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Metal and Stone Vestiges
Religion, Magic and Protection in the Art of Ancient Tibet

Image 22b

These vajras (known as dorje in Tibetan) constitute the most widespread design in thokchas. The popularity of the vajra is explained by the fact that it is tantric Buddhism’s hallmark symbol. The specimen on the extreme right belongs to the early Buddhist period, the other three specimens may have been cast at a later date.

all text & images © John Vincent Bellezza


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