Historical talisman traditions
Vajra and Dorje
The Pavitts call the Dorje a Lamaist scepter and connect it with Indra’s thunderbolt. They report its use as a talisman against demons and for fruitfulness. Their explanation recounts the defeat of the drought demon Ahi and the release of rain. The Tibetan ritual object is thus interpreted through a broader thunderbolt myth in the compilation.
Also known as Dorje
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In the sources
Principal account
ReportedThe Pavitts call the Dorje a Lamaist scepter and connect it with Indra’s thunderbolt. They report its use as a talisman against demons and for fruitfulness.
Further detail
ReportedTheir explanation recounts the defeat of the drought demon Ahi and the release of rain. The Tibetan ritual object is thus interpreted through a broader thunderbolt myth in the compilation.
Context & interpretation
The Pavitts’ 1922 compilation gathers symbols and attributed powers from several traditions, sometimes with conjectural origins. Its statements about protection, health, and fortune document talismanic belief rather than demonstrated effects or medical guidance.
Original passages
Source 1
The Book of Talismans, Amulets and Zodiacal Gems
embraces the whole world. In Thibet, the Lamaist Sceptre, or Dorje, the thunderbolt of Indra, is greatly valued as a Talisman (see Illustration No. 26,Open this page in the book
Passage & edition details
Location recorded at citation review: Historical talisman traditions; active reader leaf 64
Exact passage checked against active scan text and original-leaf mapping; scan line breaks normalised.
- Edition
- IMJ-0074-E001
- Reader page
- IMJ-0074-E001-P0064
- Original scan leaf
- 65
- Recorded leaf number
- 65
- Current Reader position
- 57
- Reader verification
- Source-preserving update confirmed
Source 2
The Book of Talismans, Amulets and Zodiacal Gems
sending forth lightnings and thunder against Ahi the demon of drought, whom he overcomes with his thunderbolt, compelling him to pour down the fertilising showers.Open this page in the book
Passage & edition details
Location recorded at citation review: Historical talisman traditions; active reader leaf 64
Exact passage checked against active scan text and original-leaf mapping; scan line breaks normalised.
- Edition
- IMJ-0074-E001
- Reader page
- IMJ-0074-E001-P0064
- Original scan leaf
- 65
- Recorded leaf number
- 65
- Current Reader position
- 57
- Reader verification
- Source-preserving update confirmed