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The origin of the three-faced phurba in Tibetan Buddhism

The three-faced phurba (Tibetan: ཕུར་པ་ཞལ་གསུམ།, Willy transliteration: phur pa zhal gsum), also known as the three-faced vajra, is one of the important instruments related to Vajrakīlaya (Tibetan: རྡོ་རྗེ་ཕུར་པ།, Dorje Phurpa) in Tibetan Buddhism, and is the core sacred object in the practice of Vajrakīlaya. The three-faced phurba, with its unique shape and symbolic meaning, has a special status in subduing demonic obstacles, purifying karma and protecting Buddhism, and is particularly valued in the Nyingma school. The following is an overview of its origin:

1. **Origin and symbol**:

- The three-faced vajra is one of the main instruments of Vajrabhairava. Vajrabhairava is a wrathful deity of the Vajra family, and is said to be the incarnation of Vajrapāṇi or Samantabhadra, symbolizing supreme wisdom and the power to destroy ignorance. Its "three-faced" design usually refers to the three faces (or three heads) on the body or top of the vajra, symbolizing the purity of the three worlds (past, present, and future), the three bodies (Dharmakaya, Sambhogakaya, Nirmanakaya) or the three poisons (greed, anger, and ignorance).

- According to Tibetan Buddhist legends, Padmasambhava introduced Vajrabhairava Dharma and related instruments to Tibet to subdue demons and evil spirits that hindered Buddhism. As the iconic instrument of Vajrabhairava, the three-faced vajrabhairava carries the blessing of Guru Padmasambhava and is regarded as a sharp weapon to subdue the demons of the three realms.

- The shape of the three-faced vajra is inspired by the three-faced and six-armed image of Vajrabhairava, representing the multi-faceted wisdom of the deity, which can cure the three poisons and all obstacles at the same time, and symbolizes the blessing power of omniscience and omnipotence.

2. **Shape characteristics**:

- The three-faced vajra is usually made of metal (such as copper, iron, silver) or wood. The body of the vajra is in the shape of a triangular pyramid, with three heads on the top or in the middle (often the wrathful form of Vajrabhairava). Each face may show a different expression (such as anger, silence or joy), symbolizing different levels of subjugation power.

- The body of the vajra is engraved with vajra, lotus, flame or mandala patterns, and the bottom is often connected to the vajra seat, symbolizing stability and purity. The sharp tip represents piercing through ignorance and demonic obstacles.

- In some termas, the three-faced vajra is considered a sacred object blessed by Guru Padmasambhava or his disciples, with powerful spiritual power and protection.

3. **Relationship with Tibetan Buddhism**:

- The three-faced vajra is mainly used in the Nyingma, Kagyu and Sakya schools, especially in the Vajra practice. Among the eight major practices (eight great Herukas) of the Nyingma school, the Vajra practice is an important way to subdue demons. The three-faced vajra is a key instrument in its rituals and is widely used in temples, ceremonies and personal practice.

- The unique design of the three-faced vajra makes it more targeted in specific rituals, such as treating complex karma or multiple demon interferences, because its three faces symbolize that it can cover multiple levels of blessings at the same time.

How the three-faced vajra is used in Tibetan Buddhism

The three-faced vajra is mainly used in the rituals of Vajra practice in Tibetan Buddhism, which involves subduing demons, purifying karma, protecting the Dharma and enhancing the wisdom and power of practitioners. The following are its specific uses:

1. **Application in practice rituals**:

- **Placement and offering**: The three-faced vajra is usually placed on the vajra seat, in the center of the mandala or in front of the practice altar, as a symbol of Vajra. Before practicing, the vajra body needs to be purified with pure water, incense or amrita pills to ensure its purity and blessing power.

- **Initiation ceremony**: The practice of Vajra requires the initiation of the guru, and the three-faced vajra is used as a medium for the blessing of the deity in the initiation. By touching or visualizing the three-faced vajra, the practitioner corresponds to the three-faced wisdom of Vajra and obtains the blessing of subduing obstacles.

- **Mantra recitation**: The mantra of Vajra is "Oṃ Vajra Kīlaya Hūṃ Phaṭ". When chanting, practitioners can hold the three-sided phurba pestle or place it on the phurba seat, visualize the three sides of the deity radiating light, piercing the three poisons and all obstacles.

