Prayer Wheels of the Himalayas by David Barker

Prayer wheels

Contents

Introduction ………………………………………………………………..3 Public Prayer Wheels ……….…… (Nos: 1 -89)……………………....6 Watercolour illustration…………………………………………………..7 Monastery roof, Nepal …………………………………………………. 50 Personal Prayer Wheels ……………(Nos: 91 -213)…………………51 Line Drawing of a Prayer Wheel……………………………………….52 Components of Prayer Wheels…………………………………………60 References………………………………………………………………….84 About the author………………………………………………………….87

Photo credits: © David Barker 2011, unless stated otherwise. Please acknowledge source when reproducing or transmitting through electronic media. Cover design and calligraphy illustrations: Pema T. Domingo-Barker.

Introduction An exploration on the subject of Himalayan Prayer Wheels during visits to various countries of the area has led to this portfolio compilation with representations from India (Sikkim, Ladakh and Kalimpong), Bhutan, Tibet and Nepal. A vast range of wheels exist: from the humble and simple personal prayer wheel weighing just a few grams to the massive six-hundred kilogram public or static wheel. They may include the simple yak leather reliquary to those richly adorned with jade, coral and gold. Each represents a supplication to the passing of devotional prayers to the heavens.

areas mentioned but also when walking to and from other places. The use of the wheel occurs when the owner/user is contemplating and/or conducting prayer. Static or public prayer wheels are strategically placed at significant points throughout the Himalayas, permitting the use by passing folk on their daily journeys or long treks into the mountains. General description Chain: Usually metal but maybe a leather thong or cotton or wool fibre Collar: May be horn or metal

The origin and maker of the first wheel is lost in history but it is reported that the oldest known prayer wheel in existence is over two hundred years. The rotating motion of the wheel is derived from many sources including water, heat, electricity, by hand, steam, battery and wind. Some suggest that the inspiration was derived from the pinnacles at monastery quadrants, whilst other suggest it was from the stupa design.

Contents: Often a combination of one, two or three of the following: Wood block printed prayers on rice paper, bones of a Lama or a significant religious person, small fragments of cloth, micro-fiche signed by the Dalai Lama, religious relics, sacred threads, fragments of a Khata (raw silk scarf), and other items of religious significance. Finial: Plain or decorated – often silver with gold embellishment Lower cover to decorated metal

Lay people as well as monks and nuns are hand-prayer wheel users. The wheel is held vertically in the right hand by clasping the shaft and rotated by use of the suspended weight in a clockwise direction. In the left hand a rosary would be usual. The wheel would normally be used when undertaking devotional prayers whilst circumambulating a stupa or other religiouslysignificant area, also in a clockwise direction. It may be noted that the use of the wheel is not confined to the

reliquary:

Plain

Lower shaft collar: Horn, silver, copper or other metal Top cover to reliquary: copper or silver – may be bone or leather, either plain or decorated Reliquary: Construction materials range from wood, metal, lead, horn, ivory, copper, silver, tin, gold, bone – human and animal and leather (yak). Often silver – plain or decorated. Decorative and embellishment materials include jade, lapis lazuli, turquoise, coral, emerald and ebony in addition to items above. Rotating weight: Often lead but can be stone or metal 3

Shaft: Wood (ebony has been bamboo or horn – sometimes silver

Prayer wheels used)

Spindle: Strong metal wire Ornamentation The elaborate use of the eight auspicious symbols (bkra-shis rtags-brgyad) with borders of various meanders is usual. Invariably featured prominently is the mantra Om Mani Padme Hum and the eight symbols of lotus, vase, conch, parasol, banner, two fish, eternal knot and chakra. Other designs include horse with mirror, soldier, mirror, five jewels and flaming jewel. The Eight Symbols Chakra: Eight-spoked wheel – khorlo symbolises the supremacy of Buddhist Law. In early Buddhist art, the wheel represented the Buddha whose teachings caused the wheel to turn. Conch Shell: Dunkar, calling to prayer

symbolises

the

Endless Knot – Eternal Knot: To the Tibetans dpal-be’ u symbolises love and devotion Golden Fish: Gser-gyi nya is the symbol of “freedom from restraint”. The fully emancipated Buddha state, no obstacles to freedom are encountered Lotus Flower: Pema – padma symbolises purity and perfection

accomplishment, and one of success are not applied to prayer wheels. Flowers and fruits are occasionally used whereas the six companions of long life and the elements of nature are rare in the border meanders. The Flaming Jewel – norbu mebar (nor-bu me-‘bar) is used, as are the dorje - thunderbolt, darchang – floating scarf, elephant tusks and rhinoceros horn. The crafting of the wheel is undertaken in Nepal, Tibet, Bhutan and India. The bulk of the prayer wheel craft is strongly linked to Nepal and the Nepalis. The art of metal work was imported to Tibet, mainly from Nepal by the migration of metal craftsmen, Newars, from Nepal. Although the Tibetans undertook simple metal work in earlier times, their skills were learned from Nepalis. In general, the decoration or embellishment to the reliquaries was achieved through repoussé, chasing, rolled and twisted filigree, ciré perdu, and chiselling with gold wash and leaf added subsequently. Precious and semi-precious stones are set in soft-flux metals and beeswax. Silver Florentine filigree work was imported from India to Nepal and then exported to Tibet in completed form or by skills learned. Crafting is still carried out in Nepal with some in India, Tibet and a small number from Bhutan. The wheels prepared in Tibet and Bhutan tend to be simple with using wood and horn and less of metals.

