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Prayer Wheels
Many Buddhists believe that a spinning prayer wheel transfers compassion and good karma to everyone who is near it. As a result, thousands of the wheels have been placed at locations throughout the region of Tibet, so that anyone walking past one of them can reach out and set the wheel in motion. Many inhabitants of this region also carry small prayer wheels with them and spin them whenever they have a chance. It is a common belief that people can use the wheels to gain personal benefits such as greater compassion, more wisdom, and better health. Animals, and even insects, that pass near a spinning wheel are also thought to get benefits.
The photo shows a row of prayer wheels.
Although they are called "wheels", most of them have the shape of a drum. According to Buddhist belief, they get their spiritual power from the mantras that are written on them. These mantras, which are similar to prayers, are groups of syllables from the ancient Sanskrit language, and they supposedly provide spiritual benefits to anyone who chants them. The turning of a wheel inscribed with a mantra is thought to have the same effect as reciting the mantra aloud. Each full turn of the wheel is equivalent to one oral recitation. Some large wheels have enough space for several mantras, and thus can produce a multiple effect.
