VAJRA
8.
Vajra :
Vajra
is a weapon of Indra / Thor / Adam / Mithra, etc.
Vajra
is mentioned in Sumerians, Ved, Purans, Buddhist, Avestan Scriptures
and British Edda. As we know that Sumerians and zoroastrians are
Aryans, we consider Sumerian, Ved and Avestan Scriptures to be authentic
along with British Edda. Purans are very late version which are
doubtful but gives a hint of what might have happened.
Purans
give us a different shape of Vajra and Buddhists give a different
shape of Vajra which is similar to Trident.
Let
us one by one examine Vajra according to different scriptures and
in the end we will go to the Sumerian version along with British
Edda.
1.
Ved :
The
first mention of Vajra is found in Rig Ved Mandala 1 - Sukta 8 -
Mantra 3
•
Indra Tvaa Uutaasa : O Indra, Protected by you.
• Vayam Vajram Ghanaa Dadiimahi : We bear
the hard Vajra.
• Jayema Sam Yudhi Sprdhah : We become victorious
against the opponents.
Here,
we get a idea of Vajra as a weapon.
2.
Avesta :
According
to Asko Parpola, the Sanskrit Vajra and Avestan Vazra both refer
to a weapon of the Godhead.
3.
Purans :
Purans
show Vajra as a weapon of Indra made from bones of Sage Dadhichi
this is a modified story taken Rig Ved.
I
am not going to go indetail about story of Sage Dadhichi and how
Vajra was made as this story can be easily found from the internet
and Purans.
![](images/vajra/vajra1.jpg)
Vajra
of Indra According to Purans
![](images/vajra/vajra.jpg)
Vajra
of Indra According to Purans
Here,
we can see Vajra in the hand of Indra.
3.
Param Vir Chakra :
Vajrayudh
(Vajra) is made from bones of Rishi Dadichi. To kill Asura and reclaim
heaven, Gods need a weapon and that can be made only from Dadichi’s
bones. So the Rishi sacrifices his life to save everyone from evil.
Thus
Vajra and Rishi Dadichi symbolizes utmost bravery and selflessness.
Considering
these qualities, Param Vir Chakra design is based on weapon Vajra
and people who show these qualities in battle are honoured with
this award.
![](images/vajra/vajra2.png)
Vajra
![](images/vajra/paramvirchakra.jpg)
Param
Vir Chakra
4.
Buddhism :
In
Buddhism, the vajra is the symbol of Vajrayana, one of the three
major schools of Buddhism. Vajrayana is translated as "Thunderbolt
Way" or "Diamond Way" and can imply the thunderbolt
experience of Buddhist enlightenment or bodhi. It also implies indestructibility,
just as diamonds are harder than other gemstones.
In
Tantric Buddhism (Vajrayana) the vajra and tribu (bell) are used
in many rites by a lama or any Vajrayana practitioner of sadhana.
The vajra is a male polysemic symbol that represents many things
for the tantrika. The vajra is representative of upaya (skilful
means) whereas its companion tool, the bell which is a female symbol,
denotes prajna (wisdom). Some deities are shown holding each the
vajra and bell in separate hands, symbolizing the union of the forces
of compassion and wisdom, respectively.
![](images/vajra/405px-Vajrasattva_Tibet.jpg)
Vajrasattva
holds the vajra in his right hand and a bell in his left hand
The
vajra is almost always paired with a ritual bell. Tibetan term for
a ritual bell used in Buddhist religious practices is tribu. Priests
and devotees ring bells during the rituals. Together these ritual
implements represent the inseparability of wisdom and compassion
in the enlightened mindstream.
![](images/vajra/Itsukushima_Jinsha_Bronze_Vadjras_and_Bell_(477).jpg)
Five
ritual objects used in Vajrayana from the Japanese island Itsukushima:
a five-pronged short club (vajra) (gokosho), a pestle with a single
sharp blade at each end (tokkosho), a stand for vajra pestle and
bell (kongoban), a three-pronged pestle (sankosho), and a five-pronged
bell (gokorei)
![](images/vajra/423px-British_Museum_Tibetan_Bell_and_Vajra_B.jpg)
A
Tibetan vajra (club) and tribu (bell)
![](images/vajra/600px-Emblem_of_Bhutan.svg.png)
A
visvavajra or "double vajra" appears in the emblem of
Bhutan
![](images/vajra/576px-Relief_of_King_Rama_VI%27s_privy_seal.jpg)
Indra's
vajra as the privy seal of King Vajiravudh of Thailand
![](images/vajra/thailandindra.jpg)
Green
and golden Indra statue in Hua Hin. Thailand