Material: Sky iron. Meteorite. Alloy

Size: About 21 cm

Description:

The influence and status of Sky Iron Phurba in Tibetan Buddhism

Phurba (Tibetan: རྡོ་རྗེ་ཕུར་བ, rdor rje phur ba, transliterated as Dorje Phurba) is one of the most important instruments in Tibetan Tantric Buddhism. It symbolizes the combination of wisdom and emptiness and has a powerful power to subdue demons and eliminate obstacles. Sky Iron Phurba is particularly special because it is made of sky iron (called "thog lcags" in Tibetan, which means meteorite iron). It is believed to contain cosmic energy and sacred power. It has a high status in Tibetan Buddhism and is widely used in practice, blessing and rituals.

1. **Symbolic meaning**:

- **Wisdom and emptiness**: The "pu" (emptiness) and "ba" (wisdom) of the Phurba represent the non-duality of emptiness and wisdom, symbolizing that the practitioner can achieve inner purity and enlightenment by eliminating self-attachment, greed, hatred and ignorance.

- **Subduing demons and removing obstacles**: The Phurba is regarded as a solid and sharp instrument of wisdom, which can "nail" greed and fear, remove obstacles on the path of practice, and subdue external and internal demons

- **Phurba Vajra**: The Phurba is the representative instrument of Vajrakilaya, the wrathful form of Vajrasattva, the main deity of the five Buddhas' karma wheel, with incomparable power, which can eliminate evil spells, demons and all adverse conditions.

2. **Purpose and status**:

- **Rituals and practices**: The Phurba is often used in Tantric practices, such as the Phurba Vajra ceremony, to eliminate obstacles, purify sins and increase good roots. Practitioners carry it with them or offer it in the mandala as a symbol of the deity.

- **Blessing and protection**: The master uses the iron phurba pestle when blessing believers, and its sacred material enhances the blessing power. Believers also wear phurba pestle ornaments to pray for protection from ghosts, gods, and evil spells.

- **Culture and art**: The phurba pestle is not only a ritual instrument, but also an important element of Tibetan Buddhist art. It is often seen in thangkas, Buddha statues, and temple decorations, reflecting its religious and cultural value.

3. **Uniqueness of iron:

- Iron (meteorite iron) is believed to come from heaven and carry the sacred energy of the universe. Compared with ordinary metal phurba pestles, iron phurba pestles are more spiritual and are often associated with sacred objects related to Tangtong Gyalpo (a famous iron bridge builder in Tibetan Buddhism).

- In Tibetan Buddhism, iron products are rare and believed to have natural blessing power. They are often used to make ritual instruments, such as vajra pestles and phurba pestles, symbolizing the connection with the origin of the universe.

Origin of the myth

The myth of the vajra is closely related to the story of Vajra’s previous life. In Tibetan Buddhist legends, the appearance of Vajra is related to the subjugation of demons. The following is its main mythological background:

1. **Subjugation of Matang Rudra**:

- According to Tibetan Buddhist legends, in ancient times there was a powerful ghost god "Matang Rudra" (Matang Rudra), who had three heads and six arms, four legs and two wings. He lived in the cemetery, harming the sentient beings of the three realms and creating chaos and obstacles. Vajra (the wrathful form of Vajrasattva) appeared, with his incomparable wisdom and power, holding a three-edged sharp vajra, pierced Matang Rudra, subdued it and transformed it into a guardian deity.

- The vajra is therefore regarded as a sharp weapon for subduing demons. Its three-edged cone body symbolizes the piercing of the three poisons of greed, anger and ignorance. The combination of the handle (wisdom) and the cone body (compassion) embodies the power of Buddhism to fight against internal and external demons.

2. **The inheritance of Guru Padmasambhava**:

- The inheritance of the Phurba and the Phurba Vajra Dharma is closely related to Guru Padmasambhava in the 8th century. Guru Padmasambhava was invited by the Tibetan King Trisong Detsen to Tibet to teach secret teachings and subdue Bon gods, laying the foundation for Tibetan Tantric Buddhism. He passed down the Phurba Vajra Dharma and promoted the Phurba as a tool for practicing Dharma and subduing demons, making it an important ritual implement for sects such as the Nyingma school.

- The design inspiration of the Phurba is said to come from the pegs used by Tibetan nomads to fix their tents. Guru Padmasambhava transformed it into a ritual implement and gave it religious significance, symbolizing "pinning" ignorance and attachment.

3. **Thangtong Gyalpo and the Heavenly Iron Phurba**:

- The Heavenly Iron Phurba is often associated with Thangtong Gyalpo (14th-15th century). He was a famous yogi, engineer and bridge builder in Tibetan Buddhism. He is said to have used iron from the sky (meteorite) to make instruments, especially the Phurba, to enhance its spiritual power. These instruments are believed to have special blessings and are widely respected for use in practice and blessing.

- Legend has it that Tangtong Gyalpo used iron from the sky to make the Phurba, combined his engineering skills with Tantric practice, and incorporated the instrument into the ritual of bridge construction, symbolizing stability and subjugation of natural and spiritual obstacles.

Summary

The iron Phurba is a symbol of wisdom, compassion and demon-subduing power in Tibetan Buddhism. Its sacred material and the legend of Phurba Vajra make it an important part of Tantric practice and culture. Through the myth of subduing Madan Rudra, the inheritance of Guru Padmasambhava, and Tangtong Gyalpo's practical application, the Phurba evolved from a practical nomadic tool to a instrument with profound religious significance, reflecting the Tibetan Buddhist pursuit of inner enlightenment and outer harmony. The rarity of Sky Iron further enhances its sacredness, making it highly revered in rituals, blessings, and protection.