Material: Embroidery. Cloth. Brocade (Phurba Vajra Dharma Image)

Size: 155 X 100 cm (approximate size)

Description:

Phurba Vajra (Tibetan: Dorje Phurba, Sanskrit: Vajrakilaya) is an important Yidam in Tibetan Buddhism. It is one of the main Yidams of the Nyingma School (Red Sect). Its image and teachings have profound symbolic meaning and practice functions in Tibetan Buddhism. The following is an overview of the meaning and origin of Phurba Vajra:

**The meaning of Phurba Vajra**

1. **Symbolizes demons and purifies obstacles**:

- Phurba Vajra is the representative of "wrathful deities". Its image is fierce, symbolizing the destruction of ignorance, troubles, karma and external demonic obstacles with powerful force. His main instrument is the "Phurba Pestle" (three-edged vajra), which symbolizes the sharp wisdom that can pierce through all ignorance and attachment.

- The practice of Vajrabhairava is believed to help practitioners eliminate inner negative emotions (such as greed, anger, and ignorance) and external obstacles (such as illness, disasters, or interference from evil spirits), thereby purifying the body and mind and achieving a pure state of enlightenment.

2. **Integration of wisdom and compassion**:

- Although Vajrabhairava appears wrathful, its essence is the manifestation of compassion and wisdom. His wrathful image represents the decisive power to deal with evil karma, rather than real anger. This power is to protect sentient beings and guide practitioners to liberation.

- The practice of Vajrabhairava emphasizes "using wisdom to eliminate confusion". Through visualization and rituals, practitioners can transform the negative power in their hearts into wisdom and enlightenment.

3. **Symbol of the unity of the three realms**:

- The image of Vajrabhairava is often associated with three faces, six arms, and holding a variety of instruments, symbolizing his ability to control the three realms of desire, form, and formlessness. His three-edged Vajrabhairava also represents the purity of the three karmas of body, speech, and mind, and embodies the comprehensive power of enlightenment.

**Origin of Vajrakilaya**

1. **Legend and origin of the teaching**:

- The teaching of Vajrakilaya mainly originated from the "Terma" tradition of the Nyingma school, and is said to have been introduced to Tibet by Guru Padmasambhava in the 8th century. Guru Padmasambhava is regarded as a key figure in the introduction of Buddhism to Tibet in Tibetan Buddhism. He widely used the practice of Vajrakilaya to subdue local demons and opposition forces.

- According to legend, the teaching of Vajrakilaya was received directly by Guru Padmasambhava from the heavens or the deity, and hidden in the "Terma" for future generations to discover. These termas include texts, rituals, images, etc., and were later discovered and passed down by successive terma masters (such as the great masters of the Nyingma school).

2. **Teaching inheritance**:

- The practice of Vajrakilaya is particularly important in the Nyingma school and is regarded as the "Karma Vajra", focusing on achieving careers and removing obstacles. Its teachings mainly include the rituals, mantras (such as the Vajra Mantra), visualization and offerings in the Tantra.

- In addition to the Nyingma school, the practice of Vajra is also passed down in other Tibetan Buddhist sects such as the Sakya school and the Kagyu school, but the practice of Vajra in the Nyingma school is the most systematic and in-depth.

3. **Part of the origin of Vajra**:

- The image and ritual implement (Vajra) of Vajra can be traced back to the Vajra in ancient India, which is a ritual implement that symbolizes indestructible wisdom and power. In Tibetan Buddhism, the Vajra is given a deeper symbolic meaning, representing a sharp weapon that destroys ignorance.

- Legend has it that the teachings of Vajra originated from the revelation of saints such as the Buddha or the Emperor of Heaven (Vajrapani, Vajrapani Bodhisattva), and later it was sorted and spread by Guru Padmasambhava and became an important practice method of Tibetan Buddhism.

**Practice and ritual**

- **Prākṣa practice**: Practitioners awaken their inner wisdom and power, purify obstacles and achieve enlightenment by visualizing the image of Prākṣa, chanting its mantra (such as "Om Benzaer Jilaya Hum Pa De") and performing specific rituals.

- **Prākṣa puja**: In Tibetan Buddhist monasteries, Prākṣa puja is usually used for major rituals (such as subduing demons, praying for blessings or eliminating disasters), and participants use the Prākṣa pestle to perform blessing and purification rituals.

**Cultural and symbolic influence**

- The image and pestle of Prākṣa have a profound influence on Tibetan Buddhist culture. The pestle can be seen in the ritual instruments of many monasteries and practitioners. The pestle is not only a ritual instrument, but also a spiritual symbol, reminding practitioners to face challenges with wisdom and compassion.

- In Tibetan culture, the practice of Prākṣa is also used to protect homes and drive away evil spirits, especially during important religious festivals or life events (such as birth, marriage, and death).

In short, Vajrabhairava represents the power of wisdom and compassion to subdue obstacles and purify the body and mind in Tibetan Buddhism. Its teachings were introduced to Tibet by Guru Padmasambhava and developed into an important tantric practice in the Nyingma school. Through the practice of Vajrabhairava, practitioners can stimulate the inner power of enlightenment and achieve a state of purity and liberation.