Material: Copper. Pendant. (Amulet)

Size: 3 ~ 5 cm Various styles

Description:

Tibetan Buddhist amulets (often called "blessed objects" or "holy objects" in Tibetan, such as "Gawu" or "Mandala") are objects with religious significance, usually believed to provide protection, blessing or bring good luck. The following is an overview of the meaning and use of Tibetan Buddhist amulets:

**Meaning of amulets**

1. **Spiritual protection**:

Amulets are usually believed to have the function of warding off evil, eliminating disasters, and protecting the wearer from negative energy or evil spirits. These objects are often blessed by high monks or lamas, giving them special spiritual powers.

2. **Blessing and blessing**:

Amulets are regarded as a medium for the blessing of Buddhism or the master. Wearing or offering amulets can help practitioners establish a connection with Buddha, Bodhisattva or Dharma protectors, enhance the power of practice, and bring peace, health or wisdom.

3. **Reminders for Mindfulness**:

Amulets often serve as a reminder to help the wearer stay mindful, follow Buddhist teachings, avoid evil deeds, and cultivate compassion and wisdom.

4. **Symbolism and Beliefs**:

Different amulets may contain specific Buddha images, scriptures, mandalas, or sacred objects (such as relics), which symbolize the energy of a specific Buddha or Bodhisattva. For example, the amulet of Avalokitesvara symbolizes compassion, and the amulet of Manjusri symbolizes wisdom.

**Common Types of Amulets**

1. **Gau**:

This is a small portable metal or wooden box that usually contains scriptures, Buddha images, sacred objects, or pills, and is worn on the body or hung at home. Gau is regarded as a portable shrine.

2. **Blessing Rope (Knotted Rope)**:

A colorful knotted rope blessed by a lama or monk, usually tied around the wrist or neck, represents protection and good luck.

3. **Scripture or Mandala**:

Some amulets contain miniature scriptures (such as the Heart Sutra) or mandalas, which are believed to have powerful blessings.

4. **Buddha statues or sacred objects**:

Small Buddha statues, relics or sacred soil are also often made into amulets for believers to carry with them.

**How ​​to use**

1. **Wear or carry**:

- Amulets are usually worn on the body (such as necklaces, bracelets or put in pockets) to ensure that their spiritual power protects the wearer at all times.

- Gawu is often hung around the neck or tied around the waist, and should be avoided in unclean places (such as bathrooms or near the feet).

2. **Offering and prayer**:

- Amulets can be placed on the altar at home and offered together with Buddha statues, incense or other offerings.

- When wearing or offering, believers often chant mantras (such as "Om Mani Padme Hum") or pray to enhance the amulet's blessing power.

3. **Keep respect**:

- Amulets are regarded as sacred objects and should be treated with respect. Avoid throwing them away or placing them in unclean places.

- If the amulet is damaged, it should be returned to the temple or properly burned, and then blessed with scriptures before disposal.

4. **Regular blessing**:

- Believers may bring amulets to the temple regularly and ask lamas or monks to re-bless them to maintain their spiritual power.

**Notes**

- **The importance of mind**: Tibetan Buddhism emphasizes that the effectiveness of amulets comes from the wearer's piety and mindfulness, rather than simply relying on the object itself.

- **Cultural respect**: Non-believers who use amulets should treat them with respect and avoid treating them as mere decorations.

- **Reliable Source**: Amulets should be obtained from a formal temple or a trusted lama to ensure their authenticity and blessing power.

**Summary**

Tibetan Buddhist amulets are symbols of faith and practice, representing reminders of protection, blessing and mindfulness. By respectfully wearing, offering or chanting, believers can establish a deeper connection with the Dharma and gain spiritual support and strength. When using, they must be pious and respectful, and follow the traditional norms of Tibetan Buddhism.