Victory Banner: Rgyal-mtshan, is the emblem symbolising the victory of Buddhism, and the attainment of enlightenment

The wheels are crafted for commercial purposes and retail sale by silversmiths and craftsmen. A wheel may be sold to upgrade from copper to plain silver and then to silver and gold and so on, as the owner becomes increasingly rich or wishes to allocate more of his resources to the purchase of another wheel. Sometimes they are handed through families but normally a new one is purchased as the family’s requirements grow.

Generally the use of other symbols such as the: eight ordinary symbols, eight symbols of immortal spirits, four symbols of

Accoutrements of the Buddhist religion are not normally required and indeed are not mandatory. The wheel is in the same

Parasol: Gdugs symbolises the protection from all evils Vase: Bum-pa contains spiritual jewel

Prayer wheels

category. However, it is a custom for the last hundred years, to use both wheels and rosaries and also to wear a gau – prayer box. Prayers and devotions do not require the use of any accoutrement but the use of all items is widespread in the Himalayan region. Only a small population undertaking prayer and circumambulations do not use or possess one or other of the items. The use of the rosary is possibly 100% whereas the use of the wheel maybe about 60-70%. The wheel is certainly a man-created add-on and was derived from the temple pinnacle but exactly when or who first created the Mani La Khor remains unknown in our investigations. The importance of such objects: prayer wheel, rosary and prayer box exists only in the object itself as great religious sentiment is attached to all. However, it is not essential to have any of the items as prayer or devotion can be undertaken without any accoutrement.

western concept usually interprets the procedure this way. The practice of Buddhism does not require tangible evidence of having done or being done – it just is. Use also creates a feeling of continuous communication with the Lord Buddha and life. The rotating motion in association with the ornamentation, decoration and calligraphy introduces the world of silent prayer. In the mind of a Tibetan-Buddhist to lose a prayer wheel is not a major catastrophe but in the West if an icon or religious possession is lost the owner feels great spiritual loss. The wheel is a means and not an end.

Evelyn Domingo-Barker and David Barker 2011

The importance therefore is in the mind of the possessor rather than in the requirement of the religion or other purpose. With the prayer wheel the user does feel more satisfied in the human sense but spiritually they are insignificant and really form no place. The sense that rotating the prayers within the prayer wheel are a means to send prayers to a god or heaven do not apply whereas the

1. Entrance to the Royal Palace, Bhutan

Prayer wheels are situated in various public areas throughout the Himalayan Region

ÂŠ David Barker

Prayer wheels

Bhutanese Prayer Wheel: Watercolour by Julian Burton

2 & 3. Multiple water-driven wheels housed in five sacred rooms, Bhutan

ÂŠ David Barker

Prayer wheels

4.Water-driven, Thimphu Valley, Bhutan

5. Hand driven, Monastery, Bhutan © David Barker

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6. Water driven, Bhutan hillside

Prayer wheels

7. Mani stone

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8 & 9. Monastery, Bhutan

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10. Monastery, Bhutan

11. Daily scene, Boudhanath, Kathmandu © David Barker

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12 & 13. Monastery, Bhutan

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14. Leh, Ladakh

15. Monastery, Bhutan © David Barker

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16. Three, extremely heavy wheels, Sikkim

17. Nepal © David Barker

Prayer wheels

18 & 19. Thimphu Dzong, Bhutan

20. Gilded copper repoussé Sikkim

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21. Gilded copper repoussé Sikkim

Prayer wheels

22. Gilded copper repoussé Sikkim

23. Gilded copper repoussé Sikkim

24. Monastery, Kalimpong

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25. Bhutan

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26. Bhutan

27. Kalimpong The bell at the top is struck after each rotation

28. Bhutan

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29. Early education

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30. Monastery quadrants

32. Monastery quadrants

31. Early education

33. Early education © David Barker

34. Top of chamber

35. Bhutan

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36. Conch detail

37. Bhutan

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38. Bhutan

39. Bhutan © David Barker

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40 & 41. Monastery, Bhutan

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42 & 43. Dzong, Bhutan

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45. Bhutan

44. Kalimpong

46. Bhutan © David Barker

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47. Kalimpong

48. Only natural light permitted inside monastery. Sikkim © David Barker

49. Dorjé

51. Mirror

50. Heat driven, Sikkim

52. Heat driven, Sikkim

Prayer wheels

53. Heat driven, Sikkim

54. Heat driven, Sikkim

55. Water driven, Bhutan

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56. Bhutan

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57. Bhutan

58. Bhutan

59. Bhutan © David Barker

Prayer wheels

60 & 60a. Thimphu Valley, Bhutan

60a. © David Barker

61. Nepal

Prayer wheels

62. Paro, Bhutan

63. Nepal © David Barker

64. Bhutan

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65. Bhutan

Prayer wheels

66. Bhutan

67. Bhutan

བ"་ཤིས་'གས་བ)ད་

bkra-shis rtags-brgyad 68. The eight auspicious symbols

Prayer wheels

69. Monastery, Bhutan

70. Kalimpong © David Barker

Prayer wheels

71. Monastery, Bhutan

72. Nepal © David Barker

Prayer wheels

73. Kalimpong

Prayer wheels

Large m onastery w heel Height: 105 cm. Diameter: 66 cm Copper chamber with brass encircling rings. Painted with red and blue lacquer. Small detail

Small detail

Contents: Unknown but they are considered to be of great value and significance to the monastery.

74. Kalimpong

75. Kalimpong

Two prayer wheels in tandem in ‘situe’ within a monastery. The adjacent Thangka is approximately 100 years old, as are the two wheels.

Prayer wheels

76. Kalimpong

77. Kalimpong

Finial: Copper with the top cover of the reliquary chamber decorated with the lotus design. Rests on a cast iron frame.

