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Echoes of Enlightenment: Vajra and Prayer Cylinder of Ladakh

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Vanshika Sai is a researcher and writer driven by profound love for history, art, and heritage. With a deep passion for uncovering the stories behind different cultural traditions, her work brings the past to life, blending meticulous research with a creative touch. Whether exploring the vibrant cultural heritage of Ladakh or preserving the oral history of a Partition survivor, she wants to uncover the hushed voices of people whose stories have been overlooked or neglected in mainstream historical narratives. By approaching history with empathy, she strives to cultivate respect for different socio-cultural identities and advocate for their preservation, ensuring these narratives continue to inspire future generations.

Ladakh, a mystical land in the region of the Trans-Himalayas, is renowned for its rich historical, cultural, and religious heritage. Rich in the sacred belief of Tibetan Buddhism, Ladakh is abode to ancient monasteries, representing the vibrant liturgical traditions of ancient times. Ladakh’s religious sensibilities encompass myriads of ritualistic instruments that facilitate the practice of offering prayers and attaining spiritual merit. Among the various spiritual instruments, the dorje, or vajra, and prayer cylinder are of paramount importance. These are not only the powerful meditational and ritual symbols but also represent rich cultural motifs of Ladakh, deeply rooted in the religious landscape of the region.

Old woman holding spiritual instruments like prayer cylinder, mala, and bell. (Image Courtesy: iStock)

The Duality of Vajra: Wisdom and Compassion in Ladakhi Art 

In Tibetan, the Sanskrit term vajra translates as Dorje, which stands for ‘thunderbolt’ or ‘diamond,’ symbolizing extraordinary spiritual power and indestructibility. Its origin traces back to the Vedic traditions of ancient India, where vajra was shown as a potent weapon in the hand of Indra, one of the most revered Vedic gods, to combat negativity, chaos, and ignorance.

With the advent of heterodox sects like Buddhism after the 6th century BCE, this Vedic spiritual element got seamlessly assimilated into Buddhist theology and its religious practices. The association of dorje with the cultural sensibilities of ancient India is also corroborated by British officer Alexander Cunningham, later known as the ‘Father of Indian Archaeology, who played a paramount role in documenting the history, geography, and cultural heritage of Ladakh when he was appointed primarily as a British surveyor and archaeologist in Ladakh around the mid-nineteenth century. The sceptre, dorjé, is the vajra of the Indians. This holy instrument is said to have flown away from India, and to have alighted at Sera, in Tibet. That it was looked upon in India, from a very early time, as an object of reverence, or as an emblem of power, is proved by its being placed in the right hand of a raja in the Sanchi bas-reliefs, which date as high as the beginning of the Christian era. It is also sculptured on the rock at Udegiri, where it is represented in one of the hands of Durga, who is slaying the Bhainsasur. (1854:371)

Structure and Variations of the Vajra

The dorje, or vajra, is a double-ended meditative tool, often made of bronze, silver, or gold, featuring two lotus-shaped ends that meet at a central sphere. The five points of one end of the vajra symbolize the enlightened body of the Buddhas with five male dhyani Buddhas—Vairocana, Akshobhya, Ratnasambhava, Amitabha, and Amoghasiddhi, each symbolizing different aspects of enlightenment and combating ignorance.

Correspondingly, on the opposite end, the other five points are associated with their consorts, the Five Female Buddhas, Vajradhatvishvari, Locana, Mamaki, Pandaravasini, and Samayatara, who embody the wisdom aspect of enlightenment. Holistically, these ten aspects signify the union of wisdom (female) and compassion (male), a core principle of Vajrayana philosophy, emphasizing the harmonious integration of all dualities to achieve enlightenment.

Five-pronged Double vajra (Image Courtesy: Mandalas Life)

Vajra comes in various forms, differing in the number of points or prongs at each end. A five-pointed vajra is most common, while other variants, like open prongs, symbolize wrathful activities. There are also one, three, seven, nine, and twenty-pronged Vajra; among them, the twenty-pronged one is called the double vajra or Vishwa vajra, symbolizing the revered Buddhist deities Amoghasidhi and Tara and the Karma family.

Sacred Trio: Vajra, Mala, and Bell

With vajra, mala, and drilbu (bell) form the crucial elements under the aegis of Tibetan Buddhism of Ladakh. All three, together, represent the spiritual refuge in Buddha, dharma, and Sangha, reflecting the sacred Body, Speech, and Mind of the enlightened Buddha.

The vajra is traditionally held in the right hand, acting as a symbol of compassion, while the mala is worn round the neck when it is not used as a tool for meditative counting, and the bell is held in the left hand, signifying the ideal of wisdom. Vajra is also placed on altars, serving as a meditative tool for channeling spiritual energy.

