In Buddhist spiritual traditions, Few symbols shimmer with as much mystery and layered meaning as the Vajra and the Viswa Vajra (Double Vajra). At first glance, they may appear as ornate ritual items, characterized by beauty, symmetry, and decoration, but upon closer examination, they become something more powerful: a condensed cosmological cast in metals and emptiness manifested in physical form.
The vajra is also referred to as a thunderbolt and a diamond. The other Viswa Vajra is the foundation of the universe itself, owing to its indestructibility.
In this blog, we will explore the symbolic meaning of the vajra and viswa vajra, along with the deities who wield them, by delving into Vedic mythology, Mahayana philosophy, and Vajrayana tantra.
The credit is attributed to Robert Beer's book “The Handbook of Tibetan Buddhist Symbols” for the content included in this blog.
The meaning of Vajra (Dorje)
Vajra is the Sanskrit term meaning "The Hard or Mighty One." It implies something beyond indestructible, similar to a shining and hard diamond. So, it is not wrong to visualize a vajra as a diamond that possesses brilliance and an unbreakable nature.
Vajra is referred to as Dorje (Rdo-rje) in the Tibetan Language. The term consists of two components: rdo, which translates to “stone”, and rje, which translates to “lord”. Dorje can then be interpreted as Lord of Stones - a poetic way of expressing the highest indestructibility.
In Buddhism, the term "vajra" is often interpreted as analogous to enlightenment. Just as enlightenment shatters ignorance, vajra symbolizes the indestructible nature of that enlightenment, which cannot be destroyed by any other ordinary stones. It represents a state that transcends birth and death, as well as illusion and dualistic perception.
Vedic India: The Weapon of the Lord Indra
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The Vedic king of the gods, Lord Indra, used the Vajra as his primary weapon, and it later became a Buddhist symbol. In ancient India, Indra used the Vajra as a thunderbolt. He was able to control lightning and monsoon rains through it. Most notably, he implemented his weapon to eliminate “nine times ninety Vritras” - dragon-like creatures who blocked the waters of life and caused drought.
The myth has a symbolic richness. Vritra symbolizes an obstruction to spiritual progress. The Vajra of Indra embodies the ability to overcome obstacles and restore equilibrium.
According to the legend, Indra’s weapon was created through the indestructible bones of Maharishi Dadhichi, who willingly sacrificed himself so god could forge weapons from his remains and defeat the evil sea creatures (Vritra), which highlights an act of devotion and extreme sacrifice required in order to attain enlightenment.
From Wrathful Weapon to Enlightened Scepter
Aksobhya Buddha Statue (Mitrugpa)
In ancient artistic images, the Vajra was depicted as a short yet firm club with sharp tridents at both ends. It was obviously a weapon of vengeance - symmetrical, equal, but undeniably fierce.
Buddhism tradition holds that the Buddha transformed this symbol of vengeance. On the spikes of sharpness, he turned them inward and turned into a weapon, a peaceful ritual scepter. This change is highly symbolic. It is the transformation of aggression into wisdom and raw strength into an enlightened approach.
In Buddhism, the Vajra is therefore no longer merely a destructive weapon. It becomes a symbol of skillful means (Upaya), the compassionate practice of guiding individuals toward enlightenment with the aid of enlightened beings.
The Structure of the Vajra: A Metal Mandala
Vajra is not an ordinary object. It is a condensed cosmology manifested.
At its center is a rounded hub. This sphere represents Dharmadata, the sphere of ultimate reality - the truth of emptiness. It is not the emptiness as nothingness, but emptiness as infinite possibilities. It is the unconditioned nature of all the phenomena.
There are three ascending rings on either side of the central hub, which surround two identical lotus bases. The rings symbolize the three doors to liberation: emptiness, signlessness, and wishlessness. These are the portals through which one achieves the nature of reality.
The lotus bases have eight petals each. The eight higher petals symbolise the eight great male Bodhisattvas. These eight lower petals are a symbol of the eight great female Bodhisattvas. These sixteen petals can be interpreted to represent the assembly of sixteen Bodhisattvas as well as the sixteen kinds of emptiness that were explained in Mahayana sutras.
On top of the lotus bases are three other rings, signifying together the Six Perfections of the Bodhisattva markers developed along the path of enlightenment, which are:
- Generosity
- Morality
- Patience
- Energy
- Meditative absorption
- wisdom
The upper ring of each lotus base is capped with a circular moon disc, forming a lotus seat on either side of the central hub. This disc of the moon is a symbol of the marriage between wisdom and method - the inseparable pair that lies in the core of the Vajrayana practice.
Even the material of the Vajra carries meaning. Meteoric iron was the ideal material for forging Vajras. It is said to have been tempered by the divine forces on its way through the space and emptiness after falling out of the heavens. The Tibetan Plateau is at a high altitude, and the atmosphere is thin. Many meteorites have fallen on this plateau, which was thought to be protected by subtle spirits, which may explain the abundance of material for forging a vajra.
