal—together representing the transformation of the three poisons into enlightened awareness. These heads also symbolize the three bodies (kāyas) of a fully awakened being: the dharmakāya, the formless truth body; the sambhogakāya, the radiant enjoyment body; and the nirmāṇakāya, the manifest form appearing in the world to benefit beings. The khatvanga thus reflects both Padmasambhava’s tantric attainments and his role as an embodiment of awakened activity.  

Every element surrounding Padmasambhava—his garland of symbols, the vivid silk streamers that dance in the air, and the rhythmic sounds of damaru and bells—reflects the depth of spiritual significance and the profound teachings he embodies. Each detail, carefully chosen, tells a story of transformation, illumination, and the path to enlightenment.   

His right-hand rests upon his knee, gripping a Vajra — a potent symbol of indestructible awareness and enlightened compassion.  

In his left hand, cradled gently, is a skull cup (kapāla)—a vessel made from a human skull, symbolizing the transmutation of ego and impermanence into the nectar of wisdom. Within the cup sits a vase of longevity (bumpa), overflowing with the ambrosial nectar of immortality, representing the boundless blessings of awakened realization.