Material: 925 silver. Pendant

Size: 2 cm

Description:

In Tibetan Buddhism, **Cross Pestle** (Tibetan: དོ་རྗེ་རྒྱ་གྲམ།, Dorje Gyatram) is an important ritual implement, symbolizing profound religious significance and closely related to the teachings of Vajrayana (Tantra). The following is a description of the meaning and origin of the cross pestle:

**Meaning**

1. **Symbolizes indestructible wisdom and compassion**:

- The cross pestle is a variant of Vajra, and its "Vajra" means "hard as diamond" and "fast as lightning", symbolizing the indestructibility of Buddhism and the power to break through ignorance.

- The four branches (or four arms) of the cross pestle extend in all directions, representing compassion and wisdom spread all over the four directions, transcending all obstacles and achieving complete enlightenment.

2. **Four Directions and Cosmic Order**:

- The four arms of the cross symbolize the four directions (east, south, west, and north), and also represent the harmony and balance of the universe.

- In Tantra, it is associated with the "Four Immeasurable Minds" (loving-kindness, compassion, joy, and equanimity) and the "Four Wisdoms" (accomplishment wisdom, wonderful observation wisdom, equality wisdom, and great mirror wisdom), reflecting the practitioner's great compassion for all living beings.

3. **Destroying Demonic Obstacles and Purification**:

- The cross is regarded as a Dharma instrument that can destroy internal and external demonic obstacles (greed, anger, ignorance, etc.). Its cross structure symbolizes the integration of opposing forces (such as the unity of the secular and the ultimate), guiding practitioners to transcend duality and reach emptiness.

4. **Symbolism of the Five Buddhas**:

- The center and four arms of the cross can correspond to the Five Buddhas (Vairocana Buddha, Akshobhya Buddha, Ratnasambhava Buddha, Amitabha Buddha, Amoghasiddhi Buddha), symbolizing the integration of the five wisdoms and the five elements, reflecting the integrity of the universe.

**Origin**

1. **Originated from Vajra in India**:

- The prototype of the cross pestle originated from Vajra in Hinduism and early Buddhism. It was originally the weapon of Indra, the god of thunder, and symbolized thunder and indestructible power.

- In Vajrayana Buddhism, the Vajra was given new religious connotations and became a symbol of wisdom and compassion. The cross pestle is a special form of the Vajra, which was further developed in the tantric rituals of Tibetan Buddhism.

2. **Unique evolution of Tibetan Buddhism**:

- As Buddhism was introduced from India to Tibet (about the 7th-8th century), the shape and symbolic meaning of the Vajra gradually enriched in Tibetan Buddhism. The design of the cross pestle may be inspired by the structure of the Mandala, emphasizing the symmetry of the four directions and the harmony of the universe.

- The four major schools of Tibetan Buddhism (Nyingma, Kagyu, Sakya, and Gelug) all use the cross pestle. Especially in the practice of the deity, initiation ceremony and demon-subduing ritual, the cross pestle is often used with a bell (representing compassion), symbolizing the unity of wisdom and compassion.

3. **Application in mandala and ritual**:

- The cross pestle often appears in the center or four sides of the mandala as a symbol of the deity or the power of the guardian.

- In the practice of Tantra, practitioners hold the cross pestle for blessing or purification, symbolizing the removal of obstacles and the consolidation of the foundation of practice.

**Appearance and symbolic details**

- **Shape**: The cross pestle is usually made of metal (such as copper or silver), with a round or square center and four arms extending outward. Each arm may have spikes or lotus decorations at the end, symbolizing purity and enlightenment.

- **Relationship with other ritual implements**: The cross pestle is often used with other vajra forms such as the five-pronged pestle and the nine-pronged pestle, each representing different Tantric meanings.

**Summary**

The cross pestle is a symbol of wisdom, compassion and cosmic harmony in Tibetan Buddhism. It originated from the Indian Vajrayana tradition and developed a unique shape and meaning in Tibetan Tantric Buddhism. It is not only a ritual implement, but also a spiritual guide for practitioners on the path to enlightenment, embodying the profound philosophy of breaking through ignorance and integrating opposites. In rituals and practice, the cross pestle carries the important mission of destroying demons, purifying and achieving perfect Buddhahood.