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Baronet 4 Tibet
Tibetan Buddhist Art furniture & Antiques from the monasteries of the Ser Shong (Golden Valley)
 

Double Dorje

BBB on line reliablility seal

8 pronged double dorje

 

8-pronged Double Dorje made of iron, due to the extremely heavy weight it is most likely "sky-iron". Sky-iron is made from meteorites, as the meteorite enters earths atmosphere it super heats and looses the vast majority of the carbon content and becomes very dense and much heavier than regular foundry iron. This Double Dorje also shows no sign of rust or oxidization which would be another indicator of sky-iron. The center axis leading to the Dorje prongs is decorated with long lotus blossoms. The leading ends of the prongs have Zipak heads with Cintamani issuing from their mouths. This piece is from the Amdo region.  We were told that, along with some scriptures & other items from the Labrang Lamasery, it was hidden in a cave during the Cultural Revolution. It is probably from the Labrang Lamasery; however, the monk who took care of it during that time has since passed away, so this cannot be confirmed. It may be purchased in combination with the Double Dorje and price consideration will be given.

Age: circa 1600s

Dimensions: W= 12"
Material: Iron (probably "sky-iron")

Price $3,850.00 plus shipping

Iconography

The Double Dorje (thunderbolt, or double diamond-- "visvavajra" in sanskrit) represents an epiphany, a sudden significant perception or realization;  The four heads here represent the four Dhyani Buddha. Of these, it is associated primarily with Akmoghasiddhi, lord of the north, the Karma Family Buddha, whose mane means "Unfailing Accomplishment."  The double Dorje represents the indestructibility of all phenomenonal essence.  It serves as a symbol of harmony, immutability, & all -knowingness. The single, uncrossed representation, vajra (diamond scepter, dorje in Tibetan), symbolizing skilful means, compassion, samsara.  This compassion is an active quality rather than mere sympathetic feelings not transformed into action. Compassion refers to action that is exactly consonant with whatever is occurring & that is not self-referential.

The lotus is an important Buddhist motif.  Images of the Buddha & other important persons often are shown seated on a lotus throne.  The growth of the lotus, with its roots in mud, growing through water & emerging as a wonderful plant above the water's surface, is seen as an analogy of the soul’s path from the mud of materialism to the purity of enlightenment.

The Zipak (Tibetan) Zeeba (in Sanskrit) originates in a Shaivite legend from the Shandha Purana.  Shiva created a demon called Jalandhara from the blaze of his third eye.  Jalandhara assumed great power & desired an incestuous relationship with Parvati, the consort of Shiva & Jalandhara's adoptive mother.  Jalandhara persuaded Rahu, one of his demonic friends, to demand Parvati's favor.  When Shiva got wind of this, he was understandably outraged, so his third eye blazed again, thereby creating the Zeeba, who made a beeline to devour Rahu.  Rahu decided that Zeeba was going to eat him bones & all & begged Shiva for mercy; whereupon, Shiva offered forgiveness & called off Zeeba.  Because Zeeba had not had anything to eat since coming into the world & had been deprived of his only prey, he turned on himself & devoured his own body until only the head & hands remained.  Shiva was very pleased with his handiwork & invited Zeeba to remain as the guardian to his door.   Since then, he has become a reminder of the consequences of gluttony & greed & also stands as a guardian of practitioners.