A Most Interesting & Unusual Form of Antique Tibetan Buddhist Large Dagger-Short Sword. A Dpa'dam. Decorated With Repousse Dragon and Buddha, Seated in the Padmasana Pose, in Dhyana Mudra, With Mandorla, a Coral Stone Bead Inset & Unalome Spiral Sun

The Buddhist spiral unalome sun represents the confusing, winding path of life before spiritual awakening, with its detours and obstacles. Carved polished bone handle. Single edged steel blade.

Tibetan craftsmanship, blending deep spiritual symbolism with intricate artistic detail.

Buddhist symbols on oriental weapons include images like Buddha, seated in the padmasana pose, in dhyana mudra, with mandorla, the Dragon, Vajra (thunderbolt), the Dharma Wheel, the Lotus flower, and Kannon, the thousand-armed deity, the Sun Wheel Spiral. These symbols serve as protection for the user, represent inner power or the Buddha's teachings, and reflect spiritual qualities like mindfulness and the growth of the spirit through practice. Engravings of Buddhist figures like Fudo and Sanskrit characters are also common for warding off evil.

Tibetan Buddhism is a form of Buddhism that evolved in Tibet and is practiced in the Himalayan region, Bhutan, Mongolia, and parts of Russia, with a global following. It combines Mahayana Buddhist teachings with Vajrayana (Tantric) practices and elements from the indigenous Tibetan religion, Bon. Key aspects include a strong emphasis on the teacher-student relationship, the Tulku tradition (recognized reincarnating lamas), and a spiritual ideal centered on the bodhisattva, who seeks enlightenment for all beings.

Overall 19.5 inches long, blade 14.5 inches long

Code: 25963