Material: Silver. Pendant.

 

Size: Approx. 3 cm

Description:

Phurba (called "Phurba" or "Phurpa" in Tibetan, "Kila" in Sanskrit) is an important instrument in Tibetan Buddhism, with profound religious, symbolic and ritual significance. It is usually in the shape of a three-sided pyramid, resembling a dagger or a short pestle, and is used in Tantric practice and rituals. The following is a detailed description of the meaning and origin of the Phurba in Tibetan Buddhism:

 

**The Meaning of the Phurba**

 

1. **Spiritual and Symbolic Meaning**:

 

- **Subjugating Demons**: The Phurba is regarded as a powerful Tantric instrument used to subjugate demons, remove obstacles and negative energy. Its three-sided shape symbolizes piercing the three poisons of ignorance, greed, anger and delusion, helping practitioners purify their body and mind and achieve enlightenment.

 

- **Symbol of Vajrasattva**: The Phurba is closely related to Vajrasattva, representing its purity and power to subjugate demons. In Tantric Buddhism, the Phurba is considered to be the incarnation of Vajrasattva, used to purify karma and protect practitioners.

- **Stabilization and Suppression**: The Phurba is often used to "pin" or suppress negative energy, evil spirits or unfavorable Feng Shui influences. Tibetan Buddhists believe that inserting the Phurba into the ground stabilizes the energy field and protects a specific location from evil spirits.

- **Three Realms Unification**: The three facets of the Phurba symbolize the harmonious unity of the three realms of heaven, earth and man, reflecting the integrity and balance of the universe.

 

2. **Ritual Use**:

- In Tantric rituals, the Phurba is used by monks or practitioners for rituals such as subduing demons, purification, blessing or consecration. For example, in the "Phurba Dharma" practice, practitioners chant mantras and perform specific gestures or movements with the Phurba to dispel obstacles.

- The Phurba is also used to mark sacred spaces or as a ritual offering, symbolizing the power and protection of the Dharma.

 

3. **Culture and Amulets**:

- The Phurba is not only a ritual implement, but is also often made into a small amulet for believers to wear or place at home to pray for peace and ward off evil.

- In Tibetan culture, the Phurba is regarded as a sacred symbol, closely linked to the profound teachings of Tantra, and often appears in temples, thangkas and religious art.

 

**Origin of the Phurba**

The origin of the Phurba combines the Tantric tradition of Tibetan Buddhism, Indian Buddhism and the elements of the native Bon religion of Tibet, and has a long history and mysterious colors.

 

1. **Religious and Mythological Origins**:

- The origin of the Phurba is closely related to the Tibetan Buddhist Guru Padmasambhava. According to legend, when Guru Padmasambhava introduced Tantric Buddhism to Tibet in the 8th century, he used the Phurba to subdue local demons and evil spirits, consolidating the spread of Buddhism in Tibet.

- In the Tantric scriptures, the Phurba is considered to be the instrument of Vajrasattva or Vajrapani, symbolizing the indestructible power of the Vajra. Its shape and function originated from the "Kila" of Indian Tantric Buddhism, and was later absorbed and developed by Tibetan Buddhism.

 

2. **History and Production**:

- The production history of the Phurba can be traced back to the ancient Indian and Tibetan Tantric traditions. Early Phurba pestles may be made of metal (such as copper, iron or bronze), wood or bone, while modern ones may use more precious materials such as silver or gems.

- The design of the Phurba pestle usually includes three parts:

- **Top**: It is often engraved with Vajrasattva, wrathful deities (such as Hayagriva) or three-faced heads, symbolizing the subjugation of the three poisons.

- **Middle**: The handle may have a vajra knot, lotus or other Tantric symbols, representing the power of the Dharma.

- **Bottom**: The tip of the triangular pyramid is used to pierce obstacles or symbolically "pin" evil spirits.

- The production of the phurba pestle must go through strict religious rituals and be blessed by a high monk before it can become a spiritual instrument.

 

3. **Bon influence**:

- Before Tibetan Buddhism was introduced to Tibet, the local Bon religion had instruments similar to the phurba pestle, which were used in shamanic rituals and exorcism. With the spread of Buddhism, the phurba pestle absorbed elements of the Bon religion and became an important instrument of Tibetan Buddhism.

- Similar instruments in the Bon religion are used to communicate with natural spirits or expel evil spirits, which is similar to the phurba pestle's function of subduing demons.

 

**Types and styles of phurba pestles**

Phurba pestles have different types according to their use, material and shape:

- **Metal phurba pestles**: The most common, used for rituals or offerings, sturdy and durable.

- **Wooden or bone phurba pestles**: More common in early or specific rituals, with a strong Bon color.

- **Small phurba pestles**: As amulets or ornaments, easy to carry.

- **Special Phurba**: Phurba with gemstones or intricate deity patterns is used in advanced Tantric practice.

 

**Use and precautions**

- **Ritual use**: Phurba is usually used by practitioners or lamas who have received Tantric initiation, and requires specific mantras and visualization techniques. Non-practitioners are not allowed to use it at will, so as not to violate Tantric precepts.

- **Purification and blessing**: Phurba needs to be regularly purified with incense, mantras or holy water to maintain its spiritual power.

- **Taboo**: Phurba is a sacred instrument and should be kept in a clean place to avoid contact with unclean objects or casual display. Non-Tantric practitioners should maintain respect when wearing a small Phurba.

 

**Summary**

Phurba is an important instrument in Tantric practice in Tibetan Buddhism, symbolizing the sacred power of subduing demons, purifying karma and protecting the Dharma. Its origin combines the legend of Guru Padmasambhava, the influence of Indian Tantric Buddhism and Tibetan Bon, and carries profound religious and cultural connotations. Whether used as a ritual implement or a talisman, the Phurba occupies a unique position in Tibetan Buddhism, embodying the Tantric pursuit of wisdom and power.