EXHIBIT 23(a)


                        CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" and to the 
use of our report dated February 14, 1997, in Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to 
the Registration Statement (Form S-1 No. 33-62895) and the related Prospectus of
John Hancock Variable Life Insurance Company.

                                                               ERNST & YOUNG LLP

Boston, Massachusetts
March 28, 1997