Tibetan Buddhist Ashtamangala Prayer Wheel

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Name: Tibetan Buddhist Ashtamangala Prayer Wheel
Brand: Exotic India
SKU: ZCZ84
Price: 45.00 USD
Availability: InStock

$52

Includes any tariffs and taxes

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Specifications

	ZCZ84
	Copper and Brass Statue
	Height: 5 inch
	Width: 2.2 inch
	Depth: 2.2 inch
	Weight 180 gm

Delivery and Return Policies

	Returns and Exchanges accepted within 7 days
	Free Delivery

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Fully Insured

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100% Handmade

All products are
MADE IN INDIA.

A Sacred Vessel of Merit and Enlightenment

This exquisitely crafted prayer wheel, made from a blend of resonant copper and gleaming brass, is more than just an object of devotion; it is a tangible connection to ancient spiritual practices and a conduit for cultivating inner peace. Its compact size makes it an ideal addition to any meditation space, altar, or desk, serving as a constant reminder of the path to enlightenment.

Echoes of Wisdom and Blessings

The body of the prayer wheel is adorned with intricate carvings, each telling a story or symbolizing a profound aspect of Buddhist philosophy. The prominent Tibetan mantras, inscribed with meticulous detail, are not merely decorative but are sacred incantations meant to be activated with each turn. These syllables are believed to carry the blessings and wisdom of enlightened beings, purifying negative karma and generating merit for the practitioner and all sentient beings. The inclusion of the Ashtamangala, the Eight Auspicious Symbols of Buddhism, further imbues the wheel with potent blessings. These symbols, such as the Endless Knot, the Lotus Flower, and the Victory Banner, represent various aspects of spiritual attainment and good fortune, echoing tales of the Buddha's own journey to awakening.

Crafted with Devotion

The skillful artisan has brought together the warmth of copper with the lustrous glow of brass to create a harmonious and visually appealing piece. The copper band, with its subtle reddish hue, offers a grounding presence, while the brass accents, particularly the detailed decorative elements and the finial atop the wheel, add a touch of brilliance and sophistication. The sturdy, ornate base, also fashioned from brass, provides a stable platform, allowing the wheel to spin freely and effortlessly. This dedication to craftsmanship ensures that each prayer wheel is not only a functional tool for spiritual practice but also a work of art, meant to be cherished for years to come.

A Tool for Transformation

In Tibetan Buddhism, the act of turning a prayer wheel is a profound form of meditation. Each rotation is equivalent to reciting the mantras contained within it countless times. It is said that when the prayer wheel is spun clockwise, it purifies negative actions and thoughts, while spinning it counter-clockwise can be done to pacify negative forces or illness. By engaging with this sacred implement, practitioners aim to accumulate merit, purify their minds, and send out waves of compassion and wisdom into the world. This practice is deeply rooted in the belief that intentions and actions create ripples of effect, and the prayer wheel is a powerful means of directing those ripples towards positive transformation. The gentle, rhythmic turning can induce a state of mindfulness and calm, aiding in the quieting of the mind and fostering a deeper connection to one's spiritual path.

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.