The vajra is a metaphor for the present, single thought-moment. Just as a vajra is the supreme treasure in substance, pure and untainted in appearance, and vastly beneficial in function, so too is this present single thought-moment: its substance is the Dharma-realm itself, its appearance is free from all defilement, and its function pervades everything. Furthermore, this present thought-moment *is* the vajra. The vajra jewel of the world is only a metaphor using mind—it is a worldly treasure; it resembles mind but is not mind, resembling a worldly treasure.
This present single thought-moment—this vajra-mind—is precisely the three types of wisdom. The true essence of reality is called Substantial Wisdom; the state free of defilement is called Contemplative Wisdom; the function pervading everything is called Verbal Wisdom. To realize that this single thought-moment is these three wisdoms is to reach the Perfection (pāramitā), for it is precisely the ultimate shore of the three virtues. Because the nature of this single thought-moment remains unchanged throughout past and future, because it can be upheld as a standard, and because all sages