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Vajrasattva is depicted sitting on an eight-petalled lotus of purest white in full vajra posture. His body is brilliantly white and radiant like a snow mountain shined upon by a thousand suns. He is typically depicted holding a Vajra in his right hand at heart level, and a bell in his left hand, resting upon his left thigh. He is also sometimes visualized with a consort.

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Lord Buddha Shakyamuni taught innumerable methods of purification, but meditation and recitation on Vajrasattva, is said to be the most profound among all. Practiced correctly, in concordance with the four opponent powers, the great blessing power of Vajrasattva is able to purify all negativities, repair the broken samayas (commitments) and cleanse even the subtlest obscurations of the body, speech and mind. The four opponent powers are:

1. Regret 

2. Taking refuge in the Three Jewels and generating bodhicitta

3. Applying the antidotes (such as purification practice of Vajrasattva)

4. Promise not to repeat the action

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