Historical information

As Buddhism spread to Tibet in the 7th century, prayer wheels became an essential attribute of Tibetan Buddhist practice. This practice is linked to teachings attributed to Nagarjuna (ca. 150 –250 CE), who emphasised the power of mantra recitation and visualisation. A prayer wheel, used for personal worship, allowed to release the spiritual power contained within the mantras, enabling practitioners, including those who could not read, to generate spiritual merit.

Significance

Prayer wheels are used by Tibetan practitioners every day, sometimes hours at a time. They believe that turning the wheel with a pure, compassionate intention releases the mantras into the universe, which purifies negative karma, accumulates merit, and radiates compassion to all living beings.

Physical description

This hand-held prayer wheel features a cylindrical bronze body embossed with the Om Mani Padme Hum mantra and traditional Tibetan decorative motifs. It is further embellished with prominent inlaid red coral beads. The top of the cylinder is surmounted by a decorative, tiered conical finial, shaped in the form of a lotus bud or sacred jewel. A small metal chain with a weight is attached to the side of the cylinder, providing the centrifugal force needed to maintain a smooth, continuous rotation when the prayer wheel is spun by its wooden handle during prayer or meditation.

Inscriptions & markings

"Om Mani Padme Hum" in Tibetan script