A smaller wheel of approximately 70 years of age. Copper repoussé. Script elongated with narrower limbs than usual.

Note the small lotus on the top right

Prayer wheels

A magnificent example with a top shroud of ruffled yellow silk Large monastic wheel in a permanent position. Height: 240 cm. Diameter: 150 cm Central copper drum with overlaid symbols. Gilded ornamentation. Two parallel encircling panels each with eight auspicious symbols. Rotated by hand using the wooden undersupports. Extensive use of the Lotus and Flower symbols. Under top cover of reliquary decorated with panels of “Garuda.”

78. Bhutan

79. Four auspicious symbols

80. Garuda detail

81. Four auspicious symbols

Prayer wheels

Nepal

The temple lion guards the copper and brass wheel. Height: 76 cm. Diameter: 38 cm Age: 70/100 years. Contents: Said to be repeat mantras plus the sacred bone relics of a past Lama. Inlaid swastika meander around the central brass band on reliquary chamber. Lower brass band of the Lotus symbol. Top cover: Reversed Lotus.

83. Medium sized copper wheel Close view of the copper and brass wheel after saffron and red vermillion has been scattered. Wear on the lower section of the chamber indicates that many hands have turned the wheel during its 100 years of life.

82. Temple lion Swastika meander

Prayer wheels

Small ‘tiered’ wheels Nepal

84. Nine individual wheels: 25 cm by 10 cm Copper with gold gilt wheels in four sets of three protected by a interior panoply and an overall yellow pagoda roof and square cap with pinnacle resting on a four peaked cap.

Prayer wheels

Beneath the four sets of wheels a cast brass Dorjé (Thunderbolt) above a Lotus repository with butter lamps in the foreground. The nine prayer wheels are set above the Dorjé on three sides of the square. The worn parts of the Dorjé indicate many passages of the hands of the devout.

85. Cast brass Dorjé

Prayer wheels

86. The base and Dorjé without the saffron and vermillion powder

Prayer wheels

87. Painted Dorjé 88. One section of a tiered group Age: 100+ years

Copper chambers with special mantra depository. Originally lacquered. Heavy deposits of yellow and red vermillion powder.

Prayer wheels

89. Sikkim Copper and brass repoussé Of considerable age

Prayer wheels

90. Monastery roof, Nepal

“In niches along the base of the building, about three feet above the level of the path, are sometimes inserted rows of prayer barrels which are turned by the visitor sweeping his hand over them as he proceeds.” Waddell, L.A., 1894. Lamaism in Sikkim, Reprint 1978, New Delhi, Manjusri

Prayer wheels

The personal prayer wheel

91. Bhutan “and it seems to be like “the prayer-wheel,” a mystic perversion of one of the earlier symbols of Buddhist mythology. In the Buddhist scriptures there constantly occurs the metaphor of “turning the Wheel of the Law” with reference to Buddha’s preaching, and this figure of speech seems to have suggested to the lamas, who are ever ready to symbolise trifles realistically, their materialistic invention of the prayer-wheel, whereby every individual may “turn the Wheel of Law” conveniently.” Waddell, L.A, 1894. Lamaism in Sikkim, Reprint 1978, New Delhi, Manjusri

Prayer wheels

92. Line drawing of a prayer wheel

Line drawing by Pema T. Domingo-Barker

Prayer wheels

93. A veteran user, Bhutan

94. Rest stop, Bhutan © David Barker

95. Market scene, Thimphu, Bhutan

96. A homemade wheel © David Barker

Prayer wheels

97. On the way, Bhutan

98. Close view of 96

Prayer wheels

Individual prayer wheels

99 & 100. Table prayer wheels

Prayer wheels

101. By the kind courtesy of the Newark Museum New Jersey, New York, USA. From “Tibet A Lost World”. The Newark Collection of Tibetan Art and Ethnography. Valrae Reynolds. Acc. No 71.8.7. A, B. …….. “and if any temple or chaitya (chorten) be at hand these will be circumambulated with “prayer wheel” revolving in hand and chanting mantras. Then is done any priestly service required by the villagers.” Waddell, L.A, 1894. Lamaism in Sikkim, Reprint 1978, New Delhi, Manjusri

བ"་ཤིས་'གས་བ)ད་

Prayer wheels

By the kind courtesy of the Newark Museum, New Jersey, New York, USA 102. Left: Hand Prayer Wheel. Gift of Mrs. J. B. Barlow. Acc. No. 27.653. “Copper cylinder with incised and cut-out designs, including sacred Indian characters. Incised work is in short lines, like stiches. Upper end piece in form of pointed dome; lower one has simplified crossed dorjés. Nine blue glass stones (three missing) set in brass band which encircles cylinder. Lead weight. Bamboo handle. Contains roll of poorly printed mani prayers. (Waddell, Lamaism, p.218, illus. Shows table wheel with similar cylinder). Acquired by a missionary stationed at Jhansi and Allahabad, India.” Length. 30 cm. 103. Center: Wind Prayer Wheel. Shelton Collection. Acc. No. 20.406. “Plain hammered copper cylinder with a long axle to which are attached four copper wings like the cups of an anemometer. From the prince’s house in Batang. These wheels are usually put on a pole on top of the house and turned as the wind blows. Prayers are, in this way, constantly going on behalf of the family.” Length: 24 cm. 104. Right: Table Prayer Wheels. Crane Collection. Acc. No. 11.657. “Three plain hammered copper cylinders on a crude rectangular wooden stand; central cylinder an inch (2.5 cm) higher than the other two. Each contains a tight roll of prayers. According to Shelton, these wheels were used in the home”. Length: 9 cm.

