ABR 072
Code: ABR 072
Country: Tibet
Style:
Date: 1900 - 2000
Dimensions in cm WxHxD: 14.3 x 41.5
Materials: Gilt and silvered iron
Five-pronged vajra (dorjé)
The vajra, or dorjé in Tibetan, is the most common ritual object in tantric Buddhism, giving its name to Vajrayana Buddhism. Originally designating the thunderbolt, attribute of god Indra, in Buddhism it is the diamond—transparent, luminous and indestructible—like the nature of awakened mind. All vajras share the same overall structure with different elements (sphere, lotus petals, makara sea monsters, prongs) endowed with deep symbolism. In this example, two sets of five prongs spread out on either side, representing the five mental poisons transformed into the five wisdoms. Some models have one, three, seven, or nine prongs, each with a specific signification. Considered a male symbol of “skillful means” allowing to help all beings to progress towards Buddhahood, practitioners always hold it in their right hand, and it is associated with the bell, female symbol of vacuity and wisdom, held in the left hand.
This imposing gilt iron vajra illustrates the general iconography of this ritual artefact. Due to its unusual large dimensions, it was not meant to be used and manipulated ritually, but most certainly served as an ornament, possibly to convey blessings. Giant vajras are mostly seen in important temple complexes such as the famous copper vajra in Swayambunath, Nepal.
The vajra, or dorjé in Tibetan, is the most common ritual object in tantric Buddhism, giving its name to Vajrayana Buddhism. Originally designating the thunderbolt, attribute of god Indra, in Buddhism it is the diamond—transparent, luminous and indestructible—like the nature of awakened mind. All vajras share the same overall structure with different elements (sphere, lotus petals, makara sea monsters, prongs) endowed with deep symbolism. In this example, two sets of five prongs spread out on either side, representing the five mental poisons transformed into the five wisdoms. Some models have one, three, seven, or nine prongs, each with a specific signification. Considered a male symbol of “skillful means” allowing to help all beings to progress towards Buddhahood, practitioners always hold it in their right hand, and it is associated with the bell, female symbol of vacuity and wisdom, held in the left hand.
This imposing gilt iron vajra illustrates the general iconography of this ritual artefact. Due to its unusual large dimensions, it was not meant to be used and manipulated ritually, but most certainly served as an ornament, possibly to convey blessings. Giant vajras are mostly seen in important temple complexes such as the famous copper vajra in Swayambunath, Nepal.