A vajra, called a dorje in Tibetan, is a ritual object used by Buddhists to symbolize a diamond or thunderbolt. The thunderbolt is like a scepter, and the diamond is indestructible. A vajra can evoke a lightning experience, from sudden enlightenment to Buddhahood.

The spokes of the vajra

There are three different types of vajras: vajras with 3, 5, or 9 spokes on each side. The number of spokes has a different meaning. Most commonly, we see vajras with 5 spokes. The upper spokes of a five-spoked vajra symbolize the following 5 wisdoms:

- The Mirror Wisdom: Everything that reflects the senses is purified when you attain enlightenment and then becomes the mirror wisdom.

- The wisdom of equality: Arises after all pleasant, unpleasant and indifferent feelings have been purified

- Discernment wisdom: Arises when the discriminating factor, which distinguishes one object from another, is purified. It enables you to be of service to every living being.

- The all-accomplishing wisdom: Arises when the fundamental faculty to perform actions in accordance with given circumstances is purified

- The wisdom of Dharmadhatoe: Arises when the consciousness is purified.

The five spokes symbolize the five members of the so-called Dhyani Buddhas, or the Buddhas of the five families. The mouth of the sea monster, from which each spoke emerges, represents liberation from cyclical existence, samsara. Of the two lotuses at the center of the vajra, the upper one symbolizes the eight bodhisattvas and the lower one the eight goddesses.

The vajra destroys all kinds of ignorance and is itself indestructible. In Buddhism, the vajra or dorje symbolizes the masculine principle of method and compassion, and the accompanying bell held in the left hand represents the feminine principle and wisdom. Interaction of the two leads to enlightenment.