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Source Description

The "vajra"—a type of multipronged, double-ended scepter—is one of the most common implements of Tibetan Buddhist ritual, and the worn details of this one attest to its former ritual use. Its Sanskrit name is often translated as "diamond" or "thunderbolt," and it symbolizes indestructibility and clarity: two qualities of the enlightened mind. In ritual, it is usually paired with the bell, and together the two objects symbolize complete enlightenment: The vajra represents compassionate action and intention (understood as the masculine component of enlightenment), while the bell represents wisdom (the feminine component of enlightenment). The vajra is also a symbol of the tantric Buddhist teachings, which are collectively called "Vajrayana," or the "Vajra vehicle" of Buddhist thought and practice.

Scholar Source Context

Document identity
localId
30939
label
Vajra
core
obj
dtoType
object
pageCount
1
Source metadata
id
30939
contentType
object
stage
normalized
title
Vajra
description
The "vajra"—a type of multipronged, double-ended scepter—is one of the most common implements of Tibetan Buddhist ritual, and the worn details of this one attest to its former ritual use. Its Sanskrit name is often translated as "diamond" or "thunderbolt," and it symbolizes indestructibility and clarity: two qualities of the enlightened mind. In ritual, it is usually paired with the bell, and together the two objects symbolize complete enlightenment: The vajra represents compassionate action and intention (understood as the masculine component of enlightenment), while the bell represents wisdom (the feminine component of enlightenment). The vajra is also a symbol of the tantric Buddhist teachings, which are collectively called "Vajrayana," or the "Vajra vehicle" of Buddhist thought and practice.
provenance
Acquired by C. P. Ching, Hong Kong; purchased by John and Berthe Ford, Baltimore, October 31 1976; given to Walters Art Museum, 2016.
date
17th-18th century
rightsUri
CC0
language
en
genreSpecific
vajras
ceremonial weapons
imageCount
1
pageCount
1
source
import
dimensions
units
cm
width
12.5
height
3.2
depth
3
dimensionsRaw
L: 4 15/16 × W: 1 1/4 × D: 1 3/16 in. (12.5 × 3.2 × 3 cm)
Source extras
RelatedObjects
2869
med
copper alloy and iron
creator_ids
6868
collection_ids
INT
exhibition_ids
none
Single page context
seq
1
pageIndex
0
type
photo
mediaId
588a7146a5340be1