Yab-Yum

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

[4] In Buddhism the masculine form is active, representing the compassion and skillful means (upaya[5]) that have to be developed in order to reach enlightenment.

United, the figures symbolize the union necessary to overcome the veils of Maya, the false duality of object and subject.

[citation needed] These figures are frequently worked in the shape of statues[6] or reliefs, or are painted on thangkas.

[7] Yab-yum represents the practice of the karmamudrā or "action-seal", a tantric yoga involving a physical partner.