Difference between revisions of "Prayer wheel"
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| − | A [[prayer wheel]] is a cylindrical [[wheel]] ([[Tibetan]]: {{BigTibetan|འཁོར་}}, Wylie: 'khor) on a spindle made from metal, wood, stone, leather or coarse cotton. [[Traditionally]], the [[mantra]] [[Om Mani Padme Hum]] is written in [[Sanskrit]] on the outside of the [[wheel]]. Also sometimes depicted are [[Dakinis]], [[Protectors]] and very often the 8 [[auspicious]] [[symbols]] [[Ashtamangala]]. According to the [[Tibetan Buddhist]] [[tradition]] based on the [[lineage]] texts regarding [[prayer wheels]], spinning such a [[wheel]] will have much the same [[meritorious]] effect as orally reciting the [[prayers]]. | + | |
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| + | A [[prayer wheel]] is a cylindrical [[wheel]] ([[Tibetan]]: {{BigTibetan|[[འཁོར་]]}}, [[Wylie]]: '[[khor]]) on a spindle made from metal, [[wood]], stone, leather or coarse cotton. [[Traditionally]], the [[mantra]] [[Om Mani Padme Hum]] is written in [[Sanskrit]] on the outside of the | ||
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| + | [[wheel]]. Also sometimes depicted are [[Dakinis]], [[Protectors]] and very often the 8 [[auspicious]] [[symbols]] [[Ashtamangala]]. According to the [[Tibetan Buddhist]] [[tradition]] based on the [[lineage]] texts regarding [[prayer wheels]], spinning such a [[wheel]] will have much the same [[meritorious]] effect as orally reciting the [[prayers]]. | ||
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[[File:Prayer_wheels.jpg|thumb|250px|]] | [[File:Prayer_wheels.jpg|thumb|250px|]] | ||
== Nomenclature and {{Wiki|etymology}} == | == Nomenclature and {{Wiki|etymology}} == | ||
[[File:Swayambhunath_prayer_wheels.jpg|thumb|250px|Prayer wheels in [[Swayambhunath]], [[Nepal]].]] | [[File:Swayambhunath_prayer_wheels.jpg|thumb|250px|Prayer wheels in [[Swayambhunath]], [[Nepal]].]] | ||
| − | [[Prayer wheel]] or [[Mani wheel]] ([[Tibetan]]: {{BigTibetan|མ་ནི་ཆོས་འཁོར་}}, Wylie: mani-chos-'khor). The [[Tibetan]] term is a contraction: "Mani" itself is a contraction of [[Sanskrit]] [[cintamani]]; "[[chos]]" is [[Tibetan]] for [[Dharma]]; and "khor" or "[[khorlo]]" means | + | [[Prayer wheel]] or [[Mani wheel]] ([[Tibetan]]: {{BigTibetan|[[མ་ནི་ཆོས་འཁོར་]]}}, [[Wylie]]: [[mani-chos-'khor]]). The [[Tibetan]] term is a contraction: "[[Mani]]" itself is a contraction of [[Sanskrit]] [[cintamani]]; "[[chos]]" is [[Tibetan]] for [[Dharma]]; and "[[khor]]" or "[[khorlo]]" means chakrano |
== Origins == | == Origins == | ||
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[[File:Water_prayer_wheel.jpg|thumb|250px|Water-powered prayer wheel. Spiti valley, India]] | [[File:Water_prayer_wheel.jpg|thumb|250px|Water-powered prayer wheel. Spiti valley, India]] | ||
| − | The earliest recorded [[prayer wheels]] were written of by a {{Wiki|Chinese}} [[pilgrim]] around 400 C.E. in {{Wiki|Ladakh}}. The {{Wiki|concept}} of the [[prayer wheel]] is a [[physical]] [[manifestation]] of the phrase "[[turning the wheel of Dharma]]," which describes the way in which the [[Buddha]] taught. [[Prayer Wheels]] originated from | + | The earliest recorded [[prayer wheels]] were written of by a {{Wiki|Chinese}} [[pilgrim]] around 400 C.E. in {{Wiki|Ladakh}}. The {{Wiki|concept}} of the [[prayer wheel]] is a [[physical]] [[manifestation]] of the [[phrase]] "[[turning the wheel of Dharma]]," which describes |
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| + | the way in which the [[Buddha]] [[taught]]. [[Prayer Wheels]] originated from ‘The School of [[Shakyamuni]] [[sutra]], volume 3 – [[pagoda]] and [[temple]]’ which states that, “those who set up the place for {{Wiki|worship}}, use the [[knowledge]] to propagate the [[dharma]] to common [[people]], should there be any man or woman who are illiterate and unable to read the [[sutra]], they should then set up the [[prayer wheel]] to facilitate those illiterate to [[chant]] the [[sutra]], and the effect is the same as reading the [[sutra]]” | ||
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==Practice== | ==Practice== | ||
