Step-by-Step Guide to Using an Antique Tibetan Bell and Dorje (Vajra)
Posted by ABISHEK SHRESTHA
You’ve probably noticed the Tibetan bell and dorje appearing at the beginning of every Tibetan ritual, their presence feels sacred and rhythmic. But have you ever wondered how they’re actually used to open, close, or guide the flow of the ritual itself?
This simple guide explains how to hold, ring, and use these antique ritual items in meditation. You’ll also learn their meanings and how to move them together during mantras or prayers.
Introduction
In Tibetan Buddhism, the hand bell (ghanta) and dorje (vajra) are sacred tools used together in meditation and rituals. The bell, held in the left hand, represents wisdom, while the dorje, held in the right hand, stands for compassion and skillful action. Their union symbolizes the balance of these two forces in spiritual practice. The bell’s sound marks important moments like starting or ending prayers and helps create a peaceful, focused atmosphere. The dorje serves as a reminder of strength, clarity, and determination.
Step 1: Preparing Your Space and Posture
Create a quiet, clean space for your practice, placing the bell and dorje on your altar until you’re ready. Sit comfortably cross-legged or on a chair with your back straight and take a few deep breaths to center yourself. Set a clear intention, such as cultivating compassion and wisdom. Then hold the dorje in your right hand and the bell in your left, resting the bell lightly on your palm. Sit in stillness for a few breaths, allowing your mind to settle before beginning the ritual.
Step 2: Holding the Bell and Dorje Correctly
Proper hand placement is key when using the bell and dorje.
Left hand (Bell): Hold the bell upright by its handle with a light but steady grip. Let it hang freely so the clapper can move easily. Keep your wrist relaxed and tilt the bell’s open end slightly outward so the sound flows clearly. If your bell has a finger loop, you can place your ring finger through it for better support.
Right hand (Dorje): Hold the dorje horizontally or upright, curling your fingers around it with the prongs pointing outward. Keep it at chest or heart level, symbolizing compassion at the center of your practice.
During meditation, rest your arms comfortably by your sides with your forearms lifted so the bell and dorje stay at heart height the traditional posture seen in Tibetan rituals. Adjust your position as needed to stay relaxed and steady.
Step 3: Initiating the Ritual or Meditation
Once you’re seated with the bell and dorje in hand, begin your session by invoking awareness and setting intention. In Tibetan tradition, this is done by reciting a short mantra such as OM AH HUM or Om Mani Padme Hum to purify the space and mind. As you chant, visualize wisdom and compassion - the qualities symbolized by the bell and dorje awakening within you.
Then, gently ring the bell once or three times using a calm wrist motion. Let the clear tone mark the shift from ordinary time to sacred awareness. Hold the dorje steady or raise it slightly as you ring the bell, symbolizing an offering of sound and intention to the Buddhas. Listen until the sound fades, take a deep breath, and feel the stillness it leaves behind. This is the true beginning of your meditation.
Step 4: Mudrās + the Eight Offerings & Mantras
In this step, you perform offering mudrās (symbolic hand gestures) and recite the mantras or seed syllables associated with each of the eight outer offerings as you visualize or present them. This deepens your ritual by combining gesture, sound, and meaning.
The Eight Outer Offerings
1. Water for Drinking (Argham)
Cup your hands together as if offering pure water to a guest. Visualize this as cool, refreshing water that clears thirst and symbolizes purity and generosity. Chant Om Argham Ah Hum as you imagine presenting it to the Buddhas.
2. Water for Washing (Padyam)
Hold your hands slightly apart, palms facing upward, as if offering water to wash the feet. This gesture represents respect and humility cleansing impurities before sacred presence. Recite Om Padyam Ah Hum.
3. Flowers (Pushpe)
Open your hands like blooming petals, fingertips slightly curved upward. Visualize offering beautiful, fragrant flowers that symbolize joy, devotion, and perfection. Say Om Pushpe Ah Hum.
4. Incense (Dhupe)
With palms together, slowly separate your index and middle fingers upward like rising smoke. Visualize a soft trail of incense purifying the space, representing moral discipline and purity. Chant Om Dhupe Ah Hum.
5. Light (Aloke)
Cup your hands together and imagine holding a small lamp or candle. Visualize it glowing brightly, dispelling all darkness and ignorance with the light of wisdom. Recite Om Aloke Ah Hum.
6. Perfume (Gandhe)
Move your hands gracefully in a small circular motion near your heart, palms facing upward, as though offering sweet fragrance. This symbolizes purity of speech and intention. Say Om Gandhe Ah Hum.
7. Food (Naivedya)
Hold your hands as if presenting a bowl filled with nourishing food. Visualize offering it to the Buddhas, symbolizing generosity and the wish to sustain all beings. Chant Om Naivedya Ah Hum.
8. Music (Shabda)
Gently raise your right hand slightly while holding or ringing the bell. Let the sound spread like a musical offering, symbolizing bliss and harmony filling all directions. Recite Om Shabda Ah Hum.
(Pictures source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vvNXC1Z2vY4)
Step 5: Concluding the Practice
End your session with care and gratitude. When you’re ready, stop chanting and let the bell’s sound fade. Sit quietly for a moment, reflecting on the calm and insight you’ve gained. You may offer a short dedication prayer or wish that your practice benefits all beings.
Then, ring the bell once to close the ritual. Raise the dorje slightly as you do, letting the clear tone symbolize awakening back to ordinary awareness.
Gently place both items on a clean surface, keeping the bell upright and the dorje beside it never on the floor. This shows respect and the union of wisdom and compassion. Take a quiet moment of gratitude before ending your meditation.
