1-234-477 - The Museum of East Asian Art/Heritage Images

Boxwood vajra, Tibet, 18th century. A carved boxwood vajra (thunderbolt) with integral free moving balls. Some traces of lacquer remain. In Tibetan this object is known as a 'dorje' meaning 'diamond' and is the symbol of enlightment. Vajras are used mainly in Tibetan Vajrayana Buddhism originally to dispel evil forces. It is believed that they were able to kill spiritual poisons and are an effective weapon against evil thoughts and desires.