Dorje (Vajra, Diamond Scepter)

Dorje in Tibetan means ‘indestructible.’ The Dorje is the Tibetan Buddhist equivalent of the double terminated Hindu ritual tool known as the Vajre, or thunderbolt. The Vajra represents masculine force, sudden inspiration, the ‘cutting’ of ignorance and illusion. In Buddhist rituals it is always paired with the singing bell, or Ghanta, its feminine counterpart. The spoked ends represent the closing of the spokes of the wheel of Samsara; the attainment of enlightenment.

A ritual gesture is performed crossing the tools over the chest, representing union of the male and female principals. As ritual tools, they are similar in symbolism to the chalice and dagger used in Wicca and ritual magick. A “double Dorje,” or vishvavajra, is two dorjes crossed, as pictured above, the emblem of Amoghshiddhi, the fifth Dhyani Buddha. It represents stability and impenetrability, and is often used on the doorways of temples, or placed under meditation cushions. Both the Dorje and the Vishvavajra are forged from meteorite metal. This is likely due to the emblem’s early (pre-Buddhist) associations with lightning deities.

Typical Vajra/Dorje wand

 
Pronunciation: Door-jay