Tibetan Prayer Wheels: The Spiritual Symbols of Tibet

The Tibetan prayer wheel is an important tool in Tibetan Buddhism. It holds a vital place in the everyday rituals and spiritual life of Tibetan pilgrims. They turn the prayer wheel to accumulate merit as part of their daily practice.

Turning prayer wheels has been practiced in Tibet and regions influenced by Tibetan culture for centuries. In recent years, the Tibetan prayer wheel has become one of the most recognizable symbols of the Tibetan religious spirit and culture.

You can find Tibetan prayer wheels almost everywhere in Tibet. These mysterious Buddhist tools have attracted many travelers to discover their spiritual and cultural significance. If you are curious about these fascinating Tibetan Buddhist implements, this guide introduces you to Tibetan prayer wheels, deepening your understanding of Tibetan culture.

What Is a Tibetan Prayer Wheel? A Buddhist Ritual Implement

A Tibetan prayer wheel is a hollow cylindrical wheel that spins around a central axis, also known as "Mani wheels" in Tibetan. A small pendant hangs on the side of the cylinder with a chain. When the prayer wheel spins, this pendant helps it rotate smoothly and steadily.

The Tibetan prayer wheel is usually carved with the six-character Sanskrit mantra "Om mani padme hum" on the outside and filled with Buddhist scriptures inside.

Tibetan prayer wheels are typically made of wood and metals such as copper, silver, and gold, and some are made of bone or leather. Certain prayer wheels are embedded with gems, making them as precious as works of art.

The origins of Tibetan prayer wheels can be traced back to the ancient Yungdrung Bon of the Zhangzhung civilization in the 4th century. Later in the 7th century, when Buddhism was introduced to Tibet, parts of the Bon religion were integrated into Tibetan Buddhism, including the use of prayer wheels.

Our guest with a handheld Tibetan prayer wheel.

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How Does a Tibetan Prayer Wheel Work? Spinning to Repeat Mantras and Gain Merit

The inside of a prayer wheel is filled with rolls of thin paper printed with Buddhist scriptures. The outside is engraved with the Sanskrit mantra "Om mani padme hum", the essence of all Buddhist teachings.

Tibetan pilgrims believe that the effect of turning the prayer wheel is the same as reciting mantras. Each rotation is equivalent to reciting the mantras and sutras inside.

Through turning the prayer wheel, Tibetan pilgrims can repeat mantras, gain merit, eliminate karmic obstacles, and purify their spirit. In addition, prayer wheels are especially meaningful for illiterate pilgrims, as they can benefit from the power of the scriptures by spinning the wheel.

The Buddhist mantra on Tibetan prayer wheels.

Different Types of Tibetan Prayer Wheels: Handheld, Fixed, and Powered Forms

Handheld Tibetan prayer wheels

The most common type is the handheld prayer wheel. It is made in different sizes, portable, and convenient. Local pilgrims usually carry handheld prayer wheels around for hours, even on long pilgrimages, spinning them whenever they can.

Fixed Tibetan prayer wheels

Fixed Tibetan prayer wheels are often set up at Tibetan monasteries and temples or along pilgrimage routes, such as the Jokhang Temple. When devotees pass by, they turn the wheels and quietly recite scriptures.

Many pilgrims set a special time to turn the fixed prayer wheels. They believe the merit gained is greater than that from using a handheld wheel.

Some fixed prayer wheels are taller than a person, which can contain numerous mantras and Buddhist sutras. These giant prayer wheels can only be turned by several people working together.

Powered Tibetan prayer wheels

Nowadays, there are some new prayer wheels powered by water, wind, electricity, or other means. They can spin on their own, sending prayers and blessings continuously.

Our guests are experiencing the fixed Tibetan prayer wheels outside the Potala Palace.

How to Use Tibetan Prayer Wheels? Always Turn Clockwise

You may wonder about the proper way to turn the prayer wheel for blessings, as it involves traditions of Tibetan Buddhism. The following tips will help you turn it the correct way.

When using a handheld Tibetan prayer wheel, turn it clockwise slowly and steadily. The turning should be smooth and quiet. Avoid spinning it too fast or forcefully.

Fixed prayer wheels in monasteries should also be turned clockwise, and they must be turned one by one in sequence. Never spin them counterclockwise or skip wheels. It is worth noting that the prayer wheel is turned counterclockwise only in the Bon religion.

