Five-pronged diamond sceptre (pancasucika-vajra)
See it in the Museum
Chapel
Orientation 3
Display 6
ABR 009
Code: ABR 009
Country: China
Style: Yunnan (?)
Date: 1700 - 1800
Dimensions in cm WxHxD: 6 x 20.5 x 6
Materials: Iron
Vajra with five prongs
The vajra, or thunderbolt, is without doubt one of the most important symbols in Tibetan Buddhism. In Sanskrit, the name vajra carries in its core the meaning of "lightning" and "diamond". It thus implies the light and purifying heat of lightning, combined with the imperishability and indivisibility of the diamond. The diamond stands for the indestructibility of the awakened spirit, which is also one and indestructible. The vajrasymbolises the phallus and thus the masculine principle, which is complemented by the female symbol of the bell (ghanta). Together they symbolise the 'skilful means': the compassion of the vajra in union with the wisdom and knowledge of the ghanta about the ultimate emptiness of all things.
The vajra, or thunderbolt, is without doubt one of the most important symbols in Tibetan Buddhism. In Sanskrit, the name vajra carries in its core the meaning of "lightning" and "diamond". It thus implies the light and purifying heat of lightning, combined with the imperishability and indivisibility of the diamond. The diamond stands for the indestructibility of the awakened spirit, which is also one and indestructible. The vajrasymbolises the phallus and thus the masculine principle, which is complemented by the female symbol of the bell (ghanta). Together they symbolise the 'skilful means': the compassion of the vajra in union with the wisdom and knowledge of the ghanta about the ultimate emptiness of all things.