ABR 008
Code: ABR 008
Country: Tibet
Style:
Date: 1550 - 1650
Dimensions in cm WxHxD: 7 x 30.5 x 7
Materials: Sandalwood
Vajrakila (Dorje Purba) – The ritual dagger
Vajrakila (Dorje purba in Tibetan), the “adamantine dagger” is the name of a ritual peg or dagger with a pyramidal blade used by all religious schools in Tibet.
The ritual object purba is directly related to Dorje Phurba or Vajrakila, an eponymous wrathful deity embodying the awakened activities of all Buddhas. Vajrakila is one of the most important meditation deities in the ancient Nyingma tradition of Tibetan Buddhism. He is embodied in the purba weapon as a means of destroying all obstacles and hindrances on the path to Buddhahood, his three faces appearing on the pommel of the dagger. These wrathful activities consist of the overcoming and liberation of violence, hatred, and aggression then transmuted into wisdom. The dagger is also employed to bestow blessings. According to Tibetan tradition, the cult and practice of wrathful deity Vajrakila was introduced from India to Tibet during the 8th century by the tantric master Padmasambhava.
This example made of sandalwood with traces of pigments was designed for specific practices. Following the ritual indications, purbas can be made of various materials (wood, metal, stone…) according to the activities and goals: pacifying negativities, increasing wealth and longevity, magnetizing people and subduing demons.
Vajrakila (Dorje purba in Tibetan), the “adamantine dagger” is the name of a ritual peg or dagger with a pyramidal blade used by all religious schools in Tibet.
The ritual object purba is directly related to Dorje Phurba or Vajrakila, an eponymous wrathful deity embodying the awakened activities of all Buddhas. Vajrakila is one of the most important meditation deities in the ancient Nyingma tradition of Tibetan Buddhism. He is embodied in the purba weapon as a means of destroying all obstacles and hindrances on the path to Buddhahood, his three faces appearing on the pommel of the dagger. These wrathful activities consist of the overcoming and liberation of violence, hatred, and aggression then transmuted into wisdom. The dagger is also employed to bestow blessings. According to Tibetan tradition, the cult and practice of wrathful deity Vajrakila was introduced from India to Tibet during the 8th century by the tantric master Padmasambhava.
This example made of sandalwood with traces of pigments was designed for specific practices. Following the ritual indications, purbas can be made of various materials (wood, metal, stone…) according to the activities and goals: pacifying negativities, increasing wealth and longevity, magnetizing people and subduing demons.