What is a Vajra used for?
The vajra is the weapon of the Indian Vedic rain and thunder-deity Indra, and is used symbolically by the dharma traditions of Buddhism, Jainism and Hinduism, often to represent firmness of spirit and spiritual power.
What does vajra look like?
Vajra, in Sanskrit, has both the meanings of “thunderbolt” and “diamond.” Like the thunderbolt, the vajra cleaves through ignorance. The vajra is fashioned out of brass or bronze, the four prongs at each end curving around the central fifth to form a lotus-bud shape. A nine-pronged vajra is less commonly used.
What is vajra body?
The vajra is regarded as the symbol of highest spiritual power which is irresistible and invincible. It is therefore compared to the diamond, which is capable of cutting asunder any other substance; but which itself cannot be cut by anything.
What does the Black Mahakala mantra symbolize?
Black Mahakala Mantra Mahakala is generally black in color and has Six-Armed figures. All forms and names get absolved in the Black Mahakala. This symbolizes the all-embracing nature of the deity.
How is the Mahakala related to Tibetan Buddhism?
Mahakala is an integral part of Tibetan Buddhism and gets depicted in aspects, qualities, variations. One of the most common mantras associated with the Mahakal is as follows: Mahakala is generally black in color and has Six-Armed figures. All forms and names get absolved in the Black Mahakala. This symbolizes the all-embracing nature of the deity.
What is the history and practice of the Mahakala?
Read further for the detailed description of the Mahakala, its history, mantra, and practice. According to mythologies, the compassionate Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara took a vow to delay his enlightenment until all sufferings of the people vanquished. Avalokiteshvara took the form with eleven heads and a thousand arms.
What kind of God is Mahakala in Hinduism?
The deity is popularly known as “Daikokuten” in Japanese and “Daheitian” in Chinese. Mahakala is generally associated as a form of Lord Shiva in Hinduism. Lord Shiva is the God of Kaal (Time) and all three of the formats of “Kaal” including past, present, and future get merged in Lord Shiva.