Material: Old object. Nine-pronged pestle. Brass

Size: About 16 cm

Description:

### The influence and status of the vajra in Tibetan Buddhism

The vajra (Tibetan: Dorje, Sanskrit: Vajra) is one of the most symbolic instruments in Tibetan Buddhism, representing the characteristics of "indestructible" and "destroying ignorance like thunder and lightning". Its status and influence in Tibetan Buddhism are mainly reflected in the following aspects:

1. **Symbolizes the combination of wisdom and compassion**:

- The vajra symbolizes "the wisdom as strong as a diamond", which can break through ignorance and troubles, and also represents the power of compassion. In Tibetan Buddhism, the vajra is often used in combination with the vajra bell (Ghanta). The vajra represents wisdom, and the vajra bell represents compassion. The combination of the two symbolizes the harmony of wisdom and compassion.

- When practitioners hold the vajra in their hands to perform rituals, they aim to awaken the inner power of enlightenment and destroy negative emotions such as greed, anger, and ignorance.

2. **Important roles in rituals and practices**:

- The vajra is an indispensable instrument in the practice of Tibetan Buddhism, and is often used in rituals such as initiation, blessing, and removal of obstacles. The holder uses the symbolic power of the vajra through specific mudras and mantras to purify the environment or eliminate obstacles.

- In the mandala offering or practice, the vajra is often placed in a specific position to symbolize the power and blessing of the deity.

3. **Symbols of deities and protectors**:

- Many Tibetan Buddhist deities (such as Vajrapani Bodhisattva and wrathful deities) hold vajra, symbolizing their power to defeat demons and protect the Dharma. The vajra has therefore become a symbol of the deity's power and strength.

- The shape of the vajra (single-pronged, double-pronged, five-pronged, nine-pronged, etc.) is also related to different deities or practices. For example, the five-pronged vajra is often connected to the five Buddhas or the five wisdom Tathagatas.

4. **Influence of culture and art**:

- The pattern of vajra is widely seen in Tibetan Buddhist thangkas, sculptures, and architectural decorations, becoming an important visual symbol. Its unique shape also influenced the design of Tibetan handicrafts.

- In Tibetan Buddhist temples or places of practice, vajra is often used as amulets or offerings, and believers believe that it has the effect of warding off evil spirits and blessing.

### Mythology and Origin of Vajra

The origin of vajra is closely related to Indian mythology and Buddhist legends, and can be traced back to the following stories:

1. **Lightning weapons in Indian mythology**:

- The prototype of vajra can be traced back to the weapon "Vajra" of Indra, the god of thunder, in Vedic mythology. In the Rig Veda, Vajra is described as a thunder weapon, indestructible, made by the craftsman god Tvastar to fight against demons (such as Vritra).

- Indra used Vajra to split the giant snake Vritra, releasing the cosmic water imprisoned by it, symbolizing the victory of order over chaos. Vajra in this myth became a symbol of power and victory.

2. **Transformation and symbolism in Buddhism**:

- With the rise of Buddhism, Vajra in Indian mythology was absorbed and transformed into a symbol of Buddhism, becoming the "Vajra", representing the power of wisdom to destroy ignorance and troubles.

- In Tantra (Vajrayana), the Vajra is given a deeper philosophical meaning, symbolizing "the unshakable truth like a diamond" and "the power of enlightenment that quickly breaks through obstacles like thunder and lightning."

3. **Legend of Vajrapani**:

- In the legend of Tibetan Buddhism, the Vajrapani is closely related to Vajrapani. Vajrapani is one of the guardians of Sakyamuni Buddha. He holds the Vajra, which symbolizes the power to protect the Dharma and subdue the demons.

- It is said that when the Buddha was preaching, Vajrapani wielded the vajra to intimidate the heretics and demons, ensuring the smooth spread of the Dharma. This image reinforces the sacred status of the vajra as a weapon to protect the Dharma.

4. **The shape and symbol of the vajra**:

- The evolution of the shape of the vajra is also related to mythology. For example, the five tips of the five-pronged vajra symbolize the five wisdom Tathagatas (the five Buddhas), and the central cylinder represents the center of the universe or the true nature.

- According to legend, the material of the vajra comes from "diamond" (the hardest substance), and it is forged by the heavenly craftsman with divine power, symbolizing its indestructible nature.

### Conclusion

In Tibetan Buddhism, the vajra is not only a practical instrument, but also a sacred object with profound philosophical and symbolic significance, embodying wisdom, compassion and the power to destroy ignorance. Its origin combines Indian mythology and Buddhist teachings. It has evolved from the weapon of Indra, the god of thunder, to the core symbol of Tantric practice, reflecting the absorption and transformation of traditional culture by Buddhism. In Tibetan Buddhist rituals, art and beliefs, the vajra is omnipresent, becoming an important bridge connecting the secular and the sacred, power and wisdom.