Materials: Amrita, Herbs, and Medicinal Materials (Tin Box Packaging)
Size: 8 inches, 130g
Description:
Phurba (Tibetan: Dorjé Phurba, Sanskrit: Vajra-kīlaya), also known as Phurba or Vajra-Khīlaya, is a crucial deity in Tibetan Tantric Buddhism. He is the wrathful form of Vajrasattva, also known as Karma Heruka. His name derives from the Tibetan word "phurba," meaning "prong" or "nail," symbolizing the three-diamond-shaped phurba, his primary dharma implement used to pin down and subdue demons and obstacles, and to sever the three poisons (greed, anger, and ignorance). Vajrabhairava possesses the wisdom attributes of the Five Buddhas. He is the principal deity of the "karma wheel" (Secret Wheel) of the Five Wheels (body, speech, mind, merit, and action). He is one of the Vajra Kings of Tantric Buddhism, representing the epitome of all the actions of all Buddhas and Bodhisattvas.
Origin of Vajrabhairava
Vajrabhairava's origins can be traced back to Indian Tantric Buddhism. It was introduced to Tibet by Guru Padmasambhava in the 8th century, becoming one of the core deities of the Nyingma school. Many of its teachings are derived from terma texts. These teachings, intended to suit the capacities of future beings, were hidden by Guru Padmasambhava within the earth, water, fire, and wind, or within the hearts of accomplished individuals. These teachings were later discovered by predestined disciples to preserve the purity of their power. In the tantras, Vajrakilaya is considered the embodiment of the activities of all Buddhas and Bodhisattvas: its right head (white) represents the wrathful form of Manjushri, Yamantaka (the body of all Buddhas); its left head (red) represents the wrathful form of Amitabha or Avalokitesvara, Hayagriva (the speech of all Buddhas); and its center head (blue) represents the wrathful form of Mahasthamaprapta or Vajrapani (the mind of all Buddhas). Furthermore, Vajrakilaya incorporates the three bodhisattva qualities of power (Vajrapani), compassion (Avalokitesvara), and wisdom (Manjushri), becoming a Dharma protector deity that perfectly integrates exoteric and esoteric Buddhism.
Vajrakilaya's lineage is widely spread throughout the four major schools of Tibetan Buddhism (Nyingma, Sakya, Kagyu, and Gelug), but is particularly prevalent in the terma traditions of the Nyingma school, such as the lineage of Dudjom Rinpoche. During his retreat in a Nepalese cave, Guru Padmasambhava used the Vajrakilaya method to dispel all distractions and achieve Dzogchen. He then prophesied that this method was the most supreme path for dispelling obstacles in the Dharma-Ending Age. The mandala layout is extremely meticulous, featuring Vajrakilaya in thirteen different postures. Each mandala requires precise practice to induce the deity's arrival.
Mythology
Vajrakilaya's mythology primarily originates from the terma text, the Vajrakilaya Tantra, which recounts his subjugation of demon kings. This legend symbolizes how Buddhist wisdom can transform and tame external and internal obstacles.
In ancient India, there was a powerful demon named Madan Rudra (or Rudra, derived from a wrathful form of Shiva). He possessed three heads, six arms, four legs, and two wings. He resided in charnel grounds (cemeteries) and delighted in devouring sentient beings, causing untold suffering to all beings in the three realms. Madang Rudra not only committed numerous evil deeds but also led a demonic army, leaving sentient beings powerless to resist.
To subdue this demon, the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas made great vows. Vajrasattva manifested his wrathful form, Karma Heruka (Heruka), and further transformed into Vajrakilaya. Vajrakilaya shared Madang Rudra's appearance (three heads, six arms, four legs, two wings), but possessed even greater divine power. While Madang Rudra was away, Vajrakilaya manifested his divine power and impregnated his consort, Krodhisvari, and her ten guardian goddesses. These goddesses gave birth to monstrous offspring, and ultimately, Krodhisvari gave birth to Vajrakilaya himself—a three-faced, six-armed vajra boy imbued with the wisdom and power of the Five Buddhas.
Upon Madang Rudra's return, he witnessed this transformation and, enraged, transformed into a gigantic demon with nine faces and eighteen arms, leading his demon hordes to attack Vajrakilaya. Vajrabhairava then manifested into an even more powerful nine-faced, eighteen-armed form, pinning the demon army with his vajra prongs and swallowing Madang Rudra into his belly. Within Vajrabhairava's body, Madang Rudra, blessed by the Buddhas, recalled his own negative karma, confessed his sins, and offered his body as a cushion for Vajrabhairava to sit on, forever bowing and reverently listening to his teachings. The demons themselves were transformed into Vajrabhairava's protectors, jointly safeguarding the Dharma. This story symbolizes Vajrabhairava's subjugation of the demon king with the same form, representing how inner defilements (the three poisons) can be transformed into protective power through wisdom.
