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 beautifully detailed dorje comes from Tibet. It is made of a heavy quality metal alloy, consisting of bronze, brass and red copper. The difference in colors of the various metals is used here in a very nice decorative way (look closely at the detail pictures).
This dorje is quite big (25 centimeters long) and heavy (1065 grams) and is therefore probably mainly suitable for placing on your altar.
