This list is intended to bring more clarity to key aspects of making and using prayer wheels. We will add to this page as new inquiries arise.

Q. Is it suitable to build prayer wheels with different mantra combinations?

A. In The Wheel of Great Compassion, Ladner notes that while there have been several instances where Tibetan Lamas directed the making of prayer wheels with a mix of different mantras inside them, the “Tibetan tradition is not entirely consistent on this point” (p. 29). Ladner inquired about this issue with Lama Zopa Rinpoche, who said, “While it is permissible to put copies of other deities’ mantras in a prayer wheel, it is most beneficial to use primarily copies of the Mani mantra.” Pema Zangmo inquired with Venerable Khenpo Tsewang Dongyal Rinpoche about Vajra Guru prayer wheels with mantra combinations, and Rinpoche recommended pairing either Tara Buddha with Vajra Guru mantra, or Vajrakilaya with Vajra Guru mantra. H.E. Garchen Rinpoche has expressed approval of prayer wheels with mantra combinations, such as the world peace prayer wheels. Consulting with a qualified teacher, one in whom you have sincere faith, is essential when undertaking any prayer wheel project that involves combining mantras.

Q. Which Lineage Masters of the past have engaged in the practice of prayer wheels?

A. Lama Zopa Rinpoche pointed out that the practice of prayer wheels was “never popular at the monastic universities of Tibet … yet the greatest yogis of India and Tibet adopted it” (p. 29). Great Lineage Masters of the past, such as Marpa, Milarepa, Sherab Pel, and Shabkar, among others, took up the practice.

Q. What is the importance of spinning a prayer wheel clockwise and does that relate to the way the mantras are wound onto the life tree of the prayer wheel?

A. Traditional commentaries teach that mantras should be accumulated clockwise, either by spinning prayer wheel or by pulling mala towards you using left hand. The following is an excerpt from The Wheel of Great Compassion describing the spiritual symbolism behind preforming Dharma activities in a clockwise manner:

“In the Buddhist tradition, clockwise circumambulation is a sign of respect; a number of Buddhist sutras describe disciples doing three clockwise circumambulations of the Buddha and prostrating to him before requesting teachings. (The word clockwise is an adaptation of an earlier term translated from the Sanskrit as “sun- wise.”) Lama Govinda, writing of this custom of circumambulation, notes that at the great Buddhist stupa of Sanchi, “the orientation of the gates equally corresponds to the sun’s course: to sunrise, zenith, sunset, nadir,” with each of these four being associated with one of the Buddha’s four major deeds: east for birth, south for enlightenment, west for setting in motion the wheel of Dharma, and north for his final liberation. Thus, in circumambulating such a stupa, one is both paying homage to and symbolically following the life- course of the Buddha-following the right path.”

Regardless of whether mantras are wound on clockwise or counterclockwise, they will always come out clockwise as they spin. Sounds surprising? Try this simple test to prove it works for yourself:  Take a piece of paper and write the Vajra Guru mantra on it. Then with the mantra facing upright and outwards, attach the Hum to a pen and spin the pen counterclockwise until the whole mantra is wound on. Then the mantra will be on the pen and if you then spin the pen clockwise (as you would a life tree of a prayer wheel), you’ll see the mantra is facing outward and spinning in the same way as described by H.E. Garchen Rinpoche.