Phurpa
Kila (Sanskrit) or Phurpa (Tibetan) is a three-sided peg, dagger, or nail like ritual implement that is used during Vajrakilaya practices and Puja. It is normally made from brass and iron. The head (Pommel) of the Phurpa has the faces of Vajrakilaya; the handle is a Vajra and the blade is formed from three triangular facets that taper to a point at the end. The blades represent the ability of the implement to transform the Three poisons which create the three worlds into transcendental wisdoms of the Buddha. This is possible because the deity Vajrakilaya is closely embodied into the Phurpa after consecration and will swiftly destroy all our poisons like anger, hatred, violence and aggression by binding them at the blade and destroying them by the tip. The head of the Phurpa can be used for imparting blessings.
As the Phurpa is consecrated and bound, it represents the Nirmanakaya manifestation of Vajrakilaya. We can plunge the kila into the earth to invoke its effectiveness, or wrap it with a blue cloth or khatag for those not initiated. We can place it standing in a bowl or basket filled with rice grain by piercing the rice vertically down with the pointed end.
For those who have been initiated or empowered, the Phurpa can be used effectively during practices and ceremonial prayers by stabilizing the ground. The Phurpa through the Power of the Lama visualization can purify and cure diseases, exorcise spirit within and destroy maras, enhance meditation and perform consecration during Puja and even control weather conditions.
In summary the general functions of the Phurpa are
to:
1) Bestow blessings
2) Purify and Pacify
3) Destroy those who harm Dharma
4) Protect the Buddhadharma
Finally, for those who travel to afar regularly, open new frontier in places where the Buddhadharma is non-existent or visiting new places, it is very beneficial to be blessed by Kilaya and in possession of a Phurpa for all round protection.
