2024 THE EIGHT PROTECTORS SERIES - VAIROCANA 
5 oz Fine Silver Coin – Republique du Tchad 2024 – 25000 Francs CFA
 
It is a fundamental belief in Buddhism that every person is born under the blessing and protection of a certain Bodhisattva or Buddha. The Eight Protectors are each associated with a specific Zodiac animal and bless all who are born in the year of that particular Zodiac. They are also perceived as guardians of the cardinal and semi-cardinal directions. This connection between the twelve zodiac signs and the Eight Protectors is thought to be in alignment to Taoist influence and Chinese cosmology, whereby pious worshipping of the Protectors is believed to bless one with a peaceful life by elimination of calamities.
 
The Vairocana, the embodiment of ultimate reality and source of all things, is a central figure in Mahayana Buddhism. His depiction in mandalas and ritual diagrams, holding a sun and moon disc, symbolizes the illumination of all things.  His teachings and practices, particularly in the Tiantai, Shingon, and Kegon schools, are followed by many Buddhists worldwide as a guide to attain enlightenment. Experience the power of Vairocana’s teaching and attain ultimate enlightenment with his guidance.
 
Inspired by Buddhist stone carvings, the collectible features Vairocana am sitting atop a lotus pedestal; On a thousand flowers surrounding. Each flower supports a hundred million world.  It also signifies the total removal of all undesirable thoughts and worldly troubles. With his wisdom, Vairocana Buddha governs three realms – wealth, success, health and relationships.  He empowers devotees to rise to the top of theirs fields, cementing their positions as movers and shakers of their respective disciplines. The buddha also symbolizes blessings in wealth and empowers those born in the Year of the Goat with success, health and wealth. On the obverse, the eight protectors and guardians of the Chinese zodiacs sit in heart-shaped Bodhi leaves surrounding the twelve zodiacs animals they protect, forming a lotus flower in full bloom. The collectible is crafted in the shape of the Taoist Bagua to attract good luck and ward off evil. In the middle lies the yin-yang symbol of harmony and balance behind the official legal tender of Tchad, the Coat of Arms du Tchad.
 
A new minting technique called “Bi-Metal Max” was applied to give this piece its remarkable weight and 120mm diameter – triple the size of the regular 2 oz collectible. This is made possible by combining 28.5 oz of Copper as a base with a top layer of 5 oz of 999 pure Silver, resulting in a super ultra-high relief topped with silver antiqued finishing. This is a limited edition of 199 pieces only. Each piece is packaged and delivered with a Certificate verifying its edition number and authenticity.