2. **Subduing demons and removing obstacles**:

- The three-sided phurba pestle has a special role in the ritual of subduing demons. Its three-sided design can simultaneously treat multiple obstacles (such as inner confusion, external demons, and impure earth energy). Practitioners insert the pestle into the phurba seat or a specific spell array, symbolizing piercing demon obstacles and suppressing evil spirits.

- When a temple is newly built or a place for rituals is purified, the three-sided phurba pestle is often buried in the foundation or placed in the four corners to suppress impure earth energy, drive away evil spirits, and ensure that the place is clean and auspicious.

3. **Offering and setting**:

- The three-sided phurba pestle should be placed on a clean altar, offering flowers, candles, incense, nectar, etc. to express respect for Phurba Vajra. When offering, practitioners need to keep their body, speech, and mind pure and follow the precepts.

- In large-scale ceremonies or mandala practices, the three-faced vajra is often used in conjunction with mandala, vajra, vajra bell and other instruments to form a complete practice array and enhance the blessing power of the ritual.

4. **Visualization and practice**:

- When practicing Vajra Dharma, practitioners visualize the three-faced vajra as the wisdom incarnation of the deity, with its three sides radiating blue, golden or red light, piercing the three poisons and all internal and external obstacles. Visualize the body of the vajra as one with one's own mind, stimulating pure wisdom.

- The three-faced vajra can also be used as a meditation aid to help practitioners focus on the wrathful aspect of Vajra, purify negative emotions and enhance the power to subdue obstacles.

### Notes

- **Purity and respect**: The three-faced vajra is a sacred instrument and needs to be stored in a high and clean place to avoid contact with unclean objects or casual touching. It needs to be purified with clean water or incense before use to maintain its spiritual power.

- **Guide by the guru**: The Vajra practice is a high-level tantric practice. The use of the three-faced vajra must be carried out under the guidance of the guru. Those who have not received the initiation should not practice it without authorization to avoid negative consequences.

- **Right view and motivation**: The use of the three-faced vajra must be based on bodhicitta, aiming to protect the Dharma and benefit sentient beings, rather than just for personal gain or malicious subjugation of others, otherwise it may violate the tantric precepts.

### Summary

The three-faced vajra is an important instrument in the practice of Vajra in Tibetan Buddhism. It originated from the secret teachings passed down by Guru Padmasambhava and symbolizes the wisdom and power of the three worlds, three bodies or three poisons. Its three-sided design can treat multiple obstacles at the same time and is widely used in the rituals of subduing demons, removing obstacles, purification and protecting the Dharma. Through initiation, chanting, offering and visualization, the three-faced vajra helps practitioners eliminate karma, protect the Dharma and achieve wisdom. In Tibetan Buddhism, especially in the Nyingma school, the three-faced vajra is a sacred object that must be used with a pure mind and correct view in order to obtain the blessing of Vajra.

# The origin and use of the three-faced vajra in Tibetan Buddhism

## Origin

- **Origin**: The three-faced vajra is the core instrument of Vajrakīlaya, which is the wrathful deity of the Vajra family. It is said to be the incarnation of Vajrapani or Samantabhadra Tathagata, symbolizing supreme wisdom and the power to destroy ignorance.

- **Inheritance**: It was introduced to Tibet by Guru Padmasambhava to subdue demons and evil spirits, and it occupies an important position in the eight major practices of the Nyingma school.

- **Shape**: It is a triangular pyramid with three heads facing each other on the top or in the middle, symbolizing the purity of the three worlds, three bodies or three poisons. There is often a vajra or lotus seat at the bottom.

## Usage

1. **Ritual of Practice**:

- Place it on the Phurba Seat and use it as a symbol of Phurba Vajra after purification.

- Use it as a medium for the blessing of the deity during the empowerment, and chant the mantra "Om Benza Jila Jilaya Hum Padi".

2. **Subduing Demons and Removing Obstacles**:

- Insert it into the Phurba Seat or the talisman array, symbolizing the piercing of demonic obstacles and the suppression of evil spirits.

- Used for ground suppression to ensure the purity of the practice site.

3. **Offering and Setting**:

- Offer flowers, candles, incense, etc., and use it with mandala, vajra, etc.

4. **Visualization Practice**:

- Visualize the three sides radiating light, piercing the three poisons and obstacles, and purifying the body and mind.

## Precautions

- Keep it clean, store it in a high place, and avoid touching it with impurities.

- It needs to be guided by the master's empowerment, and cannot be practiced without permission.

- Based on Bodhicitta, it aims to protect the Dharma and benefit sentient beings, not for personal gain.