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Sitaram · Site Admin Joined: 14 Sep 2005 Posts: 1079

Date: Sat May 24, 2003 7:59 am
Subject: Vajre: The Diamond Thunderbolt

http://www.sulekha.com/chpost.asp...ilosophy&show=0&cid=60309

http://www.khandro.net/ritual_vajra.htm

The word for the ritual implement held in the lama's right hand has
been translated as thunderbolt but also diamond. The Sanskrit word
vajra means adamantine, that is, "diamond-like." Therefore, besides
being able to dent any object, and overwhelm with its incomparable
brilliance, the vajra or dorje represents great durability -- a
hardness plus an immutability that is practically eternal.
Ultimately, it stands for

The mystery of the mind, the omniscience, the pure awareness of all
the Buddhas,

Indicated by a symbol of eternal strength and constancy,

The vajra heart of knowledge and emptiness is like the sky --

How wonderful to see the intrinsic face of reality!

~ translation of Tibetan verse under Nyingmapa drawing in above link.

Dorje is the Tibetan word for vajra. Do-rje means noble stone > Do =
stone and rJe = noble or prince. It embodies not only the brilliance
of refracted or reflected illumination, but it also symbolizes the
impervious and fixed solidity of the point of power around which all
else turns - the axis mundi or hub of the world.

Structure of the Vajra

Robert Beer in The Encyclopedia of Tibetan Symbols and Motifs
explains the elements of the five-pronged vajra:

At the centre of the vajra is a flattened sphere representing the
dharmata as the 'sphere of actual reality.' This sphere is sealed
within by the syllable HUM, whose three component sounds represent
freedom from karma ([the Sanskrit letter,] Hetu,) freedom from
conceptual thought (Uha) and the groundlessness of all dharmas (M.)

On either side of the central hub are three rings [which] symbolise
the spontaneous bliss of Buddha nature as emptiness, signlessness and
effortlessness.

Emerging from the three rings on either side are two eight-petalled
lotuses.

The sixteen petals represent the sixteen modes of emptiness. The
upper lotus petals also represent the eight bodhisattvas, and the
eight lower petals, the eight female consorts.
Above the lotus bases are another series of three pearl-like rings,
which collectively represents the six perfections of patience,
generosity, discipline, effort, meditation and wisdom. A full moon
disc crowns each of the lotuses, symbolising the full realisation of
absolute and relative bodhichitta.

Emerging from the moon discs are five tapering prongs, forming a
spherical cluster or cross. The four [outer] ... prongs curve inwards
to the central prong, symbolising that the four aggregates of form,
feeling, perception and motivation depend upon the fifth aggregate of
consciousness. The five upper prongs of the vajra represent the Five
Buddhas (Akshobhya,Vairochana, Ratnasambhava, Amitabha and
Amogasiddhi,) and the unity of their five wisdoms, attributes and
qualities.

The five lower prongs represent the female consorts of the Five
Buddhas (Mamaki, Lochana, Vajradhatvishvari, Pandara and Tara) and
the unity of their qualities and attributes. The Five Buddhas and
their consorts symbolise the elimination of the five aggregates of
personality. The ten prongs together symbolise the ten perfections
(the six mentioned above plus skilful means, aspiration, inner
strength, and pure awareness;) the 'ten grounds' or progressive
levels of realisation of a bodhisattva; and the ten directions.

Each of the outer prongs arise from the heads of Makara
<mysterious_makaras1.htm>s (sea monster). The four Makaras symbolise
the four immeasurables (compassion, love, sympathetic joy and
equanimity;) the four doors of liberation (emptiness, signlessness,
wishlessness and lack of composition;) the conquest of the four Maras
(emotional defilements, passion, death, divine pride and lust;) the
four activities or karmas; the four purified elements (air, fire,
water, earth;) and the four joys (joy, supreme joy, the joy of
cessation and innate joy.)

The tips at the end of the central prong may be shaped like a
tapering pyramid or four-faceted jewel, which represents Mount Meru
as the axial centre of both the outer macrocosm and inner microcosm.

The twin faces of the symmetrical vajra represent the unity of
relative and absolute truth.

The Vajra Cross

Before time began, there was only darkness and the emptiness that is
the Void. A gentle wind arose from the four directions that, over
time, filled the Void. It began to grow in power until, after eons
had passed, the wind coalesced into a substance so thick, so heavy,
so solid, so immutable that it formed Dorje Gyatram, the vajra cross
that is the basis of the physical universe.

The double dorje (visvavajra) is also associated with Amogasiddhi
(Tibetan: Donyo drupa), who is the Karma family buddha whose name
means Unfailing Accomplishment. His activity transmutes the klesha
or imperfection of jealousy. His activity is the subtle one of
diminishing attachment.

He is green in color, his left hand rests in his lap in the mudra of
equanimity and his right at chest level palm outwards in
the "granting protection" or "not to fear" gesture. His consort is
Damtsig Dolma, Green Tara.

The vishvavajra, (vishwa or vishva is Sanskrit for world with the
connotation of "the universe as we experience it," and it means the
double dorje or crossed dorjes. It stands for the stability or
foundation of the physical world. This is a mark often used as a seal
or stamp and may be found impressed or incised on the plate at the
base of a statue that protects and keeps prayers/relics inside. It
is also the emblem of certain Buddhist deities whose influence
encourages immoveable determination.

The vishvavajra, (vishwa or vishva is Sanskrit for world with the
connotation of "the universe as we experience it," and it means the
double dorje or crossed dorjes. It stands for the stability or
foundation of the physical world. This is a mark often used as a seal
or stamp and may be found impressed or incised on the plate at the
base of a statue that protects and keeps prayers/relics inside. It is
also the emblem of certain Buddhist deities whose influence
encourages immoveable determination.

http://haynese.winthrop.edu/india/medals/PVC.html

Vajre Chakra: Indian military award with double dorje</a>

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