Prayer wheels

By the kind courtesy of the Newark Museum, New Jersey, New York, USA 105. Left: Tibetan table prayer wheel. Holton collection. Acc. No. 36.285. Height: 11.5 cm. “Copper cylinder with handsome applied silver ornamentation as follows: mani prayer in six Indian characters separated by vertical bands; upper border of monster masks, flowers and festooned ropes; lower border of conventionalized silver lotus petals; upper end piece has silver wheel motif; lower end piece has incised double dorjé. Iron axle projects above the top so that it may be set in motion without moving it from the place where it rests. Contains a roll of prayers bound in red cloth. Lamas twirl table prayer wheels with finger and thumb as they sit at meals or while practicing devotional exercises.”

Prayer wheels

By the kind courtesy of the Newark Museum, New Jersey, New York, USA. Hand Prayer Wheel. Albert L. Shelton Collection. Acc. No. 20.410. 106. Left: “Black leather (probably yak hide) cylinder encircled by a brass band to which a thong is attached strung with two conch shell beads which act as weights. At the top of the bamboo handle, pierced by the axel, are a large, irregular piece of conch shell and a small section of bamboo. As the wheel rotates, a bead a gradually cut from the conch by the friction of the bamboo. The edge of the shell shows where other beads have already cut from it. The two conch shell beads strung on the thong are evidence of the prayers credited to the devout person who revolved the wheel. Brass lotus bud finial with small copper lotus end plate. The handsome wheel is very heavy and awkward to twirl. It probably contains more prayers than the average prayer wheel and would bring greater merit to its owner.” Length: 33 cm. 107. Centre: Hand prayer wheel. Edward N. Crane Memorial Collection. Acc. No. 11.658. “Brass cylinder with mani prayer in six raised Indian letters; upper border of dorjés and flowers; lower border of lotus petals; upper brass end piece has wheel motif, and lower one has crossed dorjés. Lotus bud finial. Brass weight attached by a chain. Brown wooden handle. Contains roll of mani prayers.”

Prayer wheels

108 & 109 Components of the personal prayer wheel

a. b. c. d. e. f. g. h.

Top cover to reliquary Reliquary or chamber Roll of rice paper with prayers Finial or pinnacle Chain with weight Lower cover to reliquary Shaft or spindle Collar

110. Fragment of rice paper with wood-blocked prayers placed into the Reliquary of the wheels

Prayer wheels

111. Decorated copper chamber with soft wood handle Top cover to chamber: Simple Lotus design Pinnacle: Copper with floral design Chamber: Diameter: 10 cm. Height: 6.5 cm Chamber ornamentation: Two bands of mantra Rotating weight: Round, formed of copper strip Age: Approximately 60 years Overall length: 29 cm. Weight 340 gm Contents of chamber: Repeat mantra and Lama pencil drawing.

112. Unadorned copper chamber with silver accoutrements Copper chamber finished at the central ring, top and base rings with silver plating Silver shaft collars, lower collar, spherical pinnacle and rotating weight Shaft: Bamboo Age: 30 – 50 years Overall length: 30 cm. Weight: 312 gm Contents: Repeat mantra on paper Chamber: Diameter: 9.5 cm. Height: 4.5 cm.

113. Silver chamber with carved wood handle Chamber: Silver repoussé Height: 7.5 cm Diameter: 6.5 cm Top cover: Flowers and leaves Lower cover: Flowers Top of chamber: 4 auspicious signs in floral halos and three symbols, OM MANI, PAD Lower chamber: 4 auspicious signs in floral halos. PAD MI HUM. Coral and turquoise studding Overall length: 30 cm. Weight: 454 gm Pinnacle: Lotus with Conch Age: 15 years Contents of chamber: Repeat mantra on paper. 114.Details of chamber and top cover

Prayer wheels

116. Silver chamber

117. Finial detail. Carved silver rising Lotus design 118.

115.The Chakra is seen on the lower section of the chamber

Top row: Two fish

Lower row: PAD

Prayer wheels

Top row: Flaming jewel

Top row: MA

Lower row: OM

Lower row: Eternal knot

119.

122.

Top row: OM

Top row: Banner

Lower row: ME

Lower row: Conch shell

123.

120.

Top row: Vase

Top row: NI

Lower row: Standard

121.

Lower row: MA

124.

Prayer wheels

125. All wood except for the chain Overall: 34 cm. Weight: 340 gm Chamber: Carved with repeat mantra Height: 10 cm. Diameter: 6.5 cm Lotus top and lower cover Age: Recent Contents: Repeat mantra on paper

126. Silver shaft, chamber top and bottom Cover to chamber: Silver filigree with turquoise and coral Finial: Florentine silver filigree, with jade and silver capping Chamber: Carved horn, yak. Height: 10 cm. Diameter: 7 cm Chamber ornamentation: One row of three mantras supported by the Lotus Age: 20 years Overall length: 29 cm. Weight: 368 gm Collar: Circular washer of yak horn Contents to chamber: Repeat mantra on paper and small fragment of saffron cloth.

127. Silver with ivory Chamber and collar: Hand carved ivory Three repeats of six-symbol mantra around centre of chamber Studded with Tibetan turquoise and garnet Chamber: Height 9 cm. Diameter: 6 cm Base of shaft: Lapis lazuli Age: 50 years

128. Detail of central hand-carved ring around the centre of the chamber Small lotus design supports the mantra on both sides.

