PRAYER WHEEL Meaning and
Definition
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A prayer wheel, also known as a Mani wheel, is a traditional Buddhist religious object that plays a significant role in Tibetan Buddhism. It is a cylindrical device consisting of a handle attached to a barrel-shaped wheel, usually made of metal or wood. The wheel is inscribed with the sacred mantra "Om Mani Padme Hum," which is considered to be the embodiment of the compassionate qualities of Avalokiteshvara, the bodhisattva of compassion.
The prayer wheel is believed to contain numerous printed, written, or engraved copies of the mantra, allowing the practitioner to accumulate merit and purify negative karma by simply spinning it. The act of rotating the wheel is seen as an equivalent of verbal recitation, as the mantra is continuously chanted as the wheel spins. In this manner, the prayer wheel becomes an embodiment of the enlightened mind and an instrument for spreading blessings and positive energy.
The spinning of the prayer wheel is performed in a clockwise direction, following the path of the sun. The repetitive motion is considered a form of meditation and devotion, allowing individuals to focus their minds, enhance their spiritual practice, and cultivate compassion. It is also believed that the spinning motion releases the prayer's intentions into the universe, benefitting all beings.
Prayer wheels can vary in size, ranging from small handheld ones to large ones found at monasteries or sacred sites. They are commonly found in Tibet, Nepal, and other areas where Tibetan Buddhism is practiced. The prayer wheel serves as a symbolic tool for the practitioner's spiritual journey while promoting the cultivation of loving-kindness, compassion, and the integration of mindfulness into everyday life.
Common Misspellings for PRAYER WHEEL
- orayer wheel
- lrayer wheel
- -rayer wheel
- 0rayer wheel
- peayer wheel
- pdayer wheel
- pfayer wheel
- ptayer wheel
- p5ayer wheel
- p4ayer wheel
- przyer wheel
- prsyer wheel
- prwyer wheel
- prqyer wheel
- prater wheel
- prager wheel
- praher wheel
- prauer wheel
- pra7er wheel
Etymology of PRAYER WHEEL
The word "prayer wheel" originates from the combination of the words "prayer" and "wheel".
The word "prayer" comes from the Old English word "preċian", which means "to ask earnestly". It finds its roots in the Latin word "precari", meaning "to ask or entreat".
The word "wheel" comes from the Old English word "hweol", derived from the Proto-Germanic word "hwehwlaz". It ultimately originated from the Proto-Indo-European root "*kwekwlo-", which signifies a circular shape or motion.
Therefore, the combination of these two words gave birth to the term "prayer wheel", which refers to a device used in various spiritual traditions, particularly in Tibetan Buddhism, for ritualistic prayers and meditations.
Similar spelling words for PRAYER WHEEL
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