Phurpa

Phurpa is in fact a deity.  There are five aspects or manifestations of Tonpa Shenrab for body, speech, mind, superior quality and superior deed.  Each of these elements is represented by a deity.  Phurpa is the superior deed manifestation of Tonpa Shenrab.  The superior deed is now used as a symbol that is held in the hand.   

The top of the Phurpa has intricate knot, that is the divine palace of wrathful father deities and the mid section of a Phurpa has flame symbolizing wisdom and intricate knot that is the divine palace of wrathful mother deities. The center of the Phurpa has eight sides and is hollow inside symbolizing unification of emptiness and clear light. To completely subdue the negative emotions, it has very sharp point.  The figure under the sharp point of the Phurpa is representation of our negative emotions that the Phurpa destroys.   

Materials used for making Phurpa: Phurpas  can be made from different materials.  Iron,  kyerwa, ( a plant from which a kind of yellow dye is made in Tibet.) Glass, Seng ding, (an acacia tree with very hard wood used for the point of ploughshares.) and Chu shing (Banana or plantain trees.)etc


During the Phurpa ritual with HE Menri Lopon Rinpoche at Menri 
monastery, in India.