Shakti Yab-yum is a common symbol in Nepalese and Tibetan art. It represents the primordial union of wisdom and compassion, depicted as a male deity in union with his female consort via the similar concept of interpenetration or "coalescence," as illustrated by the concept of Indra's net. The male figure represents compassion and dexterity, while the female figure represents insight. The female is seated on the male's lap in yab-yum. A rare rendition of a similar figure, but reversed, with the male sitting on the female's lap, is known as yum-yab.

Yab-yum is widely regarded as representing the primordial union of wisdom and compassion. The masculine form is active in Buddhism, representing the compassion and skillful means that must be developed in order to achieve enlightenment. The feminine form is passive and represents wisdom, both of which are required for enlightenment. The figures, when joined, represent the union required to remove the veils of Maya, the false duality of object and subject.

These figures are frequently worked into statues or reliefs, or they are painted on thangkas. Yab-yum can also be represented by the aniconic symbols yantra and mandala.

In Tibetan Buddhism

In Tibetan Buddhism, the same ideas are to be found concerning the bell and the dorje, which, like the yab-yum, symbolize the dualism that must be transcended. The sacred Tantric practice leads to rapid development of mind by using the experience of bliss, non-duality, and ecstasy while in communion with one's consort, either visualized, or in the case of advanced practitioners, in some cases physical. In one important Anuttarayoga text, where Tilopa expounds the meaning to Naropa, it is said:

When you rely on a consort, the wisdom of empty bliss will arise, so enter into union—the blessing of method and wisdom. Bring it down slowly, retain it, reverse it, and draw it back up. Bring it to the places in the body and let it spread throughout. When you remain free of desire, the wisdom of empty bliss will appear.

Indicating the advanced nature of the actual practice with consort, the verses are the last in what is already widely considered as a text for the most advanced practitioners, a fact clearly evident in the story about Naropa's receiving the teaching.

Hindiusm

In Hinduism the yab-yum has a slightly different meaning. There, the embraced posture represents the divine strength of creation. The Hindu concept is of a passive masculine deity embracing his spouse, called shakti, which represents his activity or power. The yab-yum of Chakrasamvara-Vajravarahi is directly influenced from the Hinduist depiction of Kali and Bhairava in union.

Sadhan

The symbolism of union and sexual polarity is a central teaching in Tantric Buddhism, especially in Tibet. The union is realised by the practitioner as a mystical experience within one's own body.

As a tantric practice, Yab-yum is akin to the Karmamudr? or "actionseal". This is the tantric yoga involving a physical partner. However, the aim of the practice is to control one's winds. This sadhana is part of the completion stage.