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