Q&A

Q: Rinpoche already gave many teachings on the prayer wheels. I have one question: I have Mani mantras inside my prayer wheel. However, the mantra I chant when I turn the prayer wheel is not Mani mantra, is it OK?

A: You can chant any mantra when you turn the prayer wheel. Since Mani mantra can transform into any other mantra or deity, you can chant any mantra you like.

For example, you have Mani mantra inside your prayer wheel, but you need to chant Tara mantra. Then, when you turn your prayer wheel and chant Tara mantra, all the mantras transform into Tara mantra. For whatever mantra is needed, Mani mantra can turn into that mantra. This is because Chenrezig has such great compassion and this compassion is the root of all deities. Compassion can transform into anything that is needed.

For example, milk can be added in tea or sup, and can be made into cheese; it has many functions. Likewise, Mani mantras can transform into pacifying, enriching, magnetizing, and subjugating activities. Its essence is the Six Paramitas: generosity, discipline, patience, diligence, meditative concentration and wisdom, as well as aspiration. That is why we usually use Mani mantras in making the prayer wheels. H.H. Dalai Lama also said so.

Finally, if we put Mani mantras and Tara mantras together in a prayer wheel, it means the union of method and wisdom. Then, it will generate greater power.