Material: Alloy. Wind speed meter (two colors: gold/silver)

Size: 15cm

Description:

I. Origin of the prayer wheel

1. **Historical and cultural roots**

The origin of the prayer wheel can be traced back to the Tantric tradition of Indian Buddhism, which is related to the concept of the Dharma Wheel symbolizing the spread of the Buddha's teachings. As Buddhism was introduced to Tibet in the 7th century (during the reign of Songtsen Gampo), the form of the prayer wheel developed in Tibet, integrating the Mantra culture of Indian Buddhism and the rotation ritual tradition of the local Bon religion.

- **Indian Buddhist influence**: In ancient India, the Dharma Wheel symbolized the Buddha's first turning of the Dharma Wheel (proclaiming the Four Noble Truths in Deer Park). Tantric practitioners wrote scriptures on paper and placed them in a rotating device, symbolizing the constant rotation of the Dharma. This practice evolved into the prayer wheel as Buddhism was introduced to Tibet.

- **Bon fusion**: Bon religion used rotating objects (such as flags or wheels) for worship and blessing, which influenced the design of prayer wheels. Tibetan Buddhism incorporated mantras and scriptures, giving them religious significance.

- **Popularization by Guru Padmasambhava**: In the Nyingma tradition, Guru Padmasambhava (8th century) is considered to have popularized the use of prayer wheels. He taught believers to place the six-syllable mantra (Om Mani Padme Hum) in the prayer wheel, and through rotation, amplify the merits of the mantra, purify karma and spread the Dharma.

2. **Manufacturing and form**

Prayer wheels are usually cylindrical, made of wood, metal or bone, with rolled-up scriptures or mantras (mainly the six-syllable mantra, Tibetan: Om Mani Padme Hum) inside. The outer shell is often engraved with mantras, eight auspicious symbols or other patterns. Prayer wheels are divided into the following forms:

- **Handheld prayer wheels**: small, easy for personal carrying and rotation.

- **Fixed prayer wheels**: large, installed at temples, pagodas or village entrances.

- **Water-powered or wind-powered prayer wheels**: driven by natural forces, symbolizing the uninterrupted spread of Buddhism.

The scriptures contained can reach millions of times, and one rotation is equivalent to reciting all the scriptures.

2. The symbolic meaning of prayer wheels

1. **The Dharma Wheel is always rotating**

The prayer wheel symbolizes the sustainable spread of the Buddha's teachings, just like the Dharma Wheel rolling, spreading to all directions. The rotation action is believed to spread the Dharma in the universe, purify the environment and benefit all living beings, reflecting the Tibetan Buddhist concept of salvation.

2. **The power of mantra**

The mantra in the prayer wheel (such as the six-syllable mantra) is related to the compassion of Avalokitesvara (Chenrezig). Rotating the prayer wheel is equivalent to repeatedly reciting the mantra, calling on Avalokitesvara to bless and help all living beings eliminate suffering and gain liberation.

3. **Purification and Merit**

Rotating the prayer wheel is believed to purify the bad karma of body, speech and mind, eliminate troubles and obstacles, and accumulate infinite merit. Tibetan Buddhism believes that the blessing power of the prayer wheel can affect the surrounding environment and benefit humans and non-humans (such as animals, ghosts and gods).

4. **Cosmic Harmony**

The circular shape and rotating action of the prayer wheel symbolize the cycle and harmony of the universe, echoing the philosophy of "dependent origination and emptiness". The rotation process integrates personal practice into the cosmic order and promotes internal and external balance.

5. **Compassion and Wisdom**

The prayer wheel is closely linked to the compassion of Avalokitesvara, and the act of rotation embodies the spirit of altruism. At the same time, the scriptures contained in it represent wisdom, and the rotation symbolizes the unity of compassion and wisdom, which is the core concept of Tantric practice.

3. How to use the prayer wheel

1. **Personal practice**

- **Hand-held prayer wheel**: Believers rotate the hand-held prayer wheel clockwise and chant mantras (such as the six-syllable mantra) for meditation, pilgrimage or daily prayers to help focus and purify the mind.

