Description
Materials: Coral, lapis lazuli, turquoise, conch shell & Himalayan crystal Inner brass bell Gold-plated copper Vajra Dimensions & Weight: Length: 8.5 inches Diameter: 2.5 inches Bell Dimensions & Weight: Height: 14 inches Base Diameter: 7 inches Inside Bell Diameter: 3 inches Combined Weight: 1.6 kilograms Shipping Origin: Kathmandu, Nepal Description: Master Nepali craftsman created this exquisite gold-plated copper Bell & Vajra intricately inlaid with lapis lazuli, coral, turquoise, & conch shell. The Bell, topped with a carved piece of Himalayan crystal, has a carved coral Manjushree & a carved turquoise Green Tara - alternated by double vajras - on its perimeter. Above both the Green Tara & Manjushree is Chhepu. At the base of the Bell's handle, is the mantra "Om mani padme hum" carved from gemstones in the Newari Buddhist font. The Bell has a brass bell & clapper inset within so that ringing the bell does not damage the gem inlay on the exterior. Near the top of the hilt of the bell is Prajna Paramita (the face of Wisdom) carved in turquoise. The four-pronged Vajra is also expertly inlaid with turquoise, lapis lazuli, & coral. The Bell should never be separated from the Vajra. Both contain endless symbolism. Holding the vajra in the right hand symbolically connects us to the Buddha. Holding the Bell in the left hand is like cradling the entire universe. The Bell is wisdom & emptiness. Sound, as a metaphor for wisdom, suggests emptiness; in ancient belief, the relative universe arose from a sound. The Vajra represents means & compassion. Vajra is a Sanskrit word meaning both thunderbolt & diamond, & it is used as a ritual object to symbolize both the properties of a diamond (indestructibility) & a thunderbolt (irresistible force). in Mahayana Buddhism, both wisdom & compassion - together - are the path to Enlightenment. The detail & craftsmanship displayed in this unique Bell & Vajra is absolutely remarkable. Masterpiece Nepal Buddhist Bell & Vajra Crafted With Gem Inlay Lapis Coral Turquoise
