Material: Copper. Pendant. (Nine Palaces and Eight Diagrams)

Size: 5.5 ~ 6.5 cm

Description:

The Mandala Wheel (Tibetan: དཀྱིལ་འཁོར།, dkyil 'khor) has profound religious and philosophical significance in Tibetan Buddhism and is one of the core symbols of Tantric practice. The following is a description of the meaning and origin of the Mandala Wheel:

**The Meaning of the Mandala**

Mandala means "circle" or "center" in Sanskrit, symbolizing the structure and harmony of the universe. It is a sacred geometric figure, usually based on a circle, with a center point and symmetrical patterns. The Mandala is not only a visual artistic expression, but also a tool for practice, representing the following meanings:

1. **Symbol of the Universe**:

- The Mandala is regarded as a microcosm of the universe. The center usually represents the deity (such as Buddha, Bodhisattva) or the core truth of the universe, and the surrounding patterns symbolize the operation and harmony of all things in the universe.

- It reflects the Tibetan Buddhist understanding of the structure of the universe, combining the infinity of time and space, symbolizing the unity of samsara and nirvana.

2. **Map of practice**:

- The mandala is a guide for Tantric practitioners during meditation, used to focus the mind and enter a deep state of enlightenment.

- Through the visualization of the mandala, practitioners can enter the wisdom and power of the deity, purify their inner troubles, and achieve a state of unity with the essence of the universe.

3. **Symbol of Pure Land**:

- The mandala is usually regarded as the pure land or palace of the deity, such as the "Vajra Realm Mandala" or "Garbha Realm Mandala" of Vairocana Tathagata. Each pattern, color and symbol corresponds to a specific Buddha, Bodhisattva or doctrine, representing a different level of enlightenment.

4. **The doctrine of impermanence**:

- In Tibetan Buddhism, the sand mandala (a mandala made of colored sand) will be deliberately destroyed after the ceremony is completed, symbolizing the truth of impermanence, reminding practitioners that all phenomena are temporary and should let go of attachment.

### **The meaning of the mantra wheel**

The mantra wheel (Tibetan: བསྟན་པའི་འཁོར་ལོ, bstan pa'i 'khor lo) is usually combined with the mandala, and refers to a graphic or ritual instrument related to a specific mantra (mantra), especially the "wheel"-shaped symbol used in Tantric rituals. The meaning of the mantra wheel includes:

1. **The power of the mantra**:

- The mantra wheel usually contains a specific mantra (such as "Om Mani Padme Hum"), which is believed to have the power of blessing, can purify karma, increase wisdom and connect with the energy of the deity.

- The mantra wheel is regarded as a medium to concentrate and radiate the energy of the mantra, and is often used in ritual instruments (such as prayer wheels) or drawn in the mandala.

2. **The symbol of the Dharma wheel**:

- The mantra wheel is also connected to the Buddhist concept of "Dharma Wheel", which symbolizes the spread of Dharma and the flow of teachings. Mantra wheels in Tibetan Buddhism are often associated with the teachings of reincarnation, cause and effect, and liberation.

3. **Application in rituals**:

- In tantric rituals, mantra wheels are used to assist practitioners in entering a meditative state, or in rituals such as blessing, healing, and removing obstacles.

- For example, a prayer wheel contains a mantra, and when it is turned, it is believed to release the energy of the mantra, purify the environment, and benefit all living beings.

**Origin of the mantra wheel in the mantra wheel**

The origin of the mantra wheel in the mantra wheel is closely related to the tantric tradition of Tibetan Buddhism, which combines elements of Indian Buddhist tantra and Tibetan local culture:

1. **Inheritance of Indian tantra**:

- The concept of mandala originated from Indian Buddhist tantra (Vajrayana), which can be traced back to Indian tantric classics such as the Mahavairocana Sutra and the Vajra Peak Sutra in the 7th-8th century AD. These classics describe the mandala as a graphic structure of the pure land of the deity.

- The prototype of the mantra wheel is related to the concept of "wheel" (chakra) in Hinduism and Buddhism, symbolizing the operation of the universe and the flow of energy.

2. **Introduction to Tibet**:

- In the 8th century AD, the Indian Tantric master Padmasambhava introduced Tantric Buddhism to Tibet, and the practice methods of mandala and mantra wheel were introduced along with it, and combined with the Bon culture of Tibet to form a unique Tibetan Buddhist style.

- Various sects of Tibetan Buddhism (such as Nyingma, Kagyu, Sakya, and Gelug) developed different forms of mandala and mantra wheel, such as Medicine Buddha Mandala, Kalachakra Mandala, etc.

3. **Unique Development of Sand Mandala**:

- Sand mandala in Tibetan Buddhism is a major feature. It is said to have originated in India, but was developed by Tibetan monks. Making sand mandala requires delicate skills and high concentration, reflecting the practitioner's piety and wisdom.

- Sand mandala is often used in specific rituals (such as Kalachakra initiation), and the destruction ceremony after the completion of the production emphasizes impermanence and letting go.

4. **Practical application of mantra wheel**:

- The concept of mantra wheel is applied to prayer wheels, pagodas, temple murals, etc. in Tibet, and has become a tool for daily practice. The scripture or paper scroll with mantra in the prayer wheel is believed to release the blessing power of the mantra when it is rotated, and it is widely spread in Tibetan Buddhist culture.

**Summary**

In Tibetan Buddhism, the mantra wheel is a symbol of the universe, pure land and the path of practice. It combines elements of art, philosophy and religion to help practitioners focus their minds, purify karma and approach enlightenment. The mandala originated from Indian Tantric Buddhism and was introduced to Tibet by masters such as Padmasambhava. It was integrated with local culture and developed into a unique sand mandala and mantra wheel tradition. The mantra wheel integrates the power of the mantra into graphics or instruments, symbolizing the flow and blessing of the Dharma, and has become an important tool for Tibetan Buddhist practice.