- **Meditation aid**: The rhythmic rotation of the prayer wheel helps regulate breathing and enter a state of meditation. It is often used for retreat or visualization practice.

2. **Temple and public places**

- **Fixed prayer wheel**: Set up at the entrance of a temple, pagoda or village, believers circle and rotate clockwise, combined with the practice of circumambulating the pagoda (Kora) to accumulate merit.

- **Hydraulic/wind-powered prayer wheel**: Use natural forces to rotate continuously, symbolizing the uninterrupted spread of Buddhism, and is commonly seen in rivers or mountain passes in Tibetan areas.

3. **Rituals and Dharma assemblies**

- **Offering and purification**: The prayer wheel is used to offer to the deity (such as Guanyin, Vajrasattva) or purify the venue in the Dharma assembly to enhance the effect of the ceremony.

- **Sacrifice and blessing**: In rituals to save the souls of the dead or pray for health and longevity, rotating prayer wheels are believed to guide the souls of the dead or bring blessings.

4. **Pilgrimage activities**

Pilgrims often carry handheld prayer wheels when circumambulating holy places (such as the Potala Palace in Lhasa and Mount Kailash), combining chanting with circumambulation to enhance the merits of practice.

IV. Application of different sects

1. **Nyingma (Red Sect)**

The Nyingma sect emphasizes the treasure tradition of Guru Padmasambhava, and prayer wheels often contain his mantras (such as "Om Ah Hum Benza Guru Pema Siddhi Hum"), which are used in Avalokitesvara practice and purification rituals.

2. **Kagyu (White Sect)**

The Kagyu sect focuses on the practice of Mahāmudrā, and prayer wheels are used for mind adjustment and retreat, emphasizing the subjugation of scattered consciousness and combining it with the practice of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva.

3. **Sakya (Flower Sect)**

The Sakya sect uses prayer wheels in the practice of treasure protection and Avalokitesvara, which contain mantras related to the "Dodrupa Dharma" and focus on the unity of compassion and wisdom.

4. **Gelug (Yellow Sect)**

The Gelug sect regards the prayer wheel as one of the "Seven Treasures", emphasizing its purification and offering functions, and often uses it in rituals such as the anniversary of Tsongkhapa's death.

V. Modern influence of prayer wheels

1. **Globalization**

As Tibetan Buddhism spread to Europe, America and Asia, prayer wheels became a common ritual tool in Buddhist centers and spiritual places. Western practitioners use it to assist meditation and regard it as a symbol of purification and auspiciousness.

2. **Culture and Art**

The exquisite design of the prayer wheel (such as engraved mantras and auspicious symbols) has become a representative of Tibetan handicrafts, appearing in temple decorations and cultural exhibitions, attracting global attention.

3. **Modern Innovation**

Electronic prayer wheels have emerged in modern times, which rotate using electricity or solar energy and contain digitalized scriptures. Although convenient, some traditionalists believe that they lack piety.

4. **Ecology and Ethics**

The compassion concept of Tibetan Buddhism has prompted believers to pay attention to the materials used to make prayer wheels, advocating the use of sustainable wood and metal to reduce environmental impact.

VI. Summary

The prayer wheel is an important instrument in Tibetan Buddhism. It originated from the Dharma wheel concept of Indian Buddhism and the rotating ritual of Tibetan Bon religion. After being promoted by Guru Padmasambhava, it became a tool for spreading Buddhism and purifying karma. It symbolizes the constant rotation of the Dharma wheel, the power of mantras, the unity of cosmic harmony and compassionate wisdom, and is widely used in personal practice, temple ceremonies and pilgrimage activities. Various sects (such as the Nyingma and Gelug sects) have slightly different focuses on its use, but its core function is purification and accumulation of merit. With the globalization of Tibetan Buddhism, the prayer wheel has become a symbol of religion and culture, embodying the universal spirit of wisdom and compassion.