three-pronged diamond-pounder ［三鈷杵］ ( sanko-sho): An instrument used in the rituals of Esoteric Buddhism, which has three prongs at either end. The diamond-pounder, vajra in Sanskrit, was originally a weapon of ancient India. It was so called because of its hardness, suggesting that, just as a diamond can scratch or break other materials without being damaged, it could prevail over the weapon of any foe. In the rituals of Esoteric Buddhism, the diamond-pounder is symbolic of a firm resolve to attain enlightenment that can destroy any illusion. The ritual implement, usually made of iron or copper, is slender in shape with pointed ends. There is also a five-pronged diamond-pounder and a single-arm diamond-pounder, which has no prongs.