Purba ~ PURBA ~ A Tantric Meditation on the Kila (PHURBA) ~ Tibetan Buddhist Mantras & Music

Описание: Purba - PURBA ~ A Tantric Meditation on the Kila (phurba) ~ Tibetan Buddhist Mantras & Music

The term Purba (also spelled phurba or purpa) holds significant meaning in both the Bon religion (the indigenous tradition of Tibet) and Tibetan Buddhism. In both contexts, it primarily refers to a ritual implement and, in some cases, an associated deity. The Sanskrit term for this object is Kīla (or Kilaya).

Here is an exploration of its significance in each tradition:

Purba in Tibetan Buddhism
In Tibetan Buddhism, the Purba (Kīla) is one of the most potent of the wrathful ritual implements, strongly associated with the practice of Vajrakīlaya (or Vajrakila).

Ritual Implement:

It is essentially a three-bladed ritual stake or dagger. It is not considered a physical weapon for violence but a spiritual tool to "pin down," subdue, or transmute negative energies, obstacles, and defilements.


Symbolism of the Three Blades: The three sides of the blade typically symbolize the conquest of the Three Poisons (Sanskrit: mūla kleśa):

Attachment/Greed/Craving

Aversion/Hatred/Anger

Delusion/Ignorance

It represents the Karma activity of all Buddhas—the power to act skillfully to cut through delusion and establish stability.

Usage: It is used in consecration rituals, establishing sacred space (like laying the foundation for a temple or mandala), exorcism, weather manipulation, and meditation practices focused on overcoming inner obstacles.

Iconography: Buddhist Purbas often feature a handle decorated with elements of the Vajra (thunderbolt scepter), and the top may depict three wrathful faces symbolizing the three bodies of the Buddha or the conquest of the three poisons.

Deity Association:

The implement is the physical manifestation of the deity Vajrakīlaya, the wrathful aspect of enlightened activity, who uses the kīla to powerfully destroy hindrances to enlightenment.

Purba in the Bon Religion
The Bon tradition also utilizes the Purba as a ritual object and associates it with a specific deity, often with distinctions from the Buddhist counterpart.

Ritual Object:

Like in Buddhism, the Bon Purba is a ritual implement used in ceremonies.

Distinguishing Features: A key way to distinguish a Bon Purba from a Buddhist one is often the absence of the vajra symbol on the handle. Instead, Bon Purbas might be crowned with a Garuda (king of birds), which symbolizes the subjugation of adverse forces. The intertwined knots on the handle are common to both traditions.


Materials: Purbas made of meteorite iron are highly prized in both traditions.

Deity Association:

The Bon tradition has a corresponding meditational deity named Purba Drugse Chempa (The Peg), who represents activity within the Bon pantheon. This deity's iconography will feature Bon-specific elements, such as the yungdrung (Bon swastika) symbol, instead of the Buddhist vajra.

Historical Context and Overlap
Origins Debate: The exact historical origin of the kīla (peg) implement is debated, with arguments for origins in early Indian Tantric Buddhism or in ancient Bon shamanistic practices. However, its integration and refinement into the main Vajrayana systems of both traditions are clear.

Shared Heritage: Because Bon and Tibetan Buddhism share a deep cultural and religious history on the Tibetan plateau, many ritual implements, deities, and practices show significant parallel development and influence on one another. The Purba is a prime example of an object with profound significance in both spiritual lineages.

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