Prayer wheels

129. Simple form with a hand-carved chamber and hard wood handle with Gau Chamber height: 6.5 cm. Diameter: 4 cm Overall length 23 cm Two rows of mantra and 6 symbols. Of fairly recent origin

130. Silver and ivory Chamber: Hand carved ivory Height: 11 cm. Diameter 7.5 cm Overall length: 30 cm. Weight 260 gm Lower chamber cover: Flower, Lotus and double Dorje. Studded with turquoise, garnet and coral Pinnacle: Lotus design Contents: Mantras on cloth Base of the shaft is set with one large lapis lazuli Age: 40 – 60 years

131. Silver with ivory collar Six symbols of the mantra carved in gold and fixed around the centre of the chamber Top cover of chamber, silver filigree studded with garnets Chamber height: 5cm. Diameter 4cm Overall length: 16.5 cm Weight 115 gm Age: 30 – 40 years

132. Graphic of calligraphy

Prayer wheels

133. Silver with Florentine silver filigree. Studded with turquoise, garnet and coral. Jade ring encircles the reliquary chamber Chamber height: 10 cm. Diameter 7.5 cm Overall length: 26.5 cm Silver weight: 165 gm Shaft: Unadorned carved bone Age: 80+ years. Contents of chamber: Repeat mantra, fragment of saffron cloth

135. Detail showing some symbols of the mantra seen through the translucence of the jade ring

136 & 137. Two details of the lower cover of the reliquary showing finely chiselled lotus pattern around the outer rim and Dorjes in flower halo.

134. Detail of lower section of chamber showing silver filigree in continuous flower design.

PAD

HUM

Prayer wheels

138. Silver with hard wood shaft Chamber height: 10 cm. Diameter 7.5 cm Overall length: 28 cm Contents: Mantras on rice paper Age: 80 – 90 years

142. Detail of vase on the top band and the standard on the lower band

139.

143. Close view of the Boddhisat or Padmapani detail

140 & 141. Details of hand chiselled script

PAD

HUM

144. Close view of the vase with mirror

Prayer wheels

145. Detail showing the seated Lama on the top band and the vase with the mirror on the lower band

147. Detail of chamber showing horse with mirror on the top band with conch shell on the lower band

146. Chamber of repoussé silver Centre band of three repeat mantra Top band decorated with Auspicious signs, mirror, vase, flaming jewel with addition of Elephant with conch and seated Lama Lower band decorated with: Auspicious signs, Chakra, Vase, Parasol, two fish and eternal knot with the addition of Horse with mirror and a Nepali warrior Top of chamber: Floral design

148. Close view of hand chiselled conch shell

Prayer wheels

152. Elephant detail from top band

149 & 150. Detail showing on the top band Mirror, flaming jewel Lower band Chakra – left: Parasol – right

153. Lotus and conch shell detail

151.

Prayer wheels

154. Silver with wood shaft. Chamber height: 7.5 cm. Diameter 6.5 cm. Age: 60 – 80 years Overall length. 26.5 cm. Weight 114 gm Chamber studded with turquoise, coral and jade. Two rows of mantra in gold script Top of chamber: silver filigree Silver filigree interspersed between stones and script on top and lower bands of chamber

155. A simple hand carved soft wood wheel. Chamber height: 6.5 cm. Diameter 5 cm. Overall length 24 cm. Of fairly recent origin

156. Silver with ivory chamber Chamber height: 9 cm. Diameter 8 cm Overall length 25 cm Chamber studded with turquoise and garnet. Lapis lazuli set in base of shaft Three hand-carved repeat mantras on the central ring of the chamber Of fairly recent origin © David Barker

157. Silver repoussé with hard wood shaft Silver bands top and lower ends of the shaft Copper collar. Lotus pinnacle Chamber height: 10 cm. Diameter 7.5 cm Overall length: 35 cm

Weight: 145 gm Two rows of mantras around chamber Top of chamber small chiselled leaf design

158. Repoussé silver chamber Height 9 cm Diameter 7 cm Overall length 30 cm Total silver weight 185 gm Small corals and turquoise encircle shaft top and base Chamber chased with the eight auspicious signs. Top circle: Conch, Parasol, Banner and Vase Bottom circle: Eternal knot, Lotus, Chakkra and Fish Chamber contents: Repeat prayer in Tibetan script fragments of Lama cloth and bone.

Prayer wheels

Top row

161.1 PAD

161.2 Elephant

161.3 ME

161.4 Horse/Mirror

161.5 HUM

Lower row

161.6 PA

161.7 Jewel

161.8 ME

161.9 Conch

161.10 HUM

Top row

159. 161.11 Soldier

161.12 HUM

Lower row

160 & 161. Very fine silver and gold wheel. Specially crafted for an important Lama Of recent origin Chamber height 11.5 cm. Diameter 9 cm Overall length 35 cm. Weight: 130 gm Swastika meander around the lower and top bands of the chamber. Ivory collar Top row of chamber decorated with elephant, conch shell, horse with mirror, soldier, vase, mirror, five jewels and Lama figure. Lower row: Parasol, conch shell, and banner

161.16 Conch

161.13 Parasol

161.14 ME

161.15 Mirror

In order of rotation

161.17 HUM

161.18 Vase

161.19 MA

161.20 Mirror

Top row

161.21 OM

161.22 Conch

161. 23 MA

161.24 Lama

161.25 NI

Lower row

161.26 OM

161.27 Jewels

161.28 ME

161.29 Banner

161.30 NI

Prayer wheels

162. Seated Lama

163. Parasol

166. Silver with jade chamber Base of shaft set with one coral Decorated with garnets Jade chamber height: 5 cm. Diameter 4 cm Overall length 21.5 cm Weight 180 gm Lower cover of chamber decorated with silver filigree and turquoise Contents: Mantras on rice paper

