|
|
|
| If
you are searching for something else which is not listed here,
then please e-mail
us,
we will try our best to provide you full information and product. |
| Thank
You, |
| Handicraft
Shop Team |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
| Prayer
Wheels |
| |
| The
prayer wheel is an ever present sight throughout the Buddhist Himalaya.
In addition to the hand held "mani wheels", it is customary
to see rows of wall mounted mani wheels outside of monasteries,
and chortens (reliquary shrines), and other significant Buddhist
land marks. These rows of prayer wheels are usually situated along
the "kora" or circumabulation route which people use as
they walk clockwise around the monastery or shrine. It is also very
common, especially in more remote areas to see prayer wheels which
are powered by the forces of nature, being placed over streams so
that the passing water turns the prayer wheel, or placed into a
wind driven device.
|
| |
| The
prayer wheel is an undoubtedly ancient device and like many such items
it is very difficult to pinpoint an exact period when they first came
into use. The earliest written documentation currently seems to be
that of the Chinese pilgrim Fa Hien who, in 400 AD, while traveling
through the area of present day Ladakh, mentions seeing them in use.
|
| |
| The
prayer wheel is most often made of metal but occasionally they are
to be found made of wood or other mediums. In any case they are a
hollow receptacle, which rotates on a central axis. The interior of
the prayer wheels are filled with countless quantities of the mantra
"OM MANI PADME HUM". This is the six syllable mantra invoking
Avalokiteswara - the embodiment of compassion. Each complete turn
of the wheel is thought to equal repeating the mantra the number of
times it is written on the rolled prayer scroll inside. |
| |
| The
repetition of this mantra generates merit which benefits all beings,
and helps to purify the environment in general and mind stream of
anyone practicing its repetition in particular. Besides being filled
with printed mantras the outside of the wheel is also embellished
with the mantra, and varying degrees of ornamentation of the metal
or wood. In addition, it is often the case that semiprecious stones
such as turquoise or coral may be attached. |
| |
| The
hand held prayer wheels are an ubiquitous piece of equipment amongst
the practitioners of Mahayana Buddhism in the Himalayan region. Everyone,
young and old may be seen making use of a free hand during work and
especially idle moments, to set the mani wheel in motion, spinning
clockwise, generating multitudes of prayers with each revolution for
the benefit and enlightenment of all sentient beings. |
|
|
