Antique bronze single-pronged dorje

The word 'dorje' (or in Sanskrit 'vajra') translates both as 'lightning bolt' and as 'diamond'. It is a widespread symbol in both buddhism and hinduism, and can be found on for example depictions and statues of the buddha, decorations on ritual attributes, furniture and fabrics.

The dorje symbolizes the true nature of the universe and reality; the endless, ultimate emptiness in which all possibilities exist. The dorje is often held in the right hand during meditation practices, to support in '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.

Also in healing sessions a dorje can be used as an instrument to receive, distribute and channel energies in a calming, cooling and harmonizing way.

And also during ritual and ceremony a dorje can be of assistance 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.

This item is made in a somewhat lesser known style; the single-pronged dorje or 'tokko sho'. Dorje's in this style are especially used in the (Japanese) Shingon school of esoteric Buddhism, where this single pointed, focused-energy, style refers to the uniform sphere of the Absolute. 

Also in Tibetan Buddhism this style can be found, though it's much less used than the regular (diamond/'crown' shaped) dorje. In Tibetan Buddhism the single pointed style represents both the central energy channel through the human body and the central axis of Mount Meru, the esoteric mountain in Hindu and Buddhist cosmology that is considered to be the centre of all universes. Also the sharp point style is said to support penetrative insights in the nature of the universe

This single-pronged dorje is an antique one. The exact age is hard to say, but it can roughly be determined around the early 1900's. It is made from bronze and weighs 241 grams. Total length is approximately 18,5 centimeters. In the middle area of this dorje four eight-petalled lotus flowers can be seen.

Unique item, only one available.