164. Chamber cover

167. Repoussé silver chamber Height: 9 cm Diameter 7 cm. Length 30 cm. Total silver weight 185 gm Small corals and turquoise encircle shaft top and base Chamber chased with the eight auspicious signs. Top circle: Conch, Parasol, Banner and Vase Bottom circle: Eternal knot, Lotus, Chakkra and Fish. Chamber contents: Repeat prayer in Tibetan script. Fragments of Lama cloth and bone

Prayer wheels

168. Detail of Vase

169. Detail of Conch

171. Detail of Eternal Knot

172. Tibetan script “ME” (Padme All six of the prayer symbols are protected with the Halo

173. “HUM” 170. Detail of Parasol

Prayer wheels

174. Spherical silver chamber Height 5 cm Diameter 5 cm. Length 16.5 cm Silver filigree. Gold hand carved lettering Wood shaft clad in silver and silver wires Turquoise and coral around central ring Lotus filigree on lower chamber Lotus pinnacle

175. Silver filigree chamber with turquoise and coral around centre band. symbols of ‘OM” around top and bottom of chamber. Chamber height 5 cm. Diameter 4 cm. Overall length 17.5 cm Lower chamber cover, silver filigree lotus design Top chamber cover fine silver filigree floral design Plain silver finial

176. Brass on copper 6 “OM” symbols Spherical brass finial Top chamber 6 “OM” Chamber height 6.5 cm. Diameter 7.5 cm Overall length 30 cm Bamboo painted shaft with copper ferrules top and bottom

177. Silver chamber Chamber height 9 cm Diameter 9 cm Overall length 28 cm Wood shaft. No ferrules Top and bottom of chamber repeat “OM” One turquoise at each quadrant Fairly primitive Lower chamber cover: four Dorjé Top of chamber: Lotus and floral design

Prayer wheels

178. Copper chamber with incised symbols in central row Length: 20 cm Chamber: Height 6.5 cm. Diameter 5 cm Weight: Lead. Chain: Brass Base of shaft: brass Dorjé Repoussé decorated silver ferrules top and bottom of shaft Top and bottom rows: Eight auspicious signs interspersed with turquoise Finial: Chased silver Lower chamber cover: Chased Lotus and flower design

180. Copper chamber with two rows of repoussé symbols Cotton thread to silver lotus design weight with lead insert Top cover to chamber repoussé lotus design Lower chamber cover flower design Chamber: Height 7.5 cm. Diameter 7.5 Age: 60+ years Shaft and finial lost

179. Silver on copper chamber with gold central ring Chamber: Height 6 cm. Diameter 10 cm. Length: 32 cm. Age: 70+ years Silver finial of Lotus design in halo. Bamboo shaft Weight: Bone and cast iron on leather thong Bone collar on shaft. Coiled mantra content

181. Carved ivory chamber Chamber: Height 6.5 cm. Diameter 11 cm. Length 32.5 cm. Age: 80+ years 4 coral on chamber top Two rows carved symbols Bamboo shaft with silver ferrules top and bottom with horn and bamboo collars Silver and lead weight on brass chain Top and lower chamber covers repoussé copper. Copper finial.

Prayer wheels

182. Copper chamber with incised symbols in two rows Chamber: Height 6.5 cm. Diameter 7 cm. Length 25 cm. Age: 30+ years Bamboo shaft with silver ferrules top and bottom and copper collar Copper finial Top and lower cover plain copper

183. Copper repoussé chamber. Missing shaft. Chamber: Height 6 cm. Diameter 7.5 cm. Age: 40+ years Twisted silver filigree central ring Two rows of symbols Copper finial Top cover copper repoussé lotus design Contents: Woodblock printed prayers and small fragment of saffron cloth Lead weight on metal chain

184. Copper chamber with chased silver encircling rings Chamber: Height 7 cm. Diameter 10 cm Length 30 cm. Age 70+ years Bamboo shaft with two collars of shaped wood Silver lotus finial with carved jade underring above two silver rings Top and lower chamber cover repoussé elaborate lotus and flower deigns Contents: Fragment of yellow cotton wrapping woodblock printer prayers Weight; Lead encased with silver on metal chain

185. Silver repoussé chamber missing the shaft Chamber: Height 12 cm. Diameter 10 cm. Age 50+ years Gold lotus design finial with supporting lotus Four coral set in lotus design at each quadrant Double small link chain with silver and lead weight

Prayer wheels

186. Plain copper chamber Chamber: Height 7.5 cm. Diameter 5 cm. Length 26 cm. Age: 60 years Bone shaft with copper ring ferrule at lower end and bone collar at top With three bold repoussé rings centre (bordered with two finer rings) and top and bottom Rounded copper finial Lead weight on brass chain Contents: Rice paper prayers bound with red thread

187. Copper repoussé chamber with three gold finished rings at centre, top and bottom Missing shaft, weight and chain Chamber: Height 7.5 cm. Diameter 6 cm. Age: 40 years Gold finished lotus design finial with top chamber swirl design Plain copper top and lower covers

188. A pair of excellently crafted wheels Of recent origin Both silver with gold plate Left: Similar in size and characteristics to the earlier plate 153, but with both turquoise and coral at the centre ring Heavy gold finished silver finial Right: Silver chamber, top and bottom covers finished with gold Chamber: Height 7.5 cm. Diameter 5 cm. Length 25 cm Turquoise and corals around centre ring and top of chamber. Shaft clad with silver and twisted silver filigree. Lapis lazuli at base of shaft

189. Three carved softwood wheels Of recent origin and prepared for sale Each with hand-carved mantras and wood weights Length 25 cm Shafts carved, with one carved with lotus design