Vajra, Mala, and Bell, Chimre gompa, Ladakh. (Image Courtesy: iStock)

Mala Beads: Counting Prayers

The mala, or prayer beads play an instrumental role in meditation, and mantra recitation in Ladakhi Buddhist practices. The mala with 108 beads stands for the enlightened speech of Buddhas. Traditionally, the use of bodhi seeds is considered auspicious because the revered Siddhartha achieved enlightenment by meditating under the Bodhi tree, achieving the venerated status of ‘Shakyamuni Buddha.’ With the time, beads made of wood and semi-precious also become popular, symbolizing different meanings. For instance, mala made of turquoise is believed to bring healing and protection.

Old hands with turquoise ring of a Tibetan woman holding prayer Buddhist beads at a Hemis monastery, Leh district, Ladakh. (Image Courtesy: iStock)

The larger guru bead, which acts as an indicator of the starting or ending point of the mala, frequently features intricate motifs like endless knots, a symbol representing the confluence of wisdom and compassion, promoting eternal harmony. Additionally, tassels and spacer beads of mala are mostly adorned with floral patterns like lotus, symbolizing spiritual purity. These motifs and patterns not only augment the aesthetic appeal of the spiritual instruments but also imbue them with profound meanings, acting as the remembrance of Buddhist teachings for the practitioners during meditation.

The Bell: Call to Enlightenment

Sacred Bell, Interiors of Buddhist monastery, circa May 2011, Ladakh. (Image Courtesy: iStock)

Bell represents the enlightened mind of Buddha. The sound of the bell is being perceived in coherence with that of Shunyata, or emptiness, representing the wisdom of the Prajna Paramita Sutras. The surface of the bell intricately features the mandala of the Buddha or Yidam, representing the whole universe. Interestingly, the bell is also adorned with a five-pointed vajra, symbolizing generosity, morality, patience, vigor, and concentration, with the ‘bell dome’ as the base, which structurally resembles the Buddhist stupa and symbolically the ideal of wisdom.

Many bells also feature different bodhisattvas and various symbols like the lotus, jewel, and wheel around the circumference, which are deeply entrenched in Buddhist theology. On the top of the bell dome is an eight-petaled lotus, symbolizing the eight offering goddesses. Additionally, seed syllables of four mothers—Tara, Lochana, Mamaki, and Pandara—are also featured, pointing towards four cardinal directions. Above the four mothers, the sacred face of Prajna Paramita, wearing a five-jeweled crown, is being depicted, which is considered the epitome of wisdom. Ultimately on the top, the five-pronged vajra is being featured, representing the five revered Buddhas.

These ritualistic elements also have profound symbolic meaning, where vajra, bell, and mala stand for form, emptiness, and dharma teachings. They are so intimately connected with each other that they are always being put together on the practice table, where they touch each other. According to Vajrayana Buddhism, the vajra, bell, and mala together act as the effective meditative tools to achieve nirvana, liberation from the cycle of birth and rebirth.

Prayer Cylinder: Spinning Mantras

The prayer cylinder, or mani wheel (mani korlo in Tibetan), traces its origin to the teachings of Tibetan Buddhism and the subsequent endeavors undertaken by a Buddhist master, Drilbupa, around the 4th century CE. The theory of the Tibetan origin of the prayer cylinder is also being supported by Cunningham. The prayer-cylinder, or mani-chhos-khor (the precious religious wheel), is a very ingenious instrument, and does great credit to the genius of the Tibetans. The body of the instrument is a metal cylinder, about three inches in height, and from two to two and a half inches in diameter. The axis is prolonged below to form a handle. The cylinder is filled with rolls of printed prayers and charms, which revolve as the instrument is turned round. Every Lama carries a chhos-khor, which he keeps perpetually turning by a gentle motion of the hand, assisted by a cubical piece of iron fastened by a chain to the outside. As every revolution of a prayer is equivalent to its recitation, the chhos-khor is a very ingenious instrument for multiplying the number of a man’s prayers. (1854: 372)

Prayer cylinder with engravings, “Om Mani Padme Hum” from Ladakh, as documented by Alexander Cunningham (Ladak, 1854, p. 372).

Cunningham’s description of the prayer cylinder closely aligns with the design or structure of the modern prayer cylinders used by contemporary Ladakhi people today. The prayer cylinder is also known by another name called mani wheel, deriving its name from six-syllable mantra “Om Mani Padme Hum,” which is associated with Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva of Compassion.

TYPES OF PRAYER WHEELS

  • Handheld wheels: These are carried by the followers of Tibetan Buddhism and spun during meditative practices or while walking.

