Tibetan Buddhist Ritual Bell and Dorje (Vajra) Set

The gold-coloured object next to the bell is called a Vajra, also known as a Dorje.

This is a traditional Tibetan Buddhist ritual set consisting of two items:

• Bell (Ghanta): Represents wisdom, particularly the understanding of emptiness. It contains an internal clapper that produces the ringing sound.

• Vajra (Dorje): Represents compassion, spiritual strength and skilful action. It symbolises the indestructible nature of enlightenment.

How are they used together?

During Tibetan Buddhist ceremonies, meditation and rituals, practitioners traditionally hold the Vajra in the right hand and the bell in the left hand.

The bell is rung using its internal clapper, while the Vajra is held or moved in prescribed ritual gestures. The Vajra is not intended to strike the bell.

Together, they represent the union of wisdom and compassion.