The word dorje is the equivalent of the Sanskrit word vajra, often translated as “indestructible.” One branch tantra associated with the Guhyagarbha Tantra asks: What is the meaning of the word vajra? Vajra means “that which cannot by separated by any means whatsoever.” And what is indicated by “cannot be separated”? This indicates the true nature, the original nature of great emptiness. Therefore, emptiness is known as vajra, or dorje. But where is this emptiness? In general, emptiness is everywhere, since it is the pervasive nature. However, in this particular case, every phenomenon that exists within one’s knowledge comes back to one’s own mind; therefore, this very mind is vajra, or dorje. In other words, our minds are vajra because our minds are empty. The branch tantra continues by asking: When did emptiness mind arise? It arose long ago, before beginningless time. That is the nature. This emptiness nature is never separate from you, nor are you ever separate from it. Thus it is known as vajra. Other teachings describe seven qualities of a vajra. These can be listed as follows: (1) “uncuttable” or “indivisible,” (2) “unbreakable,” (3) “true,” (4) “solid” or “firm,” (5) “stable,” (6) “cannot be resisted” or “unobstructible,” and (7) “unbeatable.”209 Such qualities express the nature of emptiness as well as the nature of emptiness mind. Venerable Khenpo Rinpoches Splendid Presence of the Great Guhyagarbha: Opening the Wisdom Door of the King of All Tantras (pg 112) Photo of a dorje in the metal railing on the third floor the Bodhichitta Inn apartments and dormitories at Padma Samye Ling, on this beautiful autumn day, September 25, 2014.
Posted on: Thu, 25 Sep 2014 18:36:06 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015