The Shaktis (or saktis) are the female consorts or companions of the Dhyani or Celestial Buddhas. They are usually associated with a Dhyani Buddhas' manifesting power, and permit the normally quiescent or unmanifest power of the Buddha to take on form and substance. The Shaktis are many times pictured together with the Buddha in yabyum position - a form of sexual embrace. Symbolically, the Buddha is sometimes said to represent compassion and his Shakti to represent wisdom. Thus, the Celestial Buddha and his Shakti together represent the eternal union of wisdom and compassion.