VAJRAS AND BELLS

The ritual Buddhist bell represents the feminine principle of perfect wisdom, directly comprehending voidness (shunyata). The vajra and the bell are the two main ritual implements that symbolize the perfection of the method, or skillful means (vajra), and wisdom, or emptiness (bell). During the practice, the vajra is held in the right hand, and the bell is held in the left, which means the inseparable union of method and wisdom.

The bell is empty, symbolizing the dharmadhatu, emptiness beyond extremes. The bell’s clapper symbolizes the clitoris of the Dhatvishvari. The eight sides of the tongue of the bell symbolize the eight subtle channels. The face symbolizes Vajrasattva’s consort, Vajratopa.

Together, the vajra represents skillful means and the bell wisdom. They also represent bliss and emptiness. They must always be kept together and held together. It also said that the tongue imside the bell is wisdom “stick.” When it moves, it symbolizes great bliss in union with wisdom, from which sound arises. This melodious sound is offered to the buddhas of the ten directions, who are pleased and sent blessings so that all sentient beings will awaken from the sleep of ignorance and thus be freed from samsara. In this way the Vajra and bell have profound meaning and should never be thought of as ordinary.