Tibetan Buddhist Prayer Wheel from Nepal

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$150.75

$201

25% off

Includes any tariffs and taxes

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Specifications

	ZDF81
	Wood and Copper
	Height: 7.6 inch
	Width: 7.7 inch
	Depth: 4.2 inch
	Weight 500 gm

Delivery and Return Policies

	Usually ships in 35 days
	Returns and Exchanges accepted within 7 days
	Free Delivery

Easy Returns

Return within 7 days of
order delivery.See T&Cs

Fully Insured

All orders are fully insured
to ensure peace of mind.

100% Handmade

All products are
MADE IN INDIA.

A Conduit of Compassion and Wisdom

This exquisitely crafted Tibetan Buddhist prayer wheel, originating from Nepal, is more than just an artifact; it is a tangible representation of profound spiritual practice. Its rich, vibrant colors and detailed carvings speak to a deep cultural heritage, embodying centuries of devotion and the pursuit of enlightenment. Each element, from the weathered wood to the glint of copper accents, is imbued with symbolic meaning, designed to inspire contemplation and mindfulness.

The Sacred Mantra and Its Power

At the heart of this prayer wheel are the sacred syllables of the mantra "Om Mani Padme Hum," embossed in bold Tibetan script. This mantra is universally recognized as the embodiment of compassion, wisdom, and the jewel of the lotus. According to Buddhist tradition, spinning this wheel is equivalent to reciting the mantra countless times. It is believed that each turn purifies negative karma, accumulates merit, and spreads blessings to all sentient beings. The very act of turning the wheel is an expression of devotion, a physical manifestation of the practitioner's intention to cultivate a compassionate heart and a mind free from delusion, echoing the wisdom of Bodhisattvas who vowed to alleviate suffering.

Artistry Rooted in Tradition

Handmade in Nepal, this prayer wheel showcases the skilled artistry passed down through generations of artisans. The main cylinder, where the mantras are inscribed, is often lined with thousands of printed mantras or even a single, long scroll containing the sacred text. The act of rotating the wheel, traditionally clockwise, is thought to send prayers and intentions out into the world. The sturdy wooden base and intricately decorated pillars provide a stable and aesthetically pleasing foundation, highlighting the artisanal dedication to creating an object that is both spiritually significant and visually captivating. The colorful ornamentation on the pillars and the top represent the five Dhyani Buddhas, symbolizing the five wisdoms essential for liberation.

A Beacon of Peace and Harmony

In Tibetan Buddhism, prayer wheels are not merely objects of devotion but active tools for spiritual transformation. They are found in monasteries, temples, and homes throughout the Himalayas, serving as constant reminders of the Buddha's teachings. Many believe that when the wheel spins, it creates a vortex of positive energy, spreading peace, harmony, and goodwill to the surrounding environment and beyond. Owning and interacting with such a prayer wheel can foster a sense of tranquility and connection to a rich spiritual lineage, bringing a touch of Himalayan serenity into your own space. It is a powerful symbol of hope, a call to cultivate inner peace, and an invitation to engage with the profound wisdom of Buddhist philosophy.

How are Nepalese copper statues made?

Nepalese statues and sculptures are best known for their unique small religious figures and ritual paraphernalia for over two thousand years. These are mainly cast in copper alloy. Nepal draws influences from the artistic styles of Buddhism and Hinduism, and therefore the sculptors of the country specialize in making the icons of both these religions. Over the years, Nepalese sculptures evolved into their own distinctive iconography. Some characteristic features of these sculptures that differ from other pieces are exaggerated physical postures, youthful and sensual features, languid eyes, wider faces having serene expressions, and ornate flourishes. The Buddhist deity icons of Nepal have tremendous demand in countries such as China and Tibet for ritual purposes in their temples and monasteries.

Nepalese statues and sculptures have a high copper content and therefore develop a slightly reddish patina on the surface as they age. However, the most unique feature of Nepalese copper statues is their decorative detailing. The pieces are heavily gilded and sometimes inlaid with semi-precious stones. This embellishment protects them from getting tarnished. The traditional lost-wax method for casting Nepalese copper statues remains the most practiced technique in Nepal for many centuries. This process involves many steps and requires skilled artists.

The first step in lost-wax sculpting is to make a wax replica of the desired Buddhist deity to be cast in copper. This replica is created by hand and therefore needs excellent artistic skills otherwise fine features will be lacking.

Once the wax replica is made, it is then coated with a special mixture of clay with a brush. This layer of clay is hardened when left to dry. A small hole is made on the base of the wax mould so that the wax flows away when it is heated.

At this stage, a hollow mould in the shape of the deity is obtained.

This is the time to pour liquid copper into the hollow mould which is then allowed to cool and harden inside a container of cold water. When the liquid metal has hardened, the mould is removed and the statue within is revealed.

The artist works on the details of the statue using various tools. It is then polished to get a shiny and lustrous surface.

Now comes the most important part of Nepalese art which is gold gilding. This is done by the traditional fire gilding method. A mixture of mercury and 18K gold is applied on the surface of the statue and heat is applied using a flame torch. The result is that mercury evaporates along with impurities, leaving a pure 24K gold finish.

The lost-wax method of sculpting is the most preferred technique

for artists to cast a metallic statue having intricate details. Since Nepalese copper sculptures require extraneous effort for giving a majestic look by adding special embellishments, it takes several weeks to complete one masterpiece. A 24K gold gilded copper sculpture retains its brilliant luster for many years and appears as like before. Nepalese sculptures continue to remain one of the finest specimens of the art of the East that have a strong aesthetic appeal that other sculptures cannot match.