Material: Copper, Casting, Electroplating, Gold Plating (Sold as a set including embroidered fabric cover)

Size: 18 cm

Description: In Tibetan Buddhism (Vajrayana) rituals, the two most common ritual implements are the "Vajra" (Sanskrit: Vajra, Tibetan: Dorje) and the "Drilbu" (Sanskrit: Ghaṇṭā, Tibetan: Drilbu). The "five-pronged bell" refers to a Vajra bell with five prongs (the protrusions around the clapper), which is the most standard and commonly used form. The five-pronged Vajra and the five-pronged Vajra bell always appear in pairs, symbolizing the non-duality of "skillful means" and "wisdom" (Vajra, male form) and "emptiness" wisdom (bell, female form).

I. Origin and Legends

1. **The Origin of Vajrayana Buddhism in India**

- The vajra was originally the weapon of Shiva (one of the three principal deities in Hinduism, along with Vishnu and Brahma), symbolizing an "indestructible diamond" capable of dispelling all ignorance and afflictions.

- When Tantric Buddhism arose in late India (8th–12th centuries), Buddhism completely transformed this symbolism: the vajra represents "great bliss and wisdom" (skillful means), capable of destroying all dualistic attachments; the vajra bell represents "emptiness wisdom" (prajna), its sound symbolizing the wondrous sound of dependent origination and emptiness.

- Therefore, the "vajra and bell held together" became the core symbol of Tantric Buddhism's "union of bliss and emptiness, and the non-duality of great compassion and wisdom."

2. **The Most Famous Legend in Tibetan Buddhism—Padmasambhava Subduing Heretics**

- In the 8th century, Padmasambhava (respectfully called "Guru Rinpoche" by Tibetans) was invited by King Trisong Detsen to Tibet to propagate Buddhism. At that time, Bon religion was prevalent in Tibet, and many Bon deities and heretical demons obstructed the Dharma.

- Near present-day Samye Monastery, Guru Rinpoche engaged in a magical battle with various Bon protectors and demons. He wielded a five-pronged vajra and used the Vajra Dance to subdue the demon army; simultaneously, he rang a vajra bell, the sound of which resonated throughout the three thousand worlds, causing all demons to submit or be subdued.

- After subduing them, Guru Rinpoche integrated these local deities into Buddhism, making them Dharma protectors. This story is considered the most classic origin legend of the Tibetan Buddhist "Vajra Bell," and therefore, in all Tibetan monasteries, during initiations, fire offerings, and homa rituals, the guru always holds a bell in his left hand and a vajra in his right, symbolizing the power of Guru Rinpoche's subjugation of demons.

3. **Another Common Metaphor—Indra's Vajra**

- In early Buddhist scriptures, Indra (Indra, the Deity of the Sea) used a vajra to shatter the arrogant hearts of the Asuras. Esoteric Buddhism transformed this image into a symbol of "breaking the ego."

II. The Symbolic Meaning of the Five-Pronged Bell and Vajra

- Five prongs: Represent the Five Dhyani Buddhas (Vairocana Buddha in the center, Akshobhya Buddha in the east, Ratnasambhava Buddha in the south, Amitabha Buddha in the west, and Amoghasiddhi Buddha in the north) and the Five Wisdoms (Dharmakaya Wisdom, Mirror Wisdom, Equality Wisdom, Discriminating Wisdom, and Accomplishing Wisdom).

- The upper part of the bell is a half-vajra: Symbolizing the inherent non-duality of skillful means and wisdom.

- The clapper inside the bell is a small vajra called "Vajra," which produces a sound when shaken, symbolizing the wondrous sound of "emptiness" emanating from "dependent origination."

- The handle of the bell often features the face of Padmasambhava or Vajravarahi: Representing the blessings of the root guru or yidam. III. Profound Influence on Buddhist Culture (Especially Tibetan Buddhism)

1. **An Indispensable Ritual Implement in Rituals**

- Vajra bells are almost indispensable in the initiations, practices, fire offerings, and Vajra dances of all four major schools of Tibetan Buddhism.

- The guru holds the bell in his left hand (emptiness) and the vajra in his right hand (skill), shaking both simultaneously, symbolizing the non-duality of bliss and emptiness, Mahamudra, and union.

- In the practice of Mahamudra, Inner Yoga, Generation Stage, and Completion Stage, visualizing oneself as the deity holding a vajra bell is the most standard symbol.

2. **A Core Image in Tibetan Art**

- Almost all wrathful deities (such as Yamantaka, Vajravarahi, Four-Armed Avalokiteshvara, and Vajrapani) hold vajra bells.

- Vajra bells appear extremely frequently in thangkas, murals, and bronze Buddha statues, even becoming an important criterion for determining whether an image is from the Tantric tradition.

3. **The Blessing of Sound – "Awakening Through the Sound of the Vajra Bell"**

- The sound of the vajra bell is believed to purify the environment, awaken the innate awareness of all beings, and liberate the souls of the deceased.

- Therefore, in Tibet, the clear sound of the bell can be heard at religious ceremonies, memorial services, relocation of graves, and even daily morning and evening prayers.

4. **Extended to Han Chinese Esoteric Buddhism**

- During the Tang Dynasty, masters such as Amoghavajra, Subhakarasimha, and Vajrabodhi introduced Esoteric Buddhism to the Central Plains. In the Garbhadhatu and Vajradhatu mandalas, the vajra bell and vajra are important ritual implements.

- Although Esoteric Buddhism in Han Chinese Buddhism declined after the Song Dynasty, the rituals and symbolism of the vajra bell and vajra are still fully preserved in Taiwan, Japan's Shingon, Tendai, and Shingon sects.

Summary

The five-pronged vajra bell and vajra, originally weapons of Hinduism, were transformed by Esoteric Buddhism into the ultimate symbol of "the union of bliss and emptiness, the non-duality of compassion and wisdom"; further, through the legend of Padmasambhava subduing demons, they became one of the most sacred ritual implements of Tibetan Buddhism. It is not merely a ritual prop, but a condensed embodiment of the profound meaning of "the five Buddhas and five wisdoms, skillful means and prajna as one" within a pair of ritual implements held in the palm of one's hand. Each time the bell and vajra sound, it reminds the practitioner that great compassion and emptiness are inherently one, and that awareness and phenomena are never separate.

This is why in Tibet, the mere sight of someone holding a vajra bell immediately evokes reverence—it is the blessing of Guru Rinpoche's subjugation of demons, a blessing that still resonates throughout the three realms.