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8" Wooden Tibetan Buddhist Phurpa

$328.50
$438
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In Vedic India, the ritual dagger called "Kila" in Sanskrit and "Phurpa" in Tibetan Buddhism, was first used as a stake or post to which domestic animals or animals meant for ritual sacrifice were attached. The phurba reveals its most symbolic form as the image of Vajrakailaya, with three heads, six arms, and his own body creating the blazing triple-sided blade of a pointed dagger. This is the ultimate weapon that slashes through hatred and stabs evil obstacles. The Phurba is a hand weapon that typically has eight sides, topped with a knot and three fierce deity faces. The bottom extremity of the weapon is formed by a triple-sided blade, naga tails, a lower knot, and a makara head.

Specifications
MIT247
wood
Height: 8.5 inch
Width: 2 inch
Depth: 2 inch
Weight 150 gm
Delivery and Return Policies
Usually ships in 6 days
Returns and Exchanges accepted within 7 days
Free Delivery
Easy Returns
Easy Returns
Return within 7 days of
order delivery.See T&Cs
Fully Insured
Fully Insured
All orders are fully insured
to ensure peace of mind.
100% Handmade
100% Handmade
All products are
MADE IN INDIA.

An Emblem of Spiritual Power

This intricately carved wooden phurpa, a ritual dagger central to Tibetan Buddhist traditions, serves as a potent symbol of spiritual power and protection. Measuring approximately eight inches in length, its compact form belies its profound significance. The phurpa is not merely an object of artistic beauty but a functional tool employed in tantric rituals to transmute negative energies, cut through illusion, and overcome obstacles on the spiritual path. Its design draws heavily from the iconography of wrathful deities, embodying their fierce compassion and unwavering resolve.

Embodiment of Protector Deities

The head of the phurpa often depicts the face of a wrathful deity, such as Mahakala or Hayagriva. These powerful beings are not meant to inspire fear but rather to represent the disciplined force needed to conquer inner demons – greed, hatred, and ignorance. The fearsome visages, with their bared teeth and bulging eyes, symbolize the absolute destruction of negativity. The phurpa's three-sided blade is said to represent the subjugation of the "three poisons" of desire, aversion, and delusion. In this particular carving, the detailed craftsmanship brings to life these powerful archetypes, suggesting a lineage of skilled artisans who understood the deep spiritual resonance of these forms.

Symbolism and Ritual Use

The phurpa is a key implement in empowerments and trans-formative practices. It is ritually used to consecrate sacred spaces, to subdue negative forces that may hinder spiritual progress, and to symbolize the piercing of ignorance. Its presence in a ritual context is a reminder of the practitioner's commitment to spiritual discipline and the ultimate triumph of wisdom over delusion. The act of holding and wielding a phurpa is itself a meditative practice, a connection to ancient lineages and the profound teachings of the Dharma. This wooden phurpa, with its tactile presence, invites contemplation and a deeper engagement with these sacred traditions.

Cultural Significance and Craftsmanship

Originating from the Himalayan region, particularly Nepal and Tibet, the phurpa is deeply ingrained in the spiritual landscape. Its creation is often undertaken with mindful intention, imbuing the object with blessings and protective qualities. The use of wood, a natural and organic material, further connects this ritual object to the earth and its inherent energies. Each carving, unique in its details and variations, tells a story of devotion and skillful artistry passed down through generations. This phurpa is more than just an artifact; it is a tangible link to a rich cultural heritage and a powerful tool for those seeking spiritual growth and protection.

Sculpting Serenity: Unveiling the Art of Crafting Wood Statues

Wood has been a preferred material for sculptures and statues since ancient times. It is easy to work with than most metals and stones and therefore requires less effort to shape it into any desired shape or form. The texture of the wood gives an element of realism to the sculpture. The selection of an appropriate wood type is necessary for carving. Woods that are too resinous or coniferous are not considered good for carving as their fiber is very soft and thus lacks strength. On the other hand, wood such as Mahogany, Oakwood, Walnut wood, Weet cherry wood, etc., are preferred by sculptors because their fiber is harder. A wood sculptor uses various tools such as a pointed chisel in one hand and a mallet in another to bring the wood to the desired measurement and to make intricate details on it. A carving knife is used to cut and smooth the wood. Other tools such as the gouge, V-tool, and coping saw also serve as important tools in wood carving. Although the wood carving technique is not as complex and tough as stone carving or metal sculpting, nonetheless, a wood carver requires a high level of skills and expertise to create a stunning sculpture.

1. Selecting the right wood

The process of wood carving begins with selecting a chunk of wood that is required according to the type and shape of the statue to be created by the sculptor. Both hardwoods and softwoods are used for making artistic pieces, however, hardwoods are preferred more than softer woods because of their durability and longevity. But if heavy detailing is to be done on the statue, wood with fine grain would be needed as it would be difficult to work with hardwood.
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2. Shaping the wood

Once the wood type is selected, the wood carver begins the general shaping process using gouges of various sizes. A gouge is a tool having a curved cutting edge which is useful in removing large unwanted portions of wood easily without splitting the wood. The sculptor always carves the wood across the grain of the wood and not against it.
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3. Adding detailing

When a refined shape of the statue is obtained, it is time for making details on the statue using different tools. This is achieved by using tools such as a veiner to make and a V-tool to create decorative and sharp cuts.
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4. Surface finishing

Once finer details have been added, the sculptor is ready to smoothen the surface and give it a perfect finish. Tools such as rasps and rifflers are used to get a smooth surface. The finer polishing is obtained by rubbing the surface with sandpaper. If a textured surface is required, this step is skipped. Finally, to protect the statue from excessive dirt accumulation, the sculptor applies natural oils such as walnut or linseed oil all over it. This also brings a natural sheen to the statue.
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How to care for Wood Statues?


Wood is extensively used in sculpting especially in countries like China, Germany, and Japan. One feature that makes the wood extremely suitable for making statues and sculptures is that it is light and can take very fine detail. It is easier for artists to work with wood than with other materials such as metal or stone. Both hardwoods, as well as softwood, are used for making sculptures. Wood is mainly used for indoor sculptures because it is not as durable as stone. Changes in weather cause wooden sculptures to split or be attacked by insects or fungus. The principal woods for making sculptures and statues are cedar, pine, walnut, oak, and mahogany. The most common technique that sculptors use to make sculptures out of wood is carving with a chisel and a mallet. Since wooden statues are prone to damage, fire, and rot, they require proper care and maintenance.

 

  • Wood tends to expand and contract even after it has been processed, thus it is always recommended to keep the wooden sculptures in rooms with little humidity. Excess moisture can harm your masterpiece.

 

  • Periodical dusting of the finished piece is necessary to maintain its beauty as dust accumulation on the surface takes away the shine of the sculpture. You can use a clean and soft cloth or a hairbrush for this purpose.

 

  • You must avoid applying any chemical-based solutions that may damage the wood from the inside. Instead, you can apply lemon oil or coconut oil using a cotton rag to the sculpture to bring out its natural shine. Lemon oil also helps to clean any stains on the sculpture.

 

  • Applying a layer of beeswax protects the wood from sun damage and hides even the smallest imperfections on the wood.

 

It is extremely important to preserve and protect wooden sculptures with proper care. A little carelessness and negligence can lead to their decay, resulting in losing all their beauty and strength. Therefore, a regular clean-up of the sculptures is a must to prolong their age and to maintain their shine and luster. 

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