Tibetan Prayer Wheel: Prayer turning and prayer wheels in Tibetan Buddhism

A Tibetan prayer wheel, also known as a Mani wheel, is a hollow cylindrical spinner wheel filled with mantras associated with a particular Buddha. The spinning prayer wheels are seen as a way to accumulate merit and blessings. It is an inseparable part of the Tibetan Buddhist traditions. According to Tibetan Buddhism, the more mantras are chanted, the more devotion to the Buddha is expressed. Turning the prayer wheel is like saying the mantra. Each rotation of the prayer wheel is equivalent to reciting the mantra in the prayer wheel once. Constantly rotating the prayer wheel represents reciting the mantra repeatedly. The common mantra in Tibetan prayer wheels is the compassion mantra "Om Mani Padme Hum". “Mani” appears in this sacred mantra.

Tibetan Buddhist prayer wheels are typically made of metal, wood, and stone. They are mounted on a rod handle or axis made of wood or a precious metal. The hollow cylinder contains mantras written on paper or carved on metal plates, and the outside of the cylinder has exquisite reliefs such as lotus flowers and goldfish. It can be spun using a small movement of the wrist. In Tibetan areas, Tibetan people can be seen everywhere holding prayer wheels and turning them continuously. Some Tibetans have made turning prayer wheels a part of their daily lives. They are not only an important tool for Tibetan Buddhists. Over the centuries, they have also become a symbol of the Tibetan people's spirit and faith.

Origins

Tibetan prayer wheels originated from the ancient Bon Religion in India. They were first used as an offering by Indian Buddhists. Later, it was introduced to Tibet. The first prayer wheels started being used in Tibet in the 4th century. As Buddhism was introduced to Tibet in the 7th century, the prayer wheel was modified to integrated into Tibetan Buddhism. They gradually became an important ritual implement and belief tool in Tibetan Buddhism.

Meaning of the Tibet Prayer Wheel

In Tibetan Buddhism, the prayer wheel is not just a simple ritual tool, but also a carrier of faith in the hearts of believers. The rotation of prayer wheels represents the reincarnation of life. In addition, they can also pray to the gods to bring good luck and happiness.

Faith

In Tibetan Buddhism, the prayer wheel is a carrier of faith in the hearts of believers. Each hollow cylinder wheel contains mantras written on paper or carved on metal plates. When believers turn the prayer wheels, it is like chanting these mantras. This expresses the believers' piety and respect for the Buddha.

Reincarnation

The rotation of the prayer wheel represents the reincarnation and circulation of life. In Tibetan Buddhism, the cycle of life and death is one of the core teachings. The rotation of the prayer wheel symbolizes that all living beings are constantly circulating in the cycle of life and death. Through practice accumulating virtue and doing good deeds, they can achieve the goal of liberation.

Pray

In Tibetan culture, prayer wheels are regarded as a kind of auspicious object that can bring good luck and peace. By turning the prayer wheels, believers pray for the protection and blessing of the gods to bring good luck and happiness. This meaning makes prayer wheels an indispensable part of Tibetan culture.

Types of Tibetan Prayer Wheel

Tibetan Prayer Wheel mainly includes two types: the Handheld and the Temple-fixed.

Handheld prayer wheel

Handheld prayer wheels are generally smaller and portable. They are made of metal and wood and can be elaborately decorated with inscriptions of mantras and other decorative elements.

Temple-fixed prayer wheel

Temple-fixed prayer wheels are installed in temples, monasteries, or along pilgrimage routes. These prayer wheels are larger, often with even more intricate designs. Some are mechanized, powered by water or wind, so they rotate even when no one is around. They are placed to give devotees easy access to spin them as they pass by.

When to Use a Tibetan Prayer Wheel

Many Tibetans use Tibetan prayer wheels every day, sometimes for hours at a time. Some Tibetans will make spinning prayer wheels part of their daily routine. However, there are no clear rules on when to use Tibetan prayer wheels. Here are a few situations. Please note that prayer wheels should not be turned while a lama is speaking or giving spiritual teachings.

1, Daily meditation and mantra recitations.
2, Group spiritual practices such as Chenrezi, The Heart Sutra, etc.
3, Circumambulating a stupa or a sacred place.
4, Watching television or listening to radio or music.
5, Daily works.

How to use your Tibetan prayer wheel?

Environment

Turn the prayer wheel, you should choose a quiet and comfortable environment. Then calm down and concentrate before starting to turn.

Hand-held posture

When holding the prayer wheel, the thumb must be placed flat and held together with the other four fingers. In addition, The thumb must not be raised to hold the handle. Turning the prayer wheel in this position is like pointing at the Buddha with your feet.

Turned clockwise

The prayer wheel should be turned clockwise with the right hand. It is important to turn the prayer wheel in the direction in which the mantra was written and wound in the mill. Counterclockwise rotation is incorrect. Because one rotation clockwise represents reciting a sutra, while counterclockwise rotation means going backward.

Turning the prayer wheel should be steady and gentle, avoid turning it too quickly.

Recitation of mantra

You may accompany your practice of the prayer wheel with the recitation of mantras, whether they are related to the mantras contained in the wheel or not.

Conclusion

The Tibetan prayer wheel is one of the important instruments of Tibetan Buddhism. It is an important part of Tibetan culture and belief. In addition, it also represents the Tibetan people's yearning and pursuit for a better life. Visit and learn about the Tibetan prayer wheel, we can feel the power of faith and the charm of culture.