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[[File:IMG_0996_Lhasa_Barkhor.jpg|thumb|250px|An elderly Tibetan woman with a prayer wheel]] | [[File:IMG_0996_Lhasa_Barkhor.jpg|thumb|250px|An elderly Tibetan woman with a prayer wheel]] | ||
[[File:Prayer_wheels_at_Nechung_Chok.JPG|thumb|250px|Prayer wheels at [[Nechung]] Chok, [[Lhasa]].]] | [[File:Prayer_wheels_at_Nechung_Chok.JPG|thumb|250px|Prayer wheels at [[Nechung]] Chok, [[Lhasa]].]] | ||
| − | According to the [[lineage]] texts on [[prayer wheels]], [[prayer wheels]] are used to accumulate [[wisdom]] and [[merit]] (good [[karma]]) and to {{Wiki|purify}} negativities (bad [[karma]]). In [[Buddhism]], [[Buddhas]] and [[Bodhisattvas]] have created a variety of [[skillful means]] ([[upaya]]) to help bring practitioners ever closer to [[realizing]] [[enlightenment]]. The [[idea]] of spinning [[mantras]] relates to numerous [[Tantric]] practices whereby the [[Tantric]] practitioner visualizes [[mantras]] revolving around the [[nadis]] and especially around the meridian [[chakra]]s such as the [[heart]] and {{Wiki|crown}}. Therefore, [[prayer wheels]] are a [[visual]] aid for developing one's capacity for these types of [[Tantric]] [[visualizations]]. The [[spiritual]] method for those practicing with a [[prayer wheel]] is very specific (with slight variations according to different [[Buddhist]] sects). The practitioner most often spins the [[wheel]] {{Wiki|clockwise}}, as the [[direction]] in which the [[mantras]] are written is that of the {{Wiki|movement}} of the {{Wiki|sun}} across the sky. On rare occasions, advanced [[Tantric]] practitioners such as [[Senge Dongma]], the Lion-Faced [[Dakini]], spin [[prayer wheels]] counterclockwise to [[manifest]] a more [[wrathful]] protective [[energy]]. As the practitioner turns the [[wheel]], it is best to focus the [[mind]] and repeat the [[Om Mani Padme Hum]] [[mantra]]. Not only does this {{Wiki|increase}} the [[merit]] earned by the wheel's use, but it is a mind-stabilization technique that trains the [[mind]] while the [[body]] is in motion. Intoning the mani [[mantra]] with [[mindfulness]] and the "[[Bodhicitta]]" [[motivation]] dramatically enhances the effects of the [[prayer wheel]]. However, it is said that even turning it while distracted has benefits and [[merits]], and it is stated in the [[lineage]] text that even insects that cross a [[prayer]] wheel's shadow will get some [[benefit]]. Each {{Wiki|revolution}} is as [[meritorious]] as reading the inscription aloud as many times as it is written on the scroll, and this means that the more [[Om Mani Padme Hum]] [[mantras]] that are inside a [[prayer wheel]], the more {{Wiki|powerful}} it is. It is best to turn the [[wheel]] with a gentle rhythm and not too fast or frantically. While turning smoothly, one keeps in [[mind]] the [[motivation]] and [[spirit]] of [[compassion]] and [[bodhichitta]] (the [[noble]] [[mind]] that aspires to full [[enlightenment]] for the [[benefit]] of all [[beings]]). The benefits attributed to the practice of turning the [[wheel]] are vast. Not only does it help [[wisdom]], [[compassion]] and [[bodhichitta]] arise in the practitioner, it also enhances [[siddhi]]s ([[spiritual]] [[powers]] such as clairvoyance, {{Wiki|precognition}}, reading others [[thoughts]], etc.). The practitioner can repeat the [[mantra]] as many times as possible during the turning of the [[wheel]], stabilizing a [[calm]], [[meditative]] [[mind]]. At the end of a practice session, there is a [[Tibetan Buddhist]] [[tradition]] of dedicating any accumulated [[merit]]s that one may have [[gathered]] during practice to the [[benefit]] of all [[sentient beings]]. Then Om [[Ah]] [[Hum]] 3 times. This is customary with [[Tibetans]] upon completing any [[Buddhist practice]], including the practice of the [[prayer wheel]]. | + | |
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| + | According to the [[lineage]] texts on [[prayer wheels]], [[prayer wheels]] are used to [[accumulate]] [[wisdom]] and [[merit]] (good [[karma]]) and to {{Wiki|purify}} negativities (bad [[karma]]). In [[Buddhism]], [[Buddhas]] and [[Bodhisattvas]] have created a variety of [[skillful means]] ([[upaya]]) to help bring practitioners ever closer to [[realizing]] [[enlightenment]]. | ||
| + | |||
| + | |||
