Tibetan Buddhist Prayer Wheel

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Name: Tibetan Buddhist Prayer Wheel
Brand: Exotic India
SKU: ZCF78
Price: 130.00 USD
Availability: InStock

$150

Includes any tariffs and taxes

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Specifications

	ZCF78
	Copper and Inlay
	Height: 5.7 inch
	Width: 5.2 inch
	Depth: 3 inch
	Weight 250 gm

Delivery and Return Policies

	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 Sacred Vessel of Compassion and Wisdom

This exquisite Tibetan Buddhist prayer wheel is more than just a decorative item; it is a profound spiritual tool imbued with centuries of tradition and devotion. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail from copper and adorned with intricate inlay work, it serves as a tangible representation of the path to enlightenment. The vibrant red and turquoise colors of the cylinder are reminiscent of the precious stones often found adorning sacred objects in Himalayan monasteries, symbolizing purity, vitality, and the boundless sky. The golden Tibetan mantras, encircling the drum, are not merely decorative but carry immense spiritual power. Each turn of the wheel is believed to send forth these prayers and blessings into the world, accumulating merit and spreading peace. ––––––––––

Echoes of Ancient Traditions

The prayer wheel, or "Mani Korlo" in Tibetan, is a cornerstone of Buddhist practice. Legend tells that the concept originated from the Bodhisattva Manjushri, who asked the Buddha why one would circumambulate when they could not physically perform many prostrations. The Buddha responded by suggesting that if one could not perform the actions, one could turn a wheel containing mantras instead. It is said that the first prayer wheel was invented by the Indian Buddhist sage Naropa, a revered figure in Tibetan Buddhism. This particular wheel, with its robust copper construction and ornate detailing, evokes the artistry and spiritual dedication characteristic of Tibetan craftsmanship. The animals adorning the roof, often depicted in Tibetan art, might represent auspicious symbols or guardian deities, further enhancing its sacred nature. The base, intricately carved with repeating motifs, suggests the foundational teachings and practices that support spiritual growth.

A Symbol of Inner Peace and Well-being

In Tibetan Buddhism, turning a prayer wheel is believed to be equivalent to reciting the mantras contained within it. This practice is thought to purify negative karma, pacify hindrances, and cultivate wisdom and compassion. For practitioners, it offers a way to engage in spiritual practice even when time or physical ability is limited. For those new to these traditions, this prayer wheel serves as a beautiful and meaningful object that can inspire contemplation and a connection to a rich spiritual heritage. Its presence can transform any space into a sanctuary of peace, encouraging moments of mindfulness and introspection. The act of gently spinning this wheel can be a meditative experience, helping to calm the mind and foster a sense of inner tranquility. ––––––––––

An Artful Testament to Devotion

This small yet significant piece is a testament to the enduring power of faith and the artistry it inspires. The copper provides a warm, grounding presence, while the inlaid stones and meticulously applied mantras speak of a profound commitment to spiritual ideals. Each element, from the finely sculpted roof to the intricately designed base, contributes to the overall aura of reverence and beauty. It is a piece that invites interaction, encouraging a gentle spin and a moment of reflection. Whether placed on an altar, a desk, or a meditation space, this Tibetan Buddhist prayer wheel offers a daily reminder of the interconnectedness of all beings and the universal aspiration for peace and enlightenment. It is a piece designed to be cherished, to be touched, and to be a constant source of spiritual inspiration.

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.