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Mani - Tibetan Prayer Wheel

$69
$92
25% off
Includes any tariffs and taxes
Specifications
ZE05
Copper With Wooden Handle
Height: 12 inch
Weight 250 gm
Delivery and Return Policies
Usually ships in 35 days
Returns and Exchanges accepted within 7 days
Free Delivery
Easy Returns
Easy Returns
Return within 7 days of
order delivery.See T&Cs
Fully Insured
Fully Insured
All orders are fully insured
to ensure peace of mind.
100% Handmade
100% Handmade
All products are
MADE IN INDIA.

A Wheel of Compassion

Bring a touch of ancient Buddhist practice into your home with this handcrafted prayer wheel. This beautiful object is more than just a decorative piece; it is a powerful tool for cultivating compassion, wisdom, and positive energy. Prayer wheels are physical representations of Dharma practice; they embody the principle that intent, even when expressed physically, can accumulate merit and contribute to inner peace and the well-being of all sentient beings. The cylindrical body is crafted from copper and etched with mantras. Copper is a traditional material known for its conductive properties, believed to enhance the flow of energy. A smooth, well-turned wooden handle provides a comfortable grip, allowing for effortless spinning. With a total length of approximately 12 inches, it is perfectly sized for holding during personal meditation or for display.

The Mantra of Compassion

The most common mantra associated with prayer wheels is "Om Mani Padme Hum." This six-syllable mantra, chanted by practitioners and inscribed on prayer wheels, is associated with Avalokiteśvara, the bodhisattva of compassion. In Tibetan Buddhism, Avalokiteśvara is known as Chenrezig. The mantra itself is a rich tapestry of meaning. "Om" is a sacred syllable present at the beginning of many mantras, representing the sound of the universe and purity. "Mani Padme" translates to "jewel in the lotus," often interpreted as the potential for enlightenment residing within each of us, just as a lotus grows out of muddy waters. "Hum" seals the mantra in the heart and signifies the indivisibility of wisdom and method. Legend tells that Avalokiteśvara, gazing down from his celestial realm, wept at the suffering of the world. From his tears grew a lotus, and within that lotus appeared the mantra "Om Mani Padme Hum." Reciting and embodying the spirit of the mantra opens the heart to compassion and transforms suffering into wisdom.

The Practice of Spinning

The act of spinning the prayer wheel is considered a form of meditation and a practice of generating merit. Inside the copper cylinder are tightly rolled scrolls containing the mantra "Om Mani Padme Hum," along with other sacred texts. The spinning of the wheel is said to release the blessings and positive energy of these mantras into the environment, benefiting all beings. The intention behind the spinning is as important as the physical action itself. It's believed that each rotation of the wheel, accompanied by sincere motivation, is equivalent to reciting the mantra multiple times. Some practitioners spin the wheel clockwise, following the movement of the sun, while others may spin it counter-clockwise, depending on their tradition. With each spin, may your compassion grow, and may the benefits of this practice extend to all who dwell in this world.

Sculpting Serenity: Unveiling the Art of Crafting Wood Statues

Wood has been a preferred material for sculptures and statues since ancient times. It is easy to work with than most metals and stones and therefore requires less effort to shape it into any desired shape or form. The texture of the wood gives an element of realism to the sculpture. The selection of an appropriate wood type is necessary for carving. Woods that are too resinous or coniferous are not considered good for carving as their fiber is very soft and thus lacks strength. On the other hand, wood such as Mahogany, Oakwood, Walnut wood, Weet cherry wood, etc., are preferred by sculptors because their fiber is harder. A wood sculptor uses various tools such as a pointed chisel in one hand and a mallet in another to bring the wood to the desired measurement and to make intricate details on it. A carving knife is used to cut and smooth the wood. Other tools such as the gouge, V-tool, and coping saw also serve as important tools in wood carving. Although the wood carving technique is not as complex and tough as stone carving or metal sculpting, nonetheless, a wood carver requires a high level of skills and expertise to create a stunning sculpture.

1. Selecting the right wood

The process of wood carving begins with selecting a chunk of wood that is required according to the type and shape of the statue to be created by the sculptor. Both hardwoods and softwoods are used for making artistic pieces, however, hardwoods are preferred more than softer woods because of their durability and longevity. But if heavy detailing is to be done on the statue, wood with fine grain would be needed as it would be difficult to work with hardwood.
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2. Shaping the wood

Once the wood type is selected, the wood carver begins the general shaping process using gouges of various sizes. A gouge is a tool having a curved cutting edge which is useful in removing large unwanted portions of wood easily without splitting the wood. The sculptor always carves the wood across the grain of the wood and not against it.
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3. Adding detailing

When a refined shape of the statue is obtained, it is time for making details on the statue using different tools. This is achieved by using tools such as a veiner to make and a V-tool to create decorative and sharp cuts.
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4. Surface finishing

Once finer details have been added, the sculptor is ready to smoothen the surface and give it a perfect finish. Tools such as rasps and rifflers are used to get a smooth surface. The finer polishing is obtained by rubbing the surface with sandpaper. If a textured surface is required, this step is skipped. Finally, to protect the statue from excessive dirt accumulation, the sculptor applies natural oils such as walnut or linseed oil all over it. This also brings a natural sheen to the statue.
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How to care for Wood Statues?


Wood is extensively used in sculpting especially in countries like China, Germany, and Japan. One feature that makes the wood extremely suitable for making statues and sculptures is that it is light and can take very fine detail. It is easier for artists to work with wood than with other materials such as metal or stone. Both hardwoods, as well as softwood, are used for making sculptures. Wood is mainly used for indoor sculptures because it is not as durable as stone. Changes in weather cause wooden sculptures to split or be attacked by insects or fungus. The principal woods for making sculptures and statues are cedar, pine, walnut, oak, and mahogany. The most common technique that sculptors use to make sculptures out of wood is carving with a chisel and a mallet. Since wooden statues are prone to damage, fire, and rot, they require proper care and maintenance.

 

  • Wood tends to expand and contract even after it has been processed, thus it is always recommended to keep the wooden sculptures in rooms with little humidity. Excess moisture can harm your masterpiece.

 

  • Periodical dusting of the finished piece is necessary to maintain its beauty as dust accumulation on the surface takes away the shine of the sculpture. You can use a clean and soft cloth or a hairbrush for this purpose.

 

  • You must avoid applying any chemical-based solutions that may damage the wood from the inside. Instead, you can apply lemon oil or coconut oil using a cotton rag to the sculpture to bring out its natural shine. Lemon oil also helps to clean any stains on the sculpture.

 

  • Applying a layer of beeswax protects the wood from sun damage and hides even the smallest imperfections on the wood.

 

It is extremely important to preserve and protect wooden sculptures with proper care. A little carelessness and negligence can lead to their decay, resulting in losing all their beauty and strength. Therefore, a regular clean-up of the sculptures is a must to prolong their age and to maintain their shine and luster. 

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