Yab-yum is a common symbol in the Tibetan Buddhist art of India, Nepal, Bhutan, and Tibet. It represents the prim-ordial union of wisdom and compassion, depicted as a male deity in union with his female consort through the similar ideas of interpenetration. The male figure represents  com-passion and skillful means and the female partner represents insight.

     The symbolism of union and sexual polarity is a central teaching in Tantra, especially in Tibet. The union is realized by the practitioner as a mystical experience within one's own body. As a tantric practice, Yab-yum involves a physical partner.  However,  the aim of the practice is to control breathng. In yab-yum the female is seated on the male’s lap.

     There is a rare representation of a similar figure but reversed, with the male sitting on the female’s lap, called yum-yab