Material: Bhutanese iron. Embroidery cover. Copper casing

Size : 15cm

Narrative:

The Phurba (Tibetan: ཕུར་པ།, Willy's transliteration: phur pa), also known as the Vajra, is a highly symbolic instrument in Tibetan Buddhism, mainly used for subjugation, purification and blessing. Its origin is closely related to the practice of Tibetan Tantric Buddhism, and it carries profound religious and cultural connotations.

**The Origin of the Phurba**

The origin of the Phurba can be traced back to ancient India, where it was originally used as a practical tool to fix tents or other items. With the spread of Buddhism, this tool was gradually given religious significance and became an important instrument in Tantric practice. In Tibetan Buddhism, the Vajra is closely related to Vajra (Tibetan: ཕུར་པ་གནོད་བདུད།), a wrathful deity in Tantric Buddhism who symbolizes wisdom and power and can subdue all obstacles and demons.

**The design and symbolism of the Phurba**

The appearance of the Phurba usually consists of three parts:

1. **Top**: Usually carved into a Buddha, Bodhisattva or wrathful deity image, symbolizing wisdom and compassion.

2. **Middle section**: There are three Buddha heads carved on it, representing the three expressions of joy, anger and scolding, symbolizing transcendence of the three poisons (greed, anger and ignorance).

3. **Bottom**: It is a three-edged sharp blade, symbolizing the cutting off of ignorance and obstacles.

The three-edged design of the vajra also represents the power to transcend the three realms (the realm of desire, the realm of form, and the realm of formlessness), and can "nail" evil spirits or negative energy to the ground to prevent them from causing harm to the practitioner.

**Purba's Uses and Rituals**

The Phurba is mainly used in the following religious activities:

- **Subjugation method**: In Tantric practice, the vajra is used to symbolically subdue demons or inner troubles.

- **Purification Ritual**: Used to clear negative energy in the space and create a pure environment for practice.

- **Blessing and Protection**: The Phurba is believed to have a powerful blessing power that can protect practitioners from evil.

RELIGIOUS AND CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE

The Phurba is not only a ritual instrument, but also a spiritual symbol. It reminds practitioners to stay focused and mindful, and to face internal and external challenges with wisdom and compassion. The use of the Phurba also reflects Tibetan Buddhism's profound belief in transcending worldly obstacles and pursuing liberation.