Understanding the Significance of the Prayer Wheel
Amidst our busy schedules, political turbulence, and global calamity we often lose touch and interest in our spiritual lives. As depressing as it sounds, it’s the reality of lives these days. I wanted to get relief from these worldly affairs and relief from this hazy mental state, so I visited Kathmandu (Capital city of Nepal) for a solo trip. There I was mesmerized while visiting a popular Budhhist stupa, Boudhanath. It is surrounded with a brick wall of 147 inches, which has om mani padme hum mantra prayer engraved wheels placed on it.
Encounter with Prayer Wheels’/ Significance
Around the stupa, I saw old men and women walking around with prayer wheels in their right hand, turning it constantly and reciting mantras simultaneously. I was inquisitive, and a question popped in my mind “Why do people use prayer wheels for Dharma practices? I was myself quite ignorant when it came to spiritual instruments but just touching and turning the Dharma wheel gave me sense of soul purification.
Upon researching about it, I came to know that it had originated 1500 years ago. The notion of turning Dharma Wheel had come from Buddha’s teaching method. It is said that when a person spins the wheel, it has the same effect as reciting the mantra.
It is believed that practitioners gain wisdom, and are alleviated of negative Karma, as they progress towards a spiritual path while spinning Mani wheels.
Curiosities!
- The World’s largest prayer wheel was set in Heyin Town, Guide County, Qinghai Province in China. The wheel weighs 200 tons (440, 92.45 lb) and it is recorded in Guinness World Record.
- A giant, beautifully hand-carved, wooden prayer wheel has appeared in the heart of Times Square, New York. It is a courtesy of Brooklyn-based artist duo FAILE.
Transformation caused by Prayer Wheel
- Prayer wheel has supernatural benefits too. It can convert any home into a holy place.
- Spinning Dharma wheel helps to heal sickness and protect from contagious ailments.
- It protects and prevents harm from spirits, ghosts and negative beings.
- It acts as an antidote to war and fear in the world by radiating peace, kindness, and relief from suffering.
Master Padmasambhava (An 8th Century Indian Buddhist Master) also says, "The purposes of this wheel are as follows: Even those lacking perseverance in their practice, who pass their time passively, will be able to attain mystic powers by relying on the wheel, while those with perseverance will be helped in verbal recitation. Even enormously sinful actions can be purified effortlessly. By pronouncing and writing the mantra, one can purify all faults and attain all excellent qualities. By gathering under the shadow of the wheel, migratory beings with the eight fetters can be liberated. By mere contact with the four elements that have activated the wheel, one will be freed from lower rebirths. In short, all unwanted faults can be purified without any effort. Just contacting the wheel once can cause one to achieve liberation and all excellences effortlessly."
Recognition across the Globe
It is surprising to know that prayer wheel is used in many countries like USA, Germany, Tibet, India, etc. It is an interesting subject for many authors. Some of the books listed are; The Prayer Wheel: A Daily Guide to Renewing Your Faith with a Rediscovered Spiritual Practice, Wheel of Great Compassion: The Practice of the Prayer Wheel in Tibetan Buddhism, Ma ni'i phan yon etc. People who understand its significance use it while performing prayers in morning and also in the evenings to purify their body, speech and mind.
Takeaway!
Prayer wheels are vital praying instruments that help to concentrate while chanting mantras. It can purify your mind and reduce mental stress.
Why Best Himalaya?
In order to purchase the peace-giving instrument, you might want an authentic manufacturer and seller of prayer wheels. Best Himalaya can cater to your demands in the best way possible by providing handcrafted and authentic products. We are constantly evolving, adapting, and improvising with time to satisfy our well-regarded customers across the globe. Some of the major countries we ship to are USA, Germany, Nepal, India, Europe and many more.
Tashi delek
(Blessings & Good Luck)
The prayer wheel is a significant spiritual tool used primarily in Tibetan Buddhism, but its reach extends far beyond this single tradition. This ancient device is more than just a rotating cylinder; it embodies a rich history and a deep spiritual practice that has captured the imagination of many. In this article, we will delve into the intriguing world of prayer wheels, their origins, their significance, and how they are used in contemporary spiritual practices.
The concept of the prayer wheel is believed to have originated from the Indian subcontinent before being introduced to Tibet. It is said that the idea came from the Buddhist text Mani Kabum, written by the Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo. A prayer wheel typically contains scrolls of paper or other materials inscribed with prayers or mantras, especially the mantra 'Om Mani Padme Hum.' As practitioners spin the wheel, it is believed that the prayers inscribed inside are released into the environment, bringing blessings and positive energies to all beings.
Historically, prayer wheels have been made from a wide variety of materials such as wood, metal, stone, and even precious metals and gems. The use of different materials is not merely for aesthetic purposes but often has symbolic meanings. For instance, golden prayer wheels symbolize the purity and wisdom of the Buddha, while silver ones represent the moon’s connection to astrology and its soothing effects on the mind.
The ways in which prayer wheels are used can vary. Traditionally, they are spun by hand, but larger wheels, often found in monasteries, can be powered by wind, water, or even fire. These innovations signify the wheel of dharma, turning perpetually in the universe. Even today, people continue to innovate with prayer wheels; for example, smaller, handheld versions have become popular among practitioners who wish to engage in this practice while on the move or during daily routines.
The spiritual benefits associated with prayer wheels are manifold. Spinning the wheel is said to aid in the purification of negative karma and to accumulate wisdom and merit. This practice is not only a physical act but a deeply contemplative one. Each spin can be a moment of mindfulness, an opportunity to focus one's intentions, and an act of compassion towards all sentient beings. In many cultures, being mindful while spinning the prayer wheel is thought to bring about inner peace, alleviate suffering, and foster a sense of connection with others.
Modern adaptations have also seen prayer wheels being used in various digital formats. Virtual prayer wheels, found on various websites and mobile applications, allow people to participate in this ancient practice from anywhere in the world. These digital prayer wheels maintain the traditional aspects of the practice while embracing the convenience of modern technology.
In conclusion, prayer wheels are remarkable tools that serve both as spiritual aids and as symbols of the continuous cycling of the universe's energies. They encapsulate centuries of religious tradition, artistic craftsmanship, and spiritual practice. Understanding the multifaceted roles that prayer wheels play in both historical and contemporary contexts can deepen one’s appreciation for this venerable tradition, inviting more people to integrate its blessings and wisdom into their lives.