| + | The [[idea]] of spinning [[mantras]] relates to numerous [[Tantric]] practices whereby the [[Tantric]] [[practitioner]] [[visualizes]] [[mantras]] revolving around the [[nadis]] and especially around the meridian [[chakra]]s such as the [[heart]] and {{Wiki|crown}}. Therefore, [[prayer wheels]] are a [[visual]] aid for developing one's capacity for these types of [[Tantric]] [[visualizations]]. The [[spiritual]] | ||
| + | |||
| + | method for those practicing with a [[prayer wheel]] is very specific (with slight variations according to different [[Buddhist]] sects). The [[practitioner]] most often spins the [[wheel]] {{Wiki|clockwise}}, as the [[direction]] in which the [[mantras]] are written is that of the {{Wiki|movement}} of the {{Wiki|sun}} across the sky. | ||
| + | |||
| + | |||
| + | On rare occasions, advanced [[Tantric]] practitioners such as [[Senge Dongma]], the Lion-Faced [[Dakini]], spin [[prayer wheels]] counterclockwise to [[manifest]] a more [[wrathful]] protective [[energy]]. As the [[practitioner]] turns the [[wheel]], it is best to focus | ||
| + | |||
| + | the [[mind]] and repeat the [[Om Mani Padme Hum]] [[mantra]]. Not only does this {{Wiki|increase}} the [[merit]] earned by the wheel's use, but it is a mind-stabilization technique that trains the [[mind]] while the [[body]] is in {{Wiki|motion}}. Intoning the mani [[mantra]] with [[mindfulness]] and the "[[Bodhicitta]]" [[motivation]] dramatically enhances the effects of the [[prayer wheel]]. | ||
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| + | However, it is said that even turning it while distracted has benefits and [[merits]], and it is stated in the [[lineage]] text that even {{Wiki|insects}} that cross a [[prayer]] wheel's shadow will get some [[benefit]]. Each {{Wiki|revolution}} is as [[meritorious]] as reading the inscription aloud as many times as it is written on the scroll, and this means that the more [[Om Mani Padme Hum]] [[mantras]] that are inside | ||
| + | |||
| + | a [[prayer wheel]], the more {{Wiki|powerful}} it is. It is best to turn the [[wheel]] with a gentle rhythm and not too fast or frantically. While turning smoothly, one keeps in [[mind]] the [[motivation]] and [[spirit]] of [[compassion]] and [[bodhichitta]] (the [[noble]] [[mind]] that aspires to full [[enlightenment]] for the [[benefit]] of all [[beings]]). | ||
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| + | |||
| + | The benefits attributed to the practice of turning the [[wheel]] are vast. Not only does it help [[wisdom]], [[compassion]] and [[bodhichitta]] arise in the [[practitioner]], it also enhances [[siddhi]]s ([[spiritual]] [[powers]] such as {{Wiki|clairvoyance}}, {{Wiki|precognition}}, reading others [[thoughts]], etc.). The [[practitioner]] can repeat the [[mantra]] as many times as possible during the | ||
| + | |||
| + | turning of the [[wheel]], stabilizing a [[calm]], [[meditative]] [[mind]]. At the end of a practice session, there is a [[Tibetan Buddhist]] [[tradition]] of dedicating any [[accumulated]] [[merit]]s that one may have [[gathered]] during practice to the [[benefit]] of all [[sentient beings]]. Then Om [[Ah]] [[Hum]] 3 times. This is customary with [[Tibetans]] upon completing any [[Buddhist practice]], [[including]] the practice of the [[prayer wheel]]. | ||
[[Thubten Zopa Rinpoche]] has commented that installing a [[prayer wheel]] has the capacity to completely [[transform]] a place, which becomes "...[[peaceful]], [[pleasant]], and conducive to the [[mind]]." Simply {{Wiki|touching}} a [[prayer wheel]] is said to bring great [[purification]] to negative [[karma]]s and [[obscurations]]. | [[Thubten Zopa Rinpoche]] has commented that installing a [[prayer wheel]] has the capacity to completely [[transform]] a place, which becomes "...[[peaceful]], [[pleasant]], and conducive to the [[mind]]." Simply {{Wiki|touching}} a [[prayer wheel]] is said to bring great [[purification]] to negative [[karma]]s and [[obscurations]]. | ||
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===[[Mani wheel]]=== | ===[[Mani wheel]]=== | ||
