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A phurpa or phurba is a sometimes known as a
"Magic dagger" or Ritual dragger. In Buddhism
phurba is a tantric ritual object used to conquer evil spirits and to destroy
obstacles. It is used in magic rituals by high level tantric practitioners. The
word phurpa is used primarily in Central Tibet, while the word phurpa is used
more often in Kham, Amdo and Ladakh.
The component phur in the word phurpa is a Tibetan rendering of the Sanskrit
word kila, meaning peg or nail. The phurpa is an implement that nails down as
well as binds. It was thus by stabbing a phurpa into the earth, and thereby
nailing and binding the evil spirits, that Padmasambhava, regarded as the
inventor of this implement, consecrated the ground on which the Samye monastery
was established in the eighth century. Whatever the original shape of the
Indian kila may have been (none has survived), it seems very likely that in
Tibet the form of the phurpa, with its three-sided blade, was suggested by the
pegs that were driven into the earth to hold the rope stays of the tent. Due to
the essentially nomadic nature of life in ancient Tibet, the tent was an
important part of their routine. While traveling it was used by all, the
peasants, the traders, the royalty, nobility and even the exalted monks.
Indeed, the peg of the tent is the prototype of the phurpa. Its triple blade is
really not a dagger but a peg, precisely the kind of peg used to secure tents.
The triple blade of the phurpa symbolizes the overcoming or cutting through of
the three root poisons of ignorance, desire, and hatred, and also represents
control over the three times of past, present and future. The triangular shape
represents the element of fire and symbolizes wrathful activity. The tenacious
grip of the makara-head at the top of the blade represents its ferocious
activity.
When using the phurpa, the practitioner first meditates, then recites the
sadhana of the phurpa, and then invites the deity to enter the phurpa. As he
does so, the practitioner visualizes that he is frightening and conquering the
evil spirits by placing the evil under the point of the phurpa. Or sometimes
the practitioner visualizes throwing the phurpa in order to impale and subdue
the spirits. The success will depend on the practitioner's spirituality,
concentration, motivation, and his karmic connections with the deity of the
phurpa and the evil spirits.
We here at www.himalayacrafts.com have a variety of selected phurpa for online
sale made by qualified and experienced craftsmen from Nepal and Tibetan people
living in Nepal. If you want additional information on phurpa simply send us a
mail at sales@himalayacrafts.com
Click here to see all our Phurba or Phurpa collection
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