Braided dorje hangers

ne of the symbols most common in the iconography of Tibetan Buddhism, is without a doubt the dorje or vajra. It can be seen in the hands of numerous buddhist deities on paintings and in statues, as a symbol on all kinds of ceremonial or household attributes and of course as a ritual attribute on the altar of both professional and lay buddhist practitioners. 

The Tibetan word ‘dorje’ consists of two parts; ‘do’ which means ‘stone’ and ‘rje’ which translates as ‘noble’, ‘prince’ or ‘lord’. Overall it can thus be translated as ‘noble stone’ or ‘Lord of the Stones’.

The Sanskrit word for it is ‘vajra’, which translates both as 'lightning bolt' and as 'diamond'.

In Tibetan Buddhist practice, the dorje commonly forms a ritual pair with the bell (‘ghanta’). In this combination, the dorje is traditionally held in the right hand. Items held in the right hand in Tibetan Buddhist practice, symbolize the masculine principle of compassion-in-action; skilful action to accomplish compassionate intents.

The dorje is such an active attribute. It has the indestructible properties of a diamond and the force of a thunderbolt. It supports in (to state it quite simple) cutting through the crap of the mind; finding a clear path through the diversions of the 'monkey-mind' and ego-chatter, seeing what's real and what's not. The dorje is said to destroy all kinds of ignorance and in this way helps in gaining true insights.

A dorje can be used both in personal meditative practices as in work with clients or participants. In the latter settings it can for example be used as an instrument to receive, distribute and channel energies or as a space-holding attribute, to support both the practitioner/shaman and the participants in keeping a clear focus and not getting caught in mental distractions.

      There can be variation in how many pronges a dorje has. The most common number, which can also be seen in these dorje hangers, is five (also the central axis is counted as a pronge). There are multiple explanations for the symbolism of the five pronges, but a common one is that of the five male ‘perfections’ (generosity, morality, patience, perseverance and concentration, reflected in the personification of the five Wisdom Buddha’s) on the one side and their five feminine consorts on the other side.

·        The pronges close at the top, their coming together symbolizing the perfection of the method of active compassion.

·        In these colorful hangers the dorje symbol is woven/braided from nylon cord. The colors blue, white, green, red and yellow/orange in which these hangers are made, are the five main colors used in Tibetan Buddhism.

These hangers can be used for many purposes. For example as wall- or doorhangers, as car-amulets or as addings to your personal ritual attributes or clothing.

Size of the dorje is approximately 7,5 centimeters, total length of the hanger is approximately 23 centimeters.

These hangers are sold per piece. Because they are all handcrafted items, of course little differences in appearance may occur.