Prayer wheels

190. Gold and silver chamber with seven symbols Chamber: Height 10 cm. Diameter 7.5 cm Length: 35 cm Bone collar at sop of shaft. Silver ferrules top and bottom of shaft Eight auspicious signs on lower cover Gold finial. Eight other signs on top rim of chamber Carved haldoo wood shaft Top of chamber: Flower and Lotus designs Lower chamber cover: Lotus and Dorjé in halo

191. Silver on copper chamber Chamber: Height 6.5 cm. Diameter: 7.5 cm Contents: Wood block-printed mantras Leather thong to lead weight Bamboo handle with silver ferrules top and bottom Spherical silver finial Age: 100+ years

192. Carved haldoo wood chamber, finial and shaft Chamber: Height 10 cm. Diameter 5 cm. Length 28 cm. Age: 10 years Metal chain to wooden weight Two rows of prayers around chamber Top and bottom covers lotus and flower design Contents: Rice paper prayers

193. Carved haldoo wood. Chamber height: 14 cm. Diameter: 10 cm Overall length: 42 cm Of recent origin Three bands of Om Mani Padme Hum on reliquary, 5 in each row Chain of three wood sections and a wooden weight Top of chamber lotus designs to raised lines Double Dorjé under the reliquary Shaft: Overlapping leaf design Base: Lotus design

Prayer wheels

194 & 195. Two views of the wood chamber illustrating excellent carving of the symbols and decoration of stylised lotus

197. Copper chamber set with well formed chiselled symbols Chamber: Height 5cm. Diameter 7 cm. Length 30 cm. Age: 30 years and well-used Cane shaft with copper ferrules top and bottom with wood collar at top Silver clad lead weight on steel chain Top and bottom cover copper repoussé with incised symbols on top cover Contents: Prayers on cotton with small saffron cloth fragment

198. View of top cover

196.

199. Side view

198.1 OM

198.2 MA

198.3 NI

198.4 PAD

198.5 ME

198.6.OM

Prayer wheels

200. Silver chamber with gold finish Chamber: Height 9.5 cm. Diameter 6 cm. Length 30 cm Age: 20 years Gold finished finial and upper and lower row of auspicious symbols and central row of mantra Top cover with raised dome of lotus and flower design Silver clad lead weight on silver chain Carved haldoo wood shaft with silver collars top and bottom and bone collar Lower cover lotus design Contents: Woodblock printed prayers on rice paper wrapped in yellow cotton with small bone

201. A pair of miniature wheels that are worn on a necklace or chain Crafted from silver repoussé with delicate symbols around the chamber Small coloured stones as weights on a sliver chain Contents: Rice paper prayers Height 1.5 cm. Diameter 0.75 cm

202. Silver repoussé chamber Chamber: Height 7.5 cm. Diameter 6 cm Length 30 cm Carved haldoo wood shaft Two rows of symbols with turquoise at the four quadrants Age: Fairly recent Contents: Cloth fragment and prayers on rice paper Top cover of chamber domed with lotus and flowers

203, 204 & 205. Detail of symbols interspersed with flower decoration

Prayer wheels

204.

206. Aged ivory chamber Hand carved symbols in two rows Chamber: Height 8 cm. Diameter 5 cm Length 28 cm. Age: Considerable Top cover to chamber turquoise set in raised silver Both covers silver repoussé Finial lotus design with turquoise at peak Silver ferrules at each end of the wood shaft Ivory collar at top of shaft Contents, small bone fragment, woodblock printed prayers on handmade paper

205.

207. Close view of chamber

Prayer wheels

208. Beautifully crafted silver, jade, turquoise and garnet example Jade ring encircles silver chamber Chamber: Height 8.5 cm. Diameter 6 cm. Length 28 cm. Age 20+ years Shaft clad with silver and twisted silver filigree Silver chain and silver clad lead weight

Top cover set with garnets and turquoise in silver filigree on silver base Silver finial with stylised lotus design Lapis lazuli at base of shaft Contents: Small fragment of saffron cotton cloth binding rice paper prayers

210. Plain silver chamber with patination of long use Twisted silver filigree ropes encircle the centre, top and bottom Chamber: Height 7 cm. Diameter 4.5 cm Length 24 cm. Age: 40+ years Wood shaft with bone disc at base Metal chain to lead weight Simple contents of rolled paper prayers

211. Carved white ivory throughout, including finial, chain and weight Two rows of mantra Length: 23 cm Chamber: Height 6 cm. Diameter 6 cm

209. Close view of chamber illustrating excellent craftsmanship

Prayer wheels

212. Silver chamber with gold finish Chamber: Height 7.5 cm. Diameter 4 cm. Length 30 cm. Age 25+ years Bamboo shaft with silver ferrule at the top and bone collar Two rows of repoussé mantra Steel chain with one lead weight with small stone Top of chamber domed with lotus design Plain lower chamber cover Contents: Prayers on rice paper

213. Copper chamber with silver finish Missing shaft Gold finished silver finial Chamber: Height 8 cm. Diameter 5 cm. Age: considerable Two rows of mantras bordered by repoussé with central raised turquoise and corals at each quadrant Steel chain with lead weight Contents: Small fragment of red thread, bone and prayers

