Description
Vajra (Devanagari: वज्र) is the Sanskrit word for both thunderbolt and diamond and is considered a ritual or spiritual attribute, primarily in Buddhism but also in Hinduism. In Tibetan, the word dorje is also common as a male name in Tibet and Bhutan. It often refers to a small scepter held in the right hand by Tibetan tantric practitioners during ceremonies, and also used to adorn some Buddha statues. The vajra destroys all forms of ignorance and is itself indestructible. In Tantric rituals, it symbolizes the masculine principle of method and compassion, while the accompanying bell held in the left hand represents the feminine principle and wisdom. Interaction of the two leads to enlightenment. In ancient Vedic religion, Indra, "Lord of the Mountains," was considered the bearer of the vajra ("thunderbolt bearer"). In Buddhism, the vajra is the symbol of Vajrayana, one of the three major branches of Buddhism. Vajrayana translates as the Diamond Way. It can imply the lightning experience of sudden enlightenment to bodhi and also implies indestructibility, as inherent in diamonds. In the tradition of Tantric Buddhism, the vajra symbolizes the nature of reality, or śūnyata. This is the infinite emptiness itself, from and within which everything exists, including ourselves. It is the ultimate primordial substance. This concept refers to endless creative power, potentiality, and skill in action. The term appears extensively in Tantric literature. The term for a spiritual leader or guru is vajracarya. Vajrasattva, etc., is used. The practice of prefixing the word to names, places, and states is a conscious attempt to recognize the transcendental aspect of all phenomena. It represents a "sacralization" of all actions of the spiritually oriented seeker. It allows him to focus all his psychophysiological energy on the spiritual life. Vajras An object representing the vajra is often used in tantric rituals. It appears as a union of two open spheres, consisting of symmetrical four- or eight-pronged forks, which curve from lotus flowers on either side of the central sphere to two points equidistant from that center, giving the whole the appearance of a "diamond scepter." This is how the term is also translated.
Dorje Tibet and ancient Dorje.