| − | The [[Mani wheel]], or the hand [[prayer wheel]], is a cylindrical [[body]] mounted on a wooden or metal handle. The cylinder itself is weighted down with a cord or chain allowing it to be spun by a slight rotation of the wrist along with the [[mantra]] it contains. | + | The [[Mani wheel]], or the hand [[prayer wheel]], is a cylindrical [[body]] mounted on a wooden or metal handle. The cylinder itself is weighted down with a [[Wikipedia:Rope|cord]] or chain allowing it to be spun by a slight rotation of the wrist along with the [[mantra]] it contains. |
| − | ===[[Water]] wheels=== | + | ===[[Water]] [[wheels]]=== |
This type of [[prayer wheel]] is simply a [[prayer wheel]] that is turned by flowing [[water]]. The [[water]] that is touched by the [[wheel]] is said to become blessed and carries its purifying power into all {{Wiki|life forms}} in the oceans and lakes that it feeds into. | This type of [[prayer wheel]] is simply a [[prayer wheel]] that is turned by flowing [[water]]. The [[water]] that is touched by the [[wheel]] is said to become blessed and carries its purifying power into all {{Wiki|life forms}} in the oceans and lakes that it feeds into. | ||
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===Stationary [[prayer wheels]]=== | ===Stationary [[prayer wheels]]=== | ||
| − | Many [[monasteries]] around [[Tibet]] have large, fixed, metal wheels set side by side in a row. Passersby can turn the entire row of wheels simply by sliding their hands over each one. | + | Many [[monasteries]] around [[Tibet]] have large, fixed, metal [[wheels]] set side by side in a row. Passersby can turn the entire row of [[wheels]] simply by sliding their hands over each one. |
| − | ===Electric [[dharma]] wheels=== | + | ===Electric [[dharma]] [[wheels]]=== |
| − | Some [[prayer wheels]] are powered by electric motors. " | + | Some [[prayer wheels]] are powered by electric motors. "[[Thardo Khorlo]]," as these electric [[wheels]] are sometimes known, contain one thousand copies of the [[mantra]] of [[Chenrezig]] and many copies of other [[mantras]]. The [[Thardo Khorlo]] can be accompanied by lights and {{Wiki|music}} if one so chooses. However, [[Lama]] [[Zopa Rinpoche]] has said, "The [[merit]] of turning an electric [[prayer wheel]] goes to the electric company. This is why I prefer practitioners to use their [[own]] 'right [[energy]]' to turn a [[prayer wheel]]". |
{{W}} | {{W}} | ||
[[Category:Prayer Wheels]] | [[Category:Prayer Wheels]] | ||
Latest revision as of 13:41, 30 March 2024
A prayer wheel is a cylindrical wheel (Tibetan: འཁོར་, Wylie: 'khor) on a spindle made from metal, wood, stone, leather or coarse cotton. Traditionally, the mantra Om Mani Padme Hum is written in Sanskrit on the outside of the
wheel. Also sometimes depicted are Dakinis, Protectors and very often the 8 auspicious symbols Ashtamangala. According to the Tibetan Buddhist tradition based on the lineage texts regarding prayer wheels, spinning such a wheel will have much the same meritorious effect as orally reciting the prayers.
Nomenclature and etymology
Prayer wheel or Mani wheel (Tibetan: མ་ནི་ཆོས་འཁོར་, Wylie: mani-chos-'khor). The Tibetan term is a contraction: "Mani" itself is a contraction of Sanskrit cintamani; "chos" is Tibetan for Dharma; and "khor" or "khorlo" means chakrano
Origins
The earliest recorded prayer wheels were written of by a Chinese pilgrim around 400 C.E. in Ladakh. The concept of the prayer wheel is a physical manifestation of the phrase "turning the wheel of Dharma," which describes
the way in which the Buddha taught. Prayer Wheels originated from ‘The School of Shakyamuni sutra, volume 3 – pagoda and temple’ which states that, “those who set up the place for worship, use the knowledge to propagate the dharma to common people, should there be any man or woman who are illiterate and unable to read the sutra, they should then set up the prayer wheel to facilitate those illiterate to chant the sutra, and the effect is the same as reading the sutra”
Practice
According to the lineage texts on prayer wheels, prayer wheels are used to accumulate wisdom and merit (good karma) and to purify negativities (bad karma). In Buddhism, Buddhas and Bodhisattvas have created a variety of skillful means (upaya) to help bring practitioners ever closer to realizing enlightenment.