Five-Pointed Vajras and Nine-Pointed Vajras
The five-pronged Vajra is the most used ritual Vajra, whose prongs are present visibly but closed inward. This is typically held in the right hand of wrathful and peaceful deities in Vajrayana Buddhism.
The nine-pronged Vajra, on the other hand, tends to have more open prongs. It is associated with wrathful deities and represents destructive, unconquerable spiritual energy capable of annihilating negativity and illusion. While still representing skillful means, it emphasizes the unstoppable nature of enlightened wrath.
Few enlightened beings who wield the Vajra
Here are a few prominent Vajrayana deities who hold the vajra as their primary attributes:
Guru Rinpoche:
The Vajra is held in Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) 's right hand as a symbol of tantric mastery and transformative power.
Aksobhya Buddha
Holding Vajra in his left hand, Mitrugpa (Akshobhya) embodies mirror-like wisdom and immovability.
Vajrapani
Vajrapani is a wrathful protector of Dharma, wielding the Vajra in his right hand.
Vajrasattva
Holding Vajra in the right hand, Vajrasattva represents purity and unbreakable clarity.
Vajradhara
Vajradhara, the primordial Buddha, holds vajra and bell in both hands crossed, which is seen as a union of wisdom and method.
Dorje Drollo
Dorje Drollo is an incarnation of Guru Rinpoche as a wrathful being, having Vajra power to overcome the obstacles.
Viswa Vajra: Symbol of Absolute Stability
If the single Vajra represents the indestructible method, the Viswa Vajra represents the indestructible structure.
The Viswa Vajra, also Crossed Vajra or Universal Vajra, is a 4-sided Vajra that is extended outward from a central hub along the four cardinal directions. Rather than being held vertically, it lies horizontally, expanding in all directions.
Representation of Stability
In cosmographic descriptions of Mount Meru, the mythical centre of the universe, there exists a large Viswa Vajra that supports the entire physical universe. It forms the structure of the metaphysical existence.
Due to its inability to perish, the Viswa Vajra is also the foundation of the Mandala palace during tantric visualization. It represents the stable ground of awakened reality.
Vajrasana and the Viswa Vajra Throne
Bodh Gaya is a sacred site where Shakyamuni Buddha attained enlightenment. It is also known as Vajrasana, which means "Vajra seat" or "Diamond throne." This name reflects the immovable posture in which the Buddha sat, remaining undisturbed by Mara and unshaken by illusion.
Buddhist thrones in Buddhist iconography are typically depicted with the Viswa Vajra at the base or center, where the deity resides. This symbolizes that enlightenment has a strong foundation that cannot be broken.
The Expanding Symbolism of the Double Vajra
The Viswa Vajra has several symbolic systems. It is connected to the four elements, the four enlightened activities (pacifying, enriching, magnetizing, and subjugating), and the four directional Buddhas of the Mandala.
- A twenty-pronged form symbolizes the purification of the twenty deluded views.
- A nine-pronged Viswa Vajra, with thirty-six prongs plus the central hub, symbolizes the Thirty-seven Aspects of the Path to Enlightenment.
- Thus, while the single Vajra represents the enlightened method held in the hand, the Double Vajra represents the totality of the enlightened path embedded in cosmic structure.
So that whereas the single Vajra is the method of enlightenment held in the hand, the Double Vajra is the enlightenment path, the totality of the path, within the cosmic structure.
Deities who wield Viswa Vajra
Amogasiddhi Buddha
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Viswa Vajra is the primary attribute of Amoghasiddhi Buddha, who is the lord of the Karma family. The Viswa Vajra, in its symbolism, represents all-achieving wisdom, the activity of enlightenment that extends in every direction.
Namgyalma
Viswa Vijra is in the hands of Namgyalma, associated with longevity and cleansing, and signifies the constant protection of the cosmos.
Vajravidarana
Vajravidarana is a form of semi-wrathful form Vajrapani, who is primarily invoked for intense purification, healing, and protection.
The entire architecture of awakening, strength and stability, action and foundation, method and reality, is manifested together.
The Difference Between Viswa Vajra and Vajra
| Aspect | Vajra | Viswa Vajra |
| Directions |
Two directions (vertical axis)
|
Four directions (horizontal axis, extending in all directions) |
| Symbolism |
Represents Indestructible Wisdom
|
Represents Absolute Stability or Foundation of the universe (symbolizing Mount Meru) |
|
Nature of Use
|
An active ritual instrument used in ceremonies and meditation | More nuanced; used as a symbol, applied to sacred objects for protection |
| Common Depictions |
Commonly depicted in buddhist art and deities
|
Less commonly depicted, wielded by esoteric deities and nuanced objects |
| Role in Rituals |
Active ritual instrument
|
Often found at the base of consecrated statues or worn as a pendant for spiritual protection
|
