Materials: Fabric, Embroidery, Printing

Size: 30 x 30 cm

Description:

The Influence and Status of the Cross Vajra in Tibetan Buddhism

The Cross Vajra, also known as the Crossed Vajra, Karma Vajra, or Karma Vajra (in English, Crossed Vajra or Visvavajra), is a crucial ritual implement in Tibetan Buddhism (Tantra or Vajrayana). Composed of two crossed vajra or four vajra radiating from a center, it symbolizes absolute stability and the union of indestructible wisdom and compassion. In Tibetan Buddhism, the Cross Vajra holds a high status, viewed as a symbol of cosmic stability and protection. It is often associated with Mount Sumeru (the center of the Buddhist universe), representing the solid foundation of the material world. It is not only a core instrument in rituals but also embodies the core philosophy of Tantra: wisdom, as strong as a diamond, can destroy ignorance and afflictions.

Its Far-Reaching Influence:

- **Symbodic Meaning**: The Cross Vajra represents the Four Kammas (pacification, increase, acceptance, and destruction), corresponding to the four directions, symbolizing the omnipresence and perfect attainment of wisdom. Associated with Amogasiddhi, it transforms defilements such as jealousy, dispels evil, temptation, and deception, and invites wisdom from all directions. It also embodies the unity of wisdom (prajna) and compassion (kṣaṇa), symbolizing the boundless expansion of enlightenment and cosmic balance.

- **Cultural and Practical Influence**: In Tibetan Buddhist society, the cross-vile strengthens tantric ritual traditions, enhancing practitioners' concentration and protection. It is often used in mandala designs as a base to support Buddha statues or sacred objects, symbolizing eternal stability. For believers, it symbolizes longevity, harmony, and enlightenment, and is often incorporated into daily meditation and art, influencing the symbology of Tibetan culture.

Uses

The cross-vile has diverse uses, primarily for ritual, meditation, and protection:

- **Ritual Application**: In tantric practices, it is often placed beneath Buddha statues, stupas, or containers as a base to provide spiritual protection and ward off negative energies. Monks hold or place the vajra in their altar during rituals, along with a bell and a vajra, to symbolize praising the Buddha's virtues and eliminating the three poisons (greed, anger, and ignorance). It is also used to mark the four directions, stabilize space, eliminate sins, and achieve the fulfillment of one's endeavors.

- **Meditation and Daily Use**: Practitioners visualize the vajra to stabilize the mind and enhance concentration and wisdom. It can be worn as a talisman (such as a necklace) or placed on a home altar to remind one of balance and mindfulness. In visualization practices, it helps dispel ignorance and enhance spiritual strength.

- **Other Forms**: It can be a two-dimensional image (such as a seal) or a three-dimensional object used to seal sacred objects, documents, or prayers.

Origin

The vajra's origins can be traced back to ancient India:

- **Origin**: The vajra was originally an ancient Indian weapon, the lightning weapon of the god Indra (Sakra), symbolizing indestructible power. Legend has it that upon the death of a sage, his bones transformed into diamond bones, which Indra used to craft the vajra. It was later absorbed into Buddhism and transformed into a ritual implement, representing Buddha wisdom and the true nature.

- **Evolution in Buddhism**: Around the Common Era, with the development of Vajrayana, the vajra was introduced into Buddhism, symbolizing the wisdom that destroys defilements. The cross form, derived from the crossing of two vajra, expanded into a square structure, embodies cosmological concepts (such as supporting Mount Sumeru). In Tibetan Buddhism, it was introduced to Tibet around the 7th-8th century with Vajrayana, becoming a core symbol of the Vajrayana, integrated with the teachings of Amoghasiddhi Buddha.

Overall, the cross vajra is not only a ritual implement but also a microcosm of Tibetan Buddhist philosophy, emphasizing stability, protection, and enlightenment.