The idea of spinning mantras relates to numerous Tantric practices whereby the Tantric practitioner visualizes mantras revolving around the nadis and especially around the meridian chakras such as the heart and crown. Therefore, prayer wheels are a visual aid for developing one's capacity for these types of Tantric visualizations. The spiritual
method for those practicing with a prayer wheel is very specific (with slight variations according to different Buddhist sects). The practitioner most often spins the wheel clockwise, as the direction in which the mantras are written is that of the movement of the sun across the sky.
On rare occasions, advanced Tantric practitioners such as Senge Dongma, the Lion-Faced Dakini, spin prayer wheels counterclockwise to manifest a more wrathful protective energy. As the practitioner turns the wheel, it is best to focus
the mind and repeat the Om Mani Padme Hum mantra. Not only does this increase the merit earned by the wheel's use, but it is a mind-stabilization technique that trains the mind while the body is in motion. Intoning the mani mantra with mindfulness and the "Bodhicitta" motivation dramatically enhances the effects of the prayer wheel.
However, it is said that even turning it while distracted has benefits and merits, and it is stated in the lineage text that even insects that cross a prayer wheel's shadow will get some benefit. Each revolution is as meritorious as reading the inscription aloud as many times as it is written on the scroll, and this means that the more Om Mani Padme Hum mantras that are inside
a prayer wheel, the more powerful it is. It is best to turn the wheel with a gentle rhythm and not too fast or frantically. While turning smoothly, one keeps in mind the motivation and spirit of compassion and bodhichitta (the noble mind that aspires to full enlightenment for the benefit of all beings).
The benefits attributed to the practice of turning the wheel are vast. Not only does it help wisdom, compassion and bodhichitta arise in the practitioner, it also enhances siddhis (spiritual powers such as clairvoyance, precognition, reading others thoughts, etc.). The practitioner can repeat the mantra as many times as possible during the
turning of the wheel, stabilizing a calm, meditative mind. At the end of a practice session, there is a Tibetan Buddhist tradition of dedicating any accumulated merits that one may have gathered during practice to the benefit of all sentient beings. Then Om Ah Hum 3 times. This is customary with Tibetans upon completing any Buddhist practice, including the practice of the prayer wheel.
Thubten Zopa Rinpoche has commented that installing a prayer wheel has the capacity to completely transform a place, which becomes "...peaceful, pleasant, and conducive to the mind." Simply touching a prayer wheel is said to bring great purification to negative karmas and obscurations.
Types
Mani wheel
The Mani wheel, or the hand prayer wheel, is a cylindrical body mounted on a wooden or metal handle. The cylinder itself is weighted down with a cord or chain allowing it to be spun by a slight rotation of the wrist along with the mantra it contains.
Water wheels
This type of prayer wheel is simply a prayer wheel that is turned by flowing water. The water that is touched by the wheel is said to become blessed and carries its purifying power into all life forms in the oceans and lakes that it feeds into.
Fire wheel
This wheel is turned by the heat of a candle or electric light. The light emitted from the prayer wheel then purifies the negative karmas of the living beings it touches.
Wind wheel
This type of wheel is turned by wind. The wind that touches the prayer wheel helps alleviate the negative karma of those it touches.
Stationary prayer wheels
Many monasteries around Tibet have large, fixed, metal wheels set side by side in a row. Passersby can turn the entire row of wheels simply by sliding their hands over each one.
Electric dharma wheels
Some prayer wheels are powered by electric motors. "Thardo Khorlo," as these electric wheels are sometimes known, contain one thousand copies of the mantra of Chenrezig and many copies of other mantras. The Thardo Khorlo can be accompanied by lights and music if one so chooses. However, Lama Zopa Rinpoche has said, "The merit of turning an electric prayer wheel goes to the electric company. This is why I prefer practitioners to use their own 'right energy' to turn a prayer wheel".
