Materials: Bronze, Gilded, Cast

Size: 12 cm

Description:

Vajrakilaya (also known as Vajrayogini or Dorje Phurba) is a prominent wrathful deity in Tibetan Buddhism. Its mythological origins are linked to the Buddhist practice of transforming and subduing negative forces. According to legend, Vajrakilaya is the wrathful manifestation of the Buddha Vajrasattva and is also considered a wrathful manifestation of Amitabha or Amoghasiddhi. He appears primarily to destroy the three poisons of ignorance, greed, and hatred, symbolizing the transformation of obstacles through fierce compassion. A central mythological story involves the subjugation of Rudra: originally a noble monk named Koukuntri who misunderstood the Dharma and, after falling into the lower realms, was reborn as a powerful demon, bringing chaos and obstacles. To combat Rudra, Guru Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche) received Vajrakilaya's tantric teachings in the Yanglesho Caves of Nepal. He practiced the rituals, including the Vajrakilaya dance and namkha ritual, ultimately subduing Rudra and transforming him into a Dharma protector. This event marked the introduction of Vajrakilaya into Tibet, where he was used to combat the evil forces hindering the spread of Buddhism. Another origin legend traces the Vajrakilaya tantra back to the teachings of Shakyamuni Buddha, later popularized by Guru Padmasambhava in the 8th century, becoming a core practice of the Nyingma school. Overall, Vajrakilaya's mythology emphasizes his role as the "indestructible dagger" (Vajra Dagger), representing the unity of wisdom and method, specifically designed to pierce and transform internal and external obstacles.

Vajrakilaya's Influence in Tibetan Buddhism

Vajrakilaya holds great influence in Tibetan Buddhism, particularly in the Nyingma school. He is considered one of the eight kagye deities, representing "enlightened activity." He is the primary wrathful protector (yidam), used to remove obstacles to practice, transform negative emotions, and protect the Dharma. His influence is evident in many ways. First, historically, Vajrakilaya's practice helped Guru Padmasambhava establish Buddhism in Tibet, for example by dispelling evil spirits at Samye Monastery, promoting the spread and revival of Buddhism. Second, on a doctrinal level, he symbolizes the ultimate form of wrathful compassion, teaching practitioners how to violently destroy the ego (rudra, symbolizing the "greater self") and achieve inner purification. Vajrakilaya's influence extends to other traditions, such as the Sakya and Gelug schools, but the Nyingma school considers him a core tantric practice. Many masters, such as the Dalai Lama, cite his stories to explain why wrathful deities do not violate the precepts of compassion. Furthermore, his imagery and rituals have influenced Tibetan art, dance, and the system of protector deities, becoming a symbol of resistance against evil in Tibetan culture and even incorporating it into the Bon tradition. In short, Vajrakilaya has strengthened the tantric tradition of Tibetan Buddhism, emphasizing the process of transforming obstacles into wisdom, and has a profound protective effect on practitioners and society.

How to Use Vajrakilaya

Vajrakilaya's primary ritual implement is the Phurba Kila (or Kila), a three-bladed ceremonial dagger used in Tibetan Buddhist and Bon rituals. Its use is strictly limited to initiated or authorized practitioners and is typically performed in tantric rituals. The following are its primary uses:

- **Exorcism and Subjugation of Obstacles**: The Phurba Kila is considered a "tent peg," used to "pin down" evil spirits or negative forces. During rituals, practitioners pierce the dagger into an object symbolizing obstacles (such as a scarecrow or the ground) while chanting the Vajrakilaya mantra (such as "Om Vajrakilaya Hum Phat") to transform both internal and external demons. The three blades represent the destruction of ignorance, desire, and hatred.

- **Meditation and Purification**: In personal practice, practitioners may meditate on the image of Vajrakilaya with the Kila, viewing it as a blade of wisdom that cuts through negativity. The dagger's handle represents wisdom, while the blade represents method, serving to stabilize the meditation space.

- **Blessing and Energy Manipulation**: Used in rituals of blessing, such as controlling the weather (e.g., stopping rain) or blessing devotees. Shamans and lamas wield the dagger during rituals to bind spirits or cut off negative influences.

- **Ritual Precautions**: Use must be performed within a mandala and only by those authorized by the guru to avoid backlash. In modern Tibetan Buddhism, the phurba dagger is also used in cultural performances, but its core practice remains tantric. Overall, the use of the phurba emphasizes inner transformation rather than physical violence and should be performed under the guidance of a guru.

Phurba (Bronze/Gold)