Materials: Sky iron, meteorite iron, cast, smelted

Dimensions: Height 2.48 meters, Width 1.38 meters (Large Buddha statue stand)

Description:

Vajrabhairava (Sanskrit: Vajrakīlaya, Tibetan: Dorje Phurba), also known as Dorje Phurba, is a prominent deity in Tibetan Buddhism. He is the wrathful form of Vajrasattva and a member of the Vajra King family of Tantric Buddhism. He possesses the wisdom of the Five Buddhas and is the principal deity of the Karma Wheel (Secret Wheel). Vajrabhairava is famous for the vajra he holds (a three-pointed, front-pointed vajra). "Vajra" represents emptiness, and "Pha" represents wisdom, symbolizing the union of emptiness and wisdom. The practice of Vajrabhairava aims to eliminate self-attachment and greed, dispel inner fear, and realize one's true nature, rather than simply conquering external obstacles.

Sky-iron Vajrakilaya amulets

In Tibetan Buddhism, Vajrakilaya amulets (also known as ritual implements or statues) are often crafted from special materials. Sky iron (Tibetan: thogchags, meaning "thunder iron" or "meteorite iron") is highly revered for its rarity and mystical properties. Sky iron, believed to be a meteorite from heaven, imbued with powerful spiritual energy, is often used in ritual implements, statues, or amulets, believed to enhance the instruments' blessings and eliminate obstacles. Sky-iron Vajrakilaya amulets are not only objects of worship but also considered sacred objects with powerful protective and demon-dispelling powers. They are often used in rituals, spiritual practices, or as household offerings to dispel obstacles and protect practitioners from demons, spirits, and curses.

Influence and Status

1. **Religious Significance**: Vajrakilaya is considered one of the most powerful deities in Tibetan Tantric Buddhism to dispel obstacles. Its practice is renowned for destroying the hostile forces of compassion and removing obstacles to practice. The unique nature of the material further enhances the sacredness and magical power of Vajrakilaya statues crafted from natural iron. They are believed to be more effective in dispelling demonic obstacles, protecting practitioners, and promoting career success. These statues are often found in temples, home altars, or personal meditation spaces as symbols of protection and blessings.

2. **Cultural and Artistic Value**: Natural iron Vajrakilaya statues are not only sacred religious objects but also important examples of Tibetan Buddhist art. These statues are often intricately carved, depicting Vajrakilaya in his wrathful forms (such as three heads, six arms, four legs, and holding a vajra). Combined with the unique texture of natural iron, these statues have become valuable artifacts and collectibles.

3. **Ritual Application**: In Tibetan Tantric Buddhist rituals, Vajrakilaya statues or ritual implements are used in ceremonies to subdue demons, pacify disasters, and remove obstacles. Believed to possess celestial blessings, natural iron statues are often enshrined as the main deity in important rituals or blessed by senior monks and given to devotees to enhance their spiritual practice.

Mythological Origins

The myth of Vajrakilaya is closely linked to the tantric traditions of Tibetan Buddhism, particularly to Guru Padmasambhava. The following are its main sources:

1. **The Legend of Subduing Demons**: According to Tibetan Buddhist texts, in ancient Tibet, a powerful demon named Matang Rudra wreaked havoc and harmed sentient beings. Guru Padmasambhava was invited by King Trisong Detsen to Tibet to teach the Dharma. To subdue this demon, he manifested the wrathful form of Vajrakilaya and pierced the demon with his vajra, transforming his demonic nature into a protective force. This story established Vajrakilaya as a central deity for subduing demons, emphasizing his ability to subdue internal and external obstacles through wisdom and emptiness.

2. **Guru Padmasambhava and the Nyingma School**: Vajrakilaya's practice is closely linked to the Nyingma (Old Translation) school of Tibetan Buddhism. When Guru Padmasambhava entered Tibet in the 8th century, he passed down numerous tantric teachings, including instructions for Vajrakilaya practice. These teachings were partially hidden in terma and later discovered by tertons, further solidifying Vajrakilaya's importance within the Nyingma tradition. A Vajrakilaya statue made of natural iron is often believed to carry the blessings of Guru Padmasambhava and possess special spiritual powers.

3. **Symbologna**: Vajrakilaya's image and vajra symbolize wisdom piercing through ignorance and destroying the three poisons of greed, anger, and delusion. Its mythology emphasizes inner transformation, teaching practitioners to eliminate inner attachments through the Vajrakilaya method and achieve the unity of emptiness and wisdom. This teaching makes Vajrakilaya a key deity in the highest yoga tantra.

Summary

Vajrakilaya statues made of natural iron hold significant religious, cultural, and artistic value in Tibetan Buddhism. Combining its natural iron material with Vajrakilaya's power to subdue demons and remove obstacles, it is considered a powerful guardian relic and widely used in spiritual practices and rituals. The mythology, derived from the legend of Guru Padmasambhava's subjugation of demons, emphasizes the power of wisdom and emptiness, and has a profound influence, particularly within the Nyingma tradition. These plaques are not only symbols of faith, but also precious heritage of Tibetan Buddhist Tantric culture.