Vajra

Vajra [Skt.] (Tib. dorje; rdo rje) - a ritual sceptre symbolizing compassion and skilful means, and also a symbol of indestructibility. In tantric rituals the vajra is the counterpart of the bell, which symbolizes the wisdom of emptiness.

Sogyal Rinpoche says:

"Vajra is compared to the diamond, the strongest and most precious of stones. Just as a diamond can cut through anything but is itself completely indestructible, so the unchanging, non-dual wisdom of the buddhas can never be harmed or destroyed by ignorance, and can cut through all delusion and obscurations. The qualities and activities of the body, speech, and wisdom mind of the buddhas are able to benefit beings with the piercing, unhindered power of the diamond. And like a diamond, the vajra is free of defects; its brilliant strength comes from the realization of the dharmakaya nature of reality, the nature of the Buddha Amitabha."

--The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying, Appendix Four, p. 394.

See also seven vajra qualities.