The Significance of the Six-Syllable Mantra
Many who have visited Tibet are familiar with the six-syllable mantra in Tibetan Buddhism. This mantra, “Om Mani Pedme Hum,” appears frequently. It originates from Sanskrit and represents the name of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva. The mantra symbolizes the compassion and blessings of all Bodhisattvas. Furthermore, “Mani” refers to the wish-fulfilling jewel, which represents Avalokitesvara’s compassion. “Padme” signifies the lotus, denoting Avalokitesvara’s purity and wisdom.
The Power of Recitation
Reciting the six-syllable mantra can alleviate suffering. It is believed to help beings in the six realms of reincarnation. This occurs through the power and blessing of Avalokitesvara. Specifically, reciting “Om” can ease the suffering in the heavens. “Ma” aids beings in the Asura realm, while “Ni” relieves human suffering. Additionally, “Pa” alleviates the five sufferings of animals. These include harm, hunger, and ignorance. “Mi” assists beings in the hungry ghost realm, and “Hum” reduces suffering in hell. Therefore, reciting this mantra brings vast benefits to all. Many people in Tibet recite this mantra constantly.
The Tibetan Prayer Wheel: A Vessel of Faith
Tibetans are deeply religious. They place their hopes for a happy life, even in the afterlife, within the Tibetan prayer wheel. For centuries, this wheel has been associated with the six-word mantra. Devout believers move the strings with fingers that exude the fragrance of ghee. They tirelessly spin the wheel. This conveys a connection between them, the Buddhas, and Bodhisattvas. You can observe Tibetans shaking these prayer wheels everywhere. They hold it in their right hand. They gently turn it clockwise.
The Prayer Wheel in Tibetan Culture
During religious festivals, Tibetans travel from far away to gather. They hold their prayer wheels, constantly turning. In the sunshine, the scene is spectacular. The Tibetan prayer wheel is also called the “Mani” wheel. It contains scriptures written in Tibetan. Historically, since most Tibetans were illiterate, they placed scriptures inside. Each turn is seen as equivalent to reciting the scripture once. This is because Tibetan Buddhism believes that chanting mantras demonstrates piety. This is believed to help them escape the cycle of reincarnation.
Types of Prayer Wheels
Prayer wheels are generally of two types: hand-cranked and fixed. The hand-cranked prayer wheel is also known as the hand-cranked Mani wheel. It comes in various sizes and materials like gold, silver, and copper. The main body is cylindrical, with an axis for rotation. Not only is the six-syllable mantra engraved on the cylinder, but the inside is also filled with scriptures and mantras. The scriptures and patterns on the wheels are often decorated with lacquer and colors. Some also include corals and gems. This enhances their value beyond religious purposes.
Hand-Cranked Prayer Wheels
Hand-cranked prayer wheels have ear holes with small pendants. When the handle is turned, the pendant moves, accelerating the rotation. As the prayer wheel spins rapidly, the person believes they are accumulating merits. The fixed prayer wheels, however, are larger. They contain more scriptures and mantras than the smaller, hand-cranked versions. This results in a much larger merit accumulation with each rotation.
Fixed Prayer Wheels and Their Significance
People often set aside specific times to turn these larger prayer wheels. These are usually located around temples. They are arranged in rows within special prayer corridors. The sight is both spectacular and mysterious. For instance, there is a row of prayer wheels outside the Potala Palace. Tibetans turn them clockwise while reciting the six-character mantra. At Jokhang Temple, there are two huge prayer wheels. A circle of prayer wheels surround the temple. Worshippers walk in a clockwise direction. They turn the wheels with their hands as they recite the mantra.
The World’s Largest Prayer Wheel
Besides hand-cranked and fixed types, some prayer wheels are too large to be turned by hand. The world’s largest prayer wheel is found on top of Shangri-La Mountain. It stands 21 meters tall and weighs 60 tons. It is made of pure copper and gold-plated. The wheel includes carvings of four great bodhisattvas. It also has the eight treasures of Buddhism. The wheel contains 1.24 million mantras and 16 tons of Buddhist treasures. It requires the strength of six people to rotate. Each turn is considered equivalent to chanting the Buddha’s name 1.24 million times.
How to Use a Tibetan Prayer Wheel Correctly
When in Tibetan areas, it is essential to know the proper way to turn the prayer wheels. Firstly, hold the hand-cranked wheel with your thumb flat, alongside your other four fingers. Do not raise your thumb when holding the handle. Secondly, turn the wheel slowly and steadily. Avoid turning it too quickly. Additionally, a hand-cranked wheel should not make any sound. Finally, avoid turning the wheel counterclockwise. Clockwise rotation is considered recitation. Turning it the opposite direction is not acceptable. When not in use, store the prayer wheel in a quiet place.
The Effects of Turning the Prayer Wheel
Tibetans believe turning the wheel is equal to chanting scriptures. It is a way to repent for past errors and gain merit. The benefits of turning the prayer wheel vary based on the number of rotations. One rotation equates to reciting the Tripitaka once. Two rotations equals reciting all Buddhist scriptures. Three rotations eliminates sins of body, speech, and mind. Ten rotations can eliminate sins as vast as Mount Sumeru. Moreover, rotating it 100 times equals the merit of Yama King. A thousand rotations allows oneself and others to attain the Dharmakaya. Ten thousand rotations liberates oneself and all beings. One million rotations brings peace to all.
Blessings from the Prayer Wheel
Rotating the wheel a billion times grants the same merit as Guanyin Bodhisattva. Turning the prayer wheel on a mountain brings good fortune to the area. If a yogi turns it, their work is accomplished naturally. If an ascetic turns it, it purifies broken vows. If a mantra master turns it, it eliminates karma. Furthermore, if a doctor turns it, plagues are eliminated. Also, if a king turns it, his subjects eliminate their karma. If officers and soldiers turn it, they increase their merits. If a princess turns it, the country prospers. Similarly, a businessman’s business flourishes. Also, if an ordinary person turns it, they obtain good fortune. Lastly, if a poor person turns it, they turn poverty into wealth. These beliefs underscore the deep significance of the Tibetan prayer wheel in the lives of believers.
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