You can recite Buddhist scriptures or meditate when turning Tibetan prayer wheels. It helps you to reduce stress and find inner peace.

Turning Tibetan prayer wheels is a direct way to experience Tibetan Buddhist culture. If you travel to Tibet, these tips may help you avoid taboos when using prayer wheels.

Local pilgrims often turn Tibetan prayer wheels clockwise.

Experience Tibetan Prayer Wheels in Tibet: Temples and Kora Routes

The handheld Tibetan prayer wheel is the most accessible type for you to experience. You can easily find stores selling them on Tibetan streets and buy one to turn it.

If you want to participate in the spiritual act of spinning fixed prayer wheels, the best way is to visit Tibetan monasteries. Most of the monasteries in Tibet set fixed prayer wheels for pilgrims, such as Drepung Monastery.

The most popular sites to experience Tibetan prayer wheels in downtown Lhasa include Jokhang Temple, the Potala Palace, and Barkhor Street. Tibetan pilgrims often walk clockwise around these holy sites and turn the prayer wheels along the way. This practice, known as kora in Tibet, is a sacred Buddhist ritual believed to purify negative karma.

In the Jokhang Temple, there are many prayer wheels along its famous pilgrim circuit known as Nangkhor Kora. It encircles the hall that houses the Buddha and is considered the closest pilgrimage route to Sakyamuni Buddha.

Along the outer walls of the Potala Palace, there is a row of Tibetan prayer wheels on its pilgrim route called Tsekhor Kora. It's a popular pilgrimage circuit for both Tibetan pilgrims and visitors.

The kora along Barkhor Street is the oldest kora route in Tibet, where you can spin prayer wheels set at the gate of Mindroling Monastery Tibetan Incense Store. Apart from these fixed prayer wheels, you can also find local shops selling handheld Tibetan prayer wheels on Barkhor Street.

There are many more opportunities to experience Tibetan prayer wheels across Tibet, not just in Lhasa, such as at Tashi Lhunpo Monastery in Shigatse. If you are interested in a Tibetan cultural exploration, feel free to share your Tibet travel ideas with us. We can design an itinerary tailored to your interests and help you explore more unique Tibetan-style activities.

You can spin fixed Tibetan prayer wheels on Barkhor Street.

Our 6-day central Tibet tour invites you to visit sacred monasteries in Lhasa and Shigatse.

Bring Home Tibetan Prayer Wheels: Handheld Souvenirs from Tibet

You may be attracted by the spiritual meaning of Tibetan prayer wheels and want to bring home a small one as a keepsake. It's a meaningful souvenir that reminds you of splendid Tibetan culture.

Unlike those in temples and monasteries, handheld prayer wheels are small, portable, and easy to use. You can easily find handheld Tibetan prayer wheels in various shops on Barkhor Street or near some monasteries.

It should be noted that Tibetan prayer wheels are significant Tibetan Buddhist ritual implements showing Tibetan people's devotion. So always remember to respect the religious value of Tibetan prayer wheels rather than treat them as mere ornaments.

The handheld Tibetan prayer wheel is a meaningful souvenir that reminds you of splendid Tibetan culture.

How to Make A Tibetan Prayer Wheel? A Simple DIY Guide

With a cylindrical container, a stick, paper, glue, and ornamental items, it's easy to make a handheld prayer wheel at home.

Step 1: Puncture holes on both ends of the cylinder and insert the stick through them.
Step 2: Write Buddhist scriptures on paper strips and put them inside the container.
Step 3: Add little stoppers above and below the cylinder to prevent sliding.
Step 4: Attach a string with a small pendant from the side.
Step 5: Decorate it with designs or mantras.

You can now spin your handmade prayer wheel and experience the extraordinary Buddhist culture.

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Conclusion

Tibetan prayer wheels are important Buddhist tools in Tibet. Tibetan pilgrims spin the prayer wheels every day, and they also frequently do the kora around sacred pilgrimage sites to gain merit. The prayer wheel has become one of the most significant symbols of Tibetan spiritual culture.

Turning prayer wheels is an interactive way for you to experience their unique culture. If you prefer a Tibet spiritual tour, just share your Tibet travel ideas with us. We can tailor the trip for you and take you to famous monasteries and popular kora routes, giving you the chance to experience the living traditions of prayer wheels in Tibet.