Tibetan Buddhists holding handheld prayer cylinder in Lamayuru gompa (monastery), Ladakh. (Image Courtesy: Stock)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  • Mounted wheels: These giant wheels are installed in rows around the circumference of sacred monasteries or village paths, allowing pilgrims to spin them as they pass by.

Tibetan prayer wheels in the Thiksey Monastery in Leh city, Ladakh. (Image Courtesy: iStock)

  • Water and Wind Wheels: These wheels are installed near streams or high-elevated locations where they are powered and spun by natural sources of energy like water or wind, symbolizing continuous prayers with the aid of natural forces at play.

 

 

 

 

Scenic reddish Buddhist wind prayer wheel in Leh, Ladakh. (Image Courtesy: alamy)

 

Infact, Cunningham has also provided us with the detailed description regarding the types of cylinder wheels of Ladakh.

These instruments are found of all sizes and in all positions. Cylinders, about one foot in height, are placed in rows around the temples, and are turned by the votaries before entering. Larger cylinders are found near villages, turned by water, which keeps them perpetually revolving day and night. (1854:373)

 

Symbolism and Function

The prayer cylinder is perceived as an inseparable part of Ladakhi life, carrying a profound symbolic meaning in the lives of the believers. The act of spinning a prayer wheel is considered equivalent to orally reciting the mantras that are embedded in the form of scrolls in the body of the prayer cylinder. Each rotation is believed to produce merit, propagate compassion, and purify evil or negative karma.

The cylindrical shape of the wheel represents the cyclical nature of existence, while the spinning motion of the wheel generates optimism and hope, which inspire the practitioners into believing that with the accumulation of positive karma and merits, one can achieve nirvana, liberation from the cycle of samsara. The mantra within the wheel also inspires the Bodhisattvas, who have achieved enlightenment, to guide all remaining sentient beings to move towards the goal of achieving enlightenment, promoting the precepts and teachings of the Greater Vehicle, or Mahayana sect of Buddhism, which played a paramount role in propelling the altruistic elements within the teachings of Tibetan Buddhism.

Significance of Spiritual motifs in Ladakhi culture

Vajra, with its associated spiritual instruments, and prayer cylinders are deeply entrenched in Ladakhi spiritual practices. They serve as tools for inculcating the practice of mindfulness, wisdom, and compassion, which are the core tenets of Tibetan Buddhism. They are also the living testament of the skilled craftsmanship of the region, blending religious symbolism with intricate motifs and patterns. This craftsmanship supports the local economy, especially of those villages that are heavily reliant on the business of traditional crafts. During prominent festivals like Losar (Tibetan New Year) and the Hemis Festival, these spiritual instruments are being used by monks while reciting prayers and performing sacred, enthralling dances.

Tibetan Buddhist still Vajra, bell and prayer wheel. Hemis gompa, Ladakh. (Image Courtesy: iStock)

From Tradition to Popular Culture

The vajra and prayer cylinder frequently appear in popular culture as symbols of enlightenment, divine power, or indestructible energy. In movies like Doctor Strange, spiritual elements of Vajrayana Buddhism, including the vajra, are depicted to convey obscure or mystical supernatural powers. It is also presented in video games like Final Fantasy and extremely popular anime like Naruto, where its indestructibility is being reinforced in ingenious, imaginative ways.

Similarly, the prayer cylinder is also a recurring motif in adventure games and travel documentaries which often showcase prayer wheels to imbue the atmosphere with serene and spiritual aura of Himalayan cultures. Additionally, the mantra Om Mani Padme Hum, associated with prayer wheels, has gained prominence in meditative practices of yoga, meditation apps, and soundtracks, representing peace and mindfulness. These pop culture references have played a crucial role in augmenting the popularity of these spiritual motifs of Tibetan Buddhist culture to global audiences, blending originality with ingenious reinterpretations.

Conclusion

The vajra and prayer cylinder encapsulate the intricate interplay between philosophy, ritual, and daily life in Ladakhi culture. Originating from Indian and Tibetan Buddhist traditions, these spiritual instruments have evolved into potent symbols of the socio-cultural identity of Ladakhis. Their timeless significance transcends the ritualistic function as they sought to inspire mindfulness, wisdom, and compassion in the world often dominated by materialistic pursuits. The vajra’s relentless power and the prayer cylinder’s continued motion reflect the unwavering commitment of practitioners to adhere to Buddhist teachings, inspiring all the sentient beings to move towards the path of enlightenment.

 

References:

  • Cunningham, A. (1854) Ladak: Physical, Statistical and Historical with Notices of the Surrounding Countries. New Delhi: Sagar Publications.
  • Buddha Weekly (2023) Vajra, mala and bell documentary: Buddhist practice supports representing Buddha, Dharma, Sangha. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pdkNU1SSrF8

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