Material: Copper. Dharma instrument.

Size: 11 cm (approximate size)

Narrative:

The five-pronged vajra (Tibetan: རྡོ་རྗེ་, Sanskrit: Vajra) is one of the important instruments in Tibetan Tantric Buddhism, representing the indestructible wisdom and the supreme power of the Dharma. It is a multi-pronged vajra, among which the five-pronged vajra is the most common one, symbolizing the powerful blessing power of the Five Buddhas and Buddhism.

**Origin of the Five-pronged Pestle**

The five-pronged vajra originated from Indian Tantric Buddhism. It is a form of vajra and was first circulated among Indian Tantric practitioners. Later, it was introduced into Tibet along with the Tantric practices and became an indispensable instrument in the practice of Tibetan Buddhism. The five tips of the five-pronged pestle represent the Five Buddhas (Vairocana, Akshobhya, Ratnasambhava, Amitabha, and Amoghasiddhi), and also symbolize the five great wisdoms in Buddhism that can destroy ignorance and obstacles.

**The symbolic meaning of the five-pronged pestle**

1. **Blessings of the Five Buddhas**: The five-pronged pestle contains the wisdom and power of the Five Buddhas, which helps practitioners to eliminate troubles and lead to the correct Dharma.

2. **Cut off ignorance**: The shape of the pestle is like the power of thunder and lightning, symbolizing the destruction of all evil thoughts and negative energy.

3. **Steady as a diamond**: The five-pronged vajra represents the steadfastness of Buddhism, which cannot be shaken by the secular world.

**Legend of the Five-pronged Pestle**

According to legend, the five-pronged pestle is one of the important instruments held by Guru Padmasambhava, the founder of Tantric Buddhism. He used this pestle to subdue evil spirits and protect the Dharma. Some practitioners believe that holding the five-pronged vajra in practice can enhance one’s wisdom and Dharma-protecting power, prevent external interference, and further deepen the understanding and practice of Buddhism.

**How ​​to use**

The five-pronged vajra is often used together with the vajra bell to form the "vajra and bell dual operation", representing the combination of wisdom and convenience. It can be held during pujas or personal practice to pray for the blessings of the Dharma, and serves as an important tool in tantric practice. Practitioners sometimes place the five-pronged vajra in the mandala for the purpose of offering and practicing.

The five-pronged pestle is not only a ritual instrument, but also a symbol of the power of Buddhism.