Samaya Gokorei (Five-Pronged Vajra Bell), 11th–14th century. Gilt, cast bronze, 6 x 2 3/4 in. (15.2 x 7 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Bernice and Robert Dickes, 69.124.2. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 69.124.2_PS11.jpg)
Samaya Gokorei (Five-Pronged Vajra Bell), 11th–14th century. Gilt, cast bronze, 6 x 2 3/4 in. (15.2 x 7 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Bernice and Robert Dickes, 69.124.2. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: , 69.124.1_69.124.2_SL1.jpg)
Samaya Gokorei (Five-Pronged Vajra Bell), 11th–14th century. Gilt, cast bronze, 6 x 2 3/4 in. (15.2 x 7 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Bernice and Robert Dickes, 69.124.2. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 69.124.2.jpg)
Samaya Gokorei (Five-Pronged Vajra Bell)
Asian Art
Objects intended for ritual use by priests of Esoteric Buddhism include the bell "to awaken the seeds of enlightenment" and the weapon "to destroy human lusts and desires." Characteristically, they are executed with stylized ornamentation of scrolling lotus petals, floral scroll patterns, and auspicious Sanskrit symbols. The proper ghanta and vajra forms and decoration, along with their role in the rituals, were a matter of secret knowledge passed down from generation to generation of teacher to follower.
