The dorje represents the diamond septre (the Indian term is 'vajra'). It symbolises the indestructible, immutable and impenetrable state of enlightenment. It also stands for the male principle of 'method' and in ritual practice it is held in the right or 'male' hand. The bell (Tibetan: dril bhu; Indian: ghanta) represents the female principle of 'perfection of wisdom' and is held in the left hand. Used together in ritual practice, the dorje and bell convey the inseperable union of method and wisdom in following the spiritual path. Ritual practice using bell and dorje involves the lama constantly changing the positions of the items through beautifully stylised and fluid hand and arm movements. In Tibetan Buddhism, this practice is undertaken only by those recognised to be advanced in their spiritual development.
As with most Tibetan Buddhist artefacts, the form and decoration of both dorje and bell are extremely rich in symbolism with every part having one or more meanings. Some examples are:
Dorje: The eight lotus petals on either side of the the central sphere of the dorje represent the eight bodhisatvas (enlightened beings who bring great compassion to all living beings) and their eight female consorts. The five tapering prongs of the upper end of the dorje represent the Five Buddhas (Akshobhya, Vairochana, Ratnasambhava, Amitabha and Amoghasiddhi) and the unity of their consumate wisdoms and qualities. The five prongs at the other end of the dorje represent the five female consorts of the Buddhas (Mamaki, Lochana, Vajradhatvishvari, Pandara and Tara) and the unity of their qualities and attribute. Together, the ten prongs symbolise the ten perfections (charity, morality, patience, industry, meditation, wisdom, skillful means, aspiration, inner strength and pure awareness).
Bell: The hollow of the bell symbolises the wisdom that understands emptiness whilst the clapper represents the sound of emptiness. The handle of the bell is made up of a vase at its base, above this is the face of Prajnaparamita, the incarnation of complete transcendental wisdom; above this are a lotus, a moon disc and finally a dorje. The decoration of the body of the bell includes multiple dorjes; pearl or conch rosaries; a frieze of monster heads representing cemeteries; a lotus flower of eight petals representing eight bodhisatvas, each petal showing the symbol of the female consor. The arrangement of these deorations is such that in looking down on the bell from a position directly above it, you will see a Tibetan mandala.
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