Prayer wheels

References Published Material Aris, Michael. Tibetan Technology and the West, Steam driven prayer wheels. Bulletin of Tibetology, 1969. No 1,Namgyal Institute of Tibetology, Sikkim. Barker, David, Designs of Bhutan “Prayer Wheel Design” 1985, White Lotus, Bangkok, Thailand Barker, David, Bhutanese Architectural Painting, Arts of Asia, July-August 1986, Volume 16, No. 4, Hong Kong Catalogue of the Tibetan Collection, 1986, Vol.11, The Newark Museum, New Jersey, New York, USA. Encyclopædia Britannica. “Prayer wheel”, 20 Dec. 2004. Fisher, R. Art of Tibet, 1997. Thames and Hudson, UK Hunter, Alvin. Tibetan Prayer Wheels in Arts of Asia, Vol. 15. No.1 (Jan/Feb 1985): 74-81. Hong Kong. Ladner, Lorne, Thubten Zopa (Rinpoche) The Wheel of Great Compassion: the practice of the prayer wheel, 2000. Wisdom Publications, MA, USA Lowry, John, Tibetan Art, 1986, Victoria and Albert Museum, Her Majesty’s Stationery Office, London, UK. Meher McArthur, Reading Buddhist Art: An Illustrated Guide to Buddhist Signs and Symbols (Thames & Hudson, 2004), 156. Reynolds, Valrae Tibet a Lost World, 1978, The Newark Museum Collection of Tibetan Art and Ethnography. Simpson, W, 1970, The Buddhist Praying-Wheel. 313 p. New York, University Books, New Hyde Park, New York, USA. ISBN 0-8216-0060-5. Waddell, L.A, 1894. Lamaism in Sikkim, Reprint 1978, New Delhi, Manjusri. Waddell, L.A., The Buddhism of Tibet or Lamaism, reprint 1978, New Delhi, Manjusri. Zwalf, W. Heritage of Tibet, 1981. British Museum, London, UK.

Prayer wheels

Museum Collections British Museum, From Tibet, 19th century AD. “This prayer-wheel has a large silver drum with a weight on a chain attached on a long wooden handle. The Eight Auspicious Symbols of Tibetan Buddhism are used to decorate the silver case: the lotus, conch, knot, vase, parasols, wheels, fishes and banner. Mantras (prayers) in the lan 'tsha script complete the design.” Hermitage Museum, Leningrad, Russian Federation, Oriental Art Collection Los Angeles Museum of Art, collection Prayer Wheel, 19th century Ritual/ceremonial object; Metalwork; Bone, Bone and silver inlaid with gemstones, Length: 8 in. (20.32 cm); Diameter: 1 7/8 in. (4.76 cm) Francis Eric Bloy Bequest (AC1994.116.7) South and Southeast Asian Art Department Prayer Wheel, circa 1925-1975 Ritual/ceremonial object; Metalwork, Copper and wood; ink on paper, Length: 9 1/4 in. (23.5 cm); Diameter: 2 3/4 in. (6.99 cm) Francis Eric Bloy Bequest (AC1994.116.8) South and Southeast Asian Art Department The Newark Museum, New Jersey, New York, USA. See entries in this document. Victoria and Albert Museum, London, UK Tibetan prayer wheel collection Museum number: IS.84B-1948. Place of origin: Tibet. 19th century.Ivory with turquoise and glass set in repoussé brass and copper mounts. Museum number: IM.119-1911. Place of origin: China (possibly) ca. 18th century - 19th century Copper, partly gilt, with turquoises. Museum number: IS.30-1965. Place of origin: Tibet. 19th century. Bone, carved and engraved. Museum number: IM.257B-1916. Place of origin: Gyantse. 19th century. Cylinder of cast and punched copper, mounted with bands of cast silver; handle of turned teak-wood; silver chain and facetted copper weight; paper inscribed from wood-blocks Use of personal prayer wheel. Painting: Museum number: IS.67-1882. India. Ca 1855 (painted). Artist Carpenter, William. Watercolour on paper. Dieux et Demons, Plate 367, Moulin à prières (mani ‘ khor-lo). Tibet XVIIe.

Prayer wheels

Material available on websites Buddhist Studies. Prayer Wheels (Tibetan), BuddhaNet. http://www.buddhanet.net. Devotional Objects, Visions of Enlightenment: Understanding the Art of Buddhism, Pacific Asia Museum, Pasadena, CA, USA http://www.pacificasiamuseum.org/buddhism/html/essay4.htm Gazetter of Sikkim, Various issues. http://www.sikkim.gov.in Giant Prayer Wheel. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HmFtsiyhrrk&feature=player_embedded Himalayan Prayer Wheels. http://www.himalayanart.org/image.cfm/101503.html Pacific Asia Museum, “Devotional Objects”, Visions of Enlightenment: Understanding the Art of Buddhism, http://www.pacificasiamuseum.org/buddhism/html/essay4.htm Photo essay: Part A. Bhutan 1: http://luyouworld.com/MeiPhotos.html Religion facts. http://www.religionfacts.com/buddhism/things/prayer_wheel.htm Spiritual Technology from Tibet, The Prayer Wheel. http://www.dharma-haven.org/tibetan/prayer-wheel.htm Tibetan Prayer Wheels. http://www.tibetanprayerwheels.com/ and http://www.tibetanprayerwheels.com/about-prayer-wheels.html Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prayer_wheel

Prayer wheels

About the author

David Keith Barker was born in England and completed his full-time education in England and the South Pacific. In 1968, he commenced his career with international organisations undertaking assignments in the Bhutan, Caribbean, Iran, Fiji, Bangladesh, Nepal and Thailand. For several years he was a freelance photographer and writer specialising in handicrafts and associated subjects. He is now retired and is resident in Thailand with his wife Evelyn. Both continue to actively assist and support NGOs in Cambodia, Laos, Nepal and Vietnam. Pema, the only daughter, currently works at a Museum in New York. His personal discovery of prayer wheels occurred during his work and residence in Nepal and Bhutan and in particular on-going contacts with the handicraft industries in both countries. Currently he is preparing additional manuscripts on Maskey: Premier Artist of Nepal and The Kiras of Bhutan. Just published in November 2011, Textile Designs of Bhutan, Designs of Bhutan: Vol. 2.