The articles in this section explore the form, function and symbolism of the rich variety of objects used in Buddhist ritual and symbolic art.BELL
The bell representing the female aspect stands for prajna or wisdom this is held in the left hand Dorje held in the right and they are always used in combination during the religious ceremonies. So bell & dorje are inseperable ritual objects and two together lead to enlighjtenment.
DORJE (VAJRA)The thunderbolt or diamond that destroys all kind of ignorance, and itself is indestructible the dorje is symbol of indra also. In tantric rituals, the dorje symbolized the male principle which represents method in the right hand and the bell symbolized the female principle, is held in the left. Their interaction leads to enlightenment.also the dorje represents the upaya or method Tibetans name vajra as dorje.
How to Use:
Dorje: Placed between the thumb and the forefinger of the right hand one makes a circled motion with their wrist in a clockwise direction whilst holding the bell.
Bell: Held in the left hand ring the bell, as the sound of the bell resonates, together they balance the negative with the positive to harmonize ones life and surroundings. These as well as the tingshas can be used by feng shui practitioners for space clearing.
Prayer wheel
A prayer wheel is a cylindrical 'wheel' a spindle made from metal, wood, stone, leather, or even coarse cotton. Traditionally, the mantra Om Mani Padme Hum is written in Sanskrit externally on the wheel. Also sometimes depicted are Dakinis, Protectors and very often the 8 auspicious symbols Ashtamangala. According to the Tibetan Buddhist tradition, spinning such a wheel will have much the same meritorious effect as orally reciting the prayers. Tibetan Buddhist Mani wheels are always spun clockwise, as viewed from above, for any or all of several reasons: It rotates the syllables of the mantra so that they would pass a viewer in the order that they would be read, it follows the direction of the sun, and it matches the clockwise circumambulation of stupas. Practitioners of Bon, the pre Buddhist spiritual tradition of Tibet, spin their prayer wheels counter-clockwise, the same direction they use in circumambulation.
Benefits Of Prayer Wheels
With the water prayer wheel, the water that touches the wheel becomes blessed. When that water goes into an ocean or lake, it carries the power to purify all the billions of animals and insects there.
The prayer wheel is blessed by the power of the prayer wheel and then has the power to purify the negative karmas and obscurations of any being it touches. Because prayer wheels are so powerful in purifying negative karmas
prayer wheels: Copies of the mantra "Om Mani Padme Hung," as many as possible, printed on very thin tisssue paper (or these days on microfilm), are wound around a spindle and covered with a protective cylinder. The wheels are made to be turned by hand or by wind, water, or fire power.
Traditional Prayer Wheel Practice
- Spin prayer wheel in clockwise direction.
- Recite mantra: Om Mani Padme Hum
- Visualize white light beams shooting out from the prayer wheel.
- Intend the light to bathe you, both your physical body and auric body.
- Pray for purification, healing, and enlightenment.
- Embrace the Four Immeasurables (Love, Compassion, Joy and Equanimity)
Mala: Buddhist Rosary Beads
A japa mala or mala is an eastern rosary with 108 beads. The mala is used both in Hinduism and Buddhism for counting mantras, chants or prayers. Buddhist rosaries were likely adapted from Hinduism.It is a tool used to keep your mind on the meditation practice. Japa Malas are generally made from different materials such as tulsi (basil) wood, sandal wood, rudraksh seeds or crystal. Each type of material has certain properties which subtly affect the subconscious mind of the practitioner.
