Tibetan Buddhist Holy Symbol - "Dorje"
Collection: Spiritual Connections
This is a ritual thunderbolt, called "dorje" in Tibet, and also called "vajra" in Nepal. Together with a ritual bell, called "ghanta", these are the main ritual objects used in Vajrayana Buddhism.
The dorje represents the male aspect. It symbolizes the thunderbolt of enlightenment, and the diamond-hard, steadfast consciousness of the Buddha. The ghanta represents the female aspect and symbolizes wisdom.
Buddhism is a religion in which people follow the teachings of the Buddha (Siddhartha Gautama) who lived and taught about 2500 years ago. Buddhists do not believe in a personal creator god. Buddhists believe in the Four Noble Truths, including that life is suffering because we are attached to our desires, but that suffering and attachment can be ended by living according to the Noble Eight-fold Path (ex. right thinking, right working, right speaking). The holy book is called the Tripitaka. It contains the teachings of the Buddha. Buddhists believe in rebirth after death (reincarnation). Their goal is to become Enlightened, to achieve Nirvana, and break the cycle of birth and death.
The dorje is normally used with the ghanta. Buddhists believe that their use together can help lead to enlightenment. God figures are depicted holding the thunderbolt together with the bell in their hands.
Source:
https://www.learnreligions.com/vajra-or-dorje-449881#:~:text=A double Dorje, or vishvavajra,associated with certain tantric deities.
https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/502009
http://www.greenkiwi.co.nz/footprints/faq/dorje.htm