Brass Vajra

A vajra in cast brass, five prongs closed at each end.

In Tibetan practice the vajra is held in the right hand and the bell in the left: method and wisdom, the pair that has to work together. The form is specific. A sphere at the centre for the nature of things, a lotus opening on either side, and the prongs curving out of makara mouths to close on a central spike, so that the whole thing is one unbroken shape. Closed prongs, as here, are the peaceful form; the open-pronged vajra belongs to wrathful practice.

The brass is darkened in the recesses so the relief reads from across the room. It is bought for a home altar most often, and sometimes for a desk, where it sits as a paperweight with a meaning.

Placement: altar or desk, lying flat, with a bell beside it if you keep one.