Material: Copper. Iron alloy

Size: Approx. 23cm. Pestle (16.5 cm)

Narrative:

In Tibetan Buddhism, **the nine-pronged vajra bell and vajra** are important ritual implements, symbolizing the combination of wisdom and convenience, and play a profound role in practice and rituals.

SYMBOLISM

- **Vajra**: represents indestructible wisdom that can destroy ignorance and troubles. The nine prongs of the nine-pronged vajra symbolize the **Nine Vehicles** (the vehicle of the voice-hearers, the vehicle of the pratyekabuddhas, the vehicle of the bodhisattvas, etc.) and the **Nine Consciousnesses** (the first five consciousnesses, the sixth consciousness, the seventh manas consciousness, the eighth alaya consciousness, and the ninth pure consciousness), demonstrating perfect wisdom.

- **Ghanta**: It symbolizes the sound of emptiness and wisdom, and represents the purity and compassion of Buddhism. The sound of the bell can dispel negative energy, awaken the practitioner's awareness, and focus the mind on the Dharma nature.

**How ​​to use**

- **Practice ritual**: Vajra and vajra bell are usually used in pairs. The vajra represents masculine wisdom, and the bell represents feminine emptiness. The combination of the two symbolizes **the union of wisdom and convenience**.

- **Subduing demons and protecting the Dharma**: The nine-pronged vajra is often used to **subdue obstacles**, **purify the mandala**, and plays a role in advanced Tantric practices due to its powerful symbolic significance.

- **Meditation and visualization**: Practitioners guide their body and mind into meditation by holding a pestle and ringing a bell, and realize the wisdom and compassion of Buddhism through visualization.

These ritual instruments are not only tools used in rituals, but also carry profound religious symbols and philosophical connotations.