Tibet
18th century
The vajra and bell are the most widely used implements in Tantric Buddhist rituals. They often appear being held by deities and humans in paintings and sculptures. The two objects are highly symbolic, with the vajra scepter representing method (compassionate action) and the bell representing wisdom (understanding of reality). When used together they represent the unity of these two key aspects of the enlightened mind.
A bell is often paired with the vajra and is another implement used in tantric practices and an attribute of tantric masters and deities. It generally symbolizes wisdom, the feminine aspect of enlightenment, and its ring is said to be the sound of emptiness.
The antidote to ignorance, with the highest form of wisdom being an understanding of the true nature of reality and all phenomena. In Buddhism studying the nature of interdependence and emptiness is considered an important step for attaining wisdom.
Prescribed practices that carry symbolic meaning and value within a specific tradition and are intended to attain a desired outcome. Rituals are usually done as part of a ceremony or regular routine.
A religious movement that originated in India around the fifth to seventh century with sacred writings and esoteric teachings and practices transmitted from teacher to student through initiation. These remain an important part of Hinduism and Buddhism today.
Today, Tibetans primarily inhabit the Tibetan Plateau, situated between the Himalayan mountain range and the Indian subcontinent to the west, Chinese cultural regions to the east, and Mongolian cultural regions to the northeast. During the 7th to 9th century, Tibetan rulers expanded their empire across Central Asia, and established Buddhism as the state religion.
February 15–July 27, 2025Utah Museum of Fine Arts
University of Utah
Salt Lake City, Utah
Get the latest news and stories from the Rubin, plus occasional information on how to support our work.
