Description
Traditionally, the mantra Om Mani Padme Hum are inscriptions in Sanskrit (or sometimes Tibetan) script and auspicious Buddhist symbols, on the outside of the wheel. Also sometimes depicted are Dakinis, Protectors and very often the 8 auspicious symbols Ashtamangala. This outer part is removable to allow for the insertion of the sacred text into the cylinder. At the core of the cylinder is a “Life Tree” often made of wood or metal with certain mantras written on or wrapped around it. Many thousands (or in the case of larger prayer wheels, millions) of mantras are then wrapped around this life tree. Yak grease is used on the handle to make them spin more quietly.
It is believed that each turn of a prayer wheel represents a recitation of the prayer inside and transports it to heaven.
Varying in size from thimbles to oil drums, with some the size of buildings, prayer wheels can be made of wood, copper, bronze, silver or gold. Pilgrimage paths (koras) are often lined with a prayer wheel. Pilgrims spin the wheels to earn merit and help them focus on the prayers they are reciting. According to Tibetan Buddhist belief, spinning a prayer wheel is just as effective as reciting the sacred texts aloud.
Genuine antique prayer wheels are difficult to find. They are generally held for a lifetime by their owners, in passing they are attached to the top of larger prayer wheels outside temples so the prayers will continue to rise as pilgrims make their circumambulations.