In another version, Guru Padmasambhava personally subdued the powerful demon king of the charnel ground, transforming him into Vajrabhairava and imbuing him with the power of Vajrasattva, transforming him into a Dharma protector. This demon king was originally the king of the cemetery, guilty of countless evil deeds. Guru Padmasambhava entered his heart and transformed him into a winged, three-headed, six-armed deity, with his right foot stepping on a male demon and his left on a female demon, symbolizing the conquest of the Yin and Yang demons. These stories emphasize the "accomplishment" nature of Vajrakilaya's work, which can instantly destroy the four demons (death, disease, heaven, and defilements), protecting practitioners.
Vajrakilaya's appearance is typically dark blue, with three heads and three eyes, six arms, four legs, and two wings. He holds a vajra in his hands on his chest, a nine- and five-pronged vajra in his right arm, and a flame and a trident in his left arm. He steps on four demons, and wings on his back symbolize his clairvoyance and the power to swiftly subdue them.
Benefits and Merits of Practicing Vajrakilaya
Worshiping Vajrakilaya (or chanting his mantra: Om Phurba Dorje Hum Pah) offers dual benefits: the eight virtues of present life (worldly blessings) and ultimate attainment (transcendental liberation). As the epitome of all Buddhist work, his mandala embodies the Three Treasures of exoteric and esoteric Buddhism (Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha; Guru, Yidam, and Dakini; Dharma, Sambhogakaya, and Nirmanakaya). Practitioners with faith and diligent practice in accordance with the Dharma can receive vast blessings. Guru Padmasambhava once taught, "If one practices and worships Vajra properly, one will gain great wealth, prolonged life, good health, and auspiciousness. In the next life, one will attain Vajrabha's fruition, and all four kinds of work (pacifying disasters, increasing benefits, subduing others, and performing karma) will be accomplished."
Eight Great Merits in This Life
Praying to Vajra with a sincere heart can bring one the eight great virtues in this life. Responses such as protection of the home, removal of obstacles, and eradication of epidemics are common (for example, the millennium-old epidemic in Tibet was resolved through the Vajra practice). The following is a detailed explanation:
| Merits | Detailed Description and Benefits |
|----------|---------------|
| **Auspiciousness** | All things go smoothly, and merit increases. Eliminate daily obstacles, such as career success, family harmony, and avoid unexpected disasters. |
| **Longevity** | Extend lifespan, achieving a fulfilled lifespan. Protect lifespan, avoid premature death, and live a long and healthy life. |
| **Health** | Physical and mental well-being, free from suffering. Cures chronic diseases and epidemics, strengthens immunity, and has eradicated large-scale plagues over millennia. |
| **Power** | Possessing influence and benefiting others. Enhances leadership and social connections, helps both oneself and others, and leads to successful careers. |
| **Important** | Possessing prestige and respect. Enhances personal charisma and authority, resolves interpersonal conflicts, and receives assistance from benefactors. |
| **Wealthy** | Abundant wealth and freedom from worry about want. Attracts wealth and prosperity, prospers business, and alleviates the karmic obstacles of poverty. |
| **Famous** | Widespread fame and acclaim. A growing reputation facilitates the spread of good Dharma or personal achievement. |
| **Perfect Accomplishment** | Other worldly and transcendental benefits. Perfection of the four kinds of karma (pacifying, increasing, attracting, and destroying), supporting unimpeded practice. |
These merits extend beyond the individual; they also protect the home and family, ward off evil spirits, and exorcise demons. Dudjom Rinpoche taught that practicing Phurba can yield 21 specific benefits, including subduing demons, increasing retinues, and promoting political and religious prosperity. Ultimate Merits
The ultimate goal of the Vajrakilaya practice is transcendental liberation. Diligent practice (such as chanting the mantra 100,000 times, visualizing the mandala, and participating in grand ceremonies) can lead to the attainment of Vajrakilaya, equivalent to achieving all the Three Jewels, vanquishing the four demons, and attaining Great Perfection. Guru Padmasambhava prophesied that this practice is the only path to dispel obstacles in the Dharma-Ending Age. Practitioners will be free from setbacks, possess special powers, and be reborn in Vajrakilaya's Pure Land in the next life. To enhance the deity's influence, wash the statue with amulet salt and water on the 15th day of each lunar month and burn prayers on the 18th. However, practice requires empowerment from a qualified master and caution is advised to avoid any irregularities, such as casually holding a vajra as an ornament.
In short, Vajrakilaya is not only a powerful weapon for subduing demons but also a universal deity leading to awakening. Through its blessings, practitioners can progress from worldly blessings to ultimate freedom.
