The Tibetan prayer wheel, known as 'khor lo' in Tibetan, holds deep spiritual significance within Tibetan Buddhist practice. These cylindrical devices are inscribed with sacred mantras, most commonly the mantra "Om mani padme hum," and are used for recitation and meditation. The origins of the prayer wheel trace back to ancient Buddhist traditions, with various accounts attributing its development to Indian masters such as Nagarjuna, Tilopa, and Naropa, as well as Tibetan masters like Marpa and Milarepa.
Historically, prayer wheels are believed to have evolved from earlier Buddhist practices and possibly from Chinese revolving bookcases. The practice of spinning a prayer wheel is rooted in the belief that each rotation sends the prayers inscribed on it into the universe, thereby accumulating merit and purifying negative karma. This practice aligns with the Buddhist principle of skillful means (upaya), where tangible actions like spinning the wheel aid in spiritual development and enlightenment.
Throughout Tibetan history, prayer wheels have been integral to monastic and lay Buddhist rituals. They are often found in monasteries, temples, and along pilgrimage routes, where devotees spin them clockwise, following the path of the sun, to invoke blessings and cultivate compassion. Today, prayer wheels continue to be cherished symbols of Tibetan Buddhism, embodying the profound connection between spiritual practice, wisdom, and compassionate action in the pursuit of enlightenment.