Prayer wheels come in all sizes, the tiny ones you find in the tourist shops, the handheld prayer- wheels that you see devout disciples using as they circumambulate the monasteries and sacred places, and the enormous prayer wheels filling special halls.
But what are prayer-wheels?
They are containers filled with as many mantras (formulas of sound), as possible. Often the mantra of Chenrezig - the embodiment of compassion - Om Mani Peme Hung. As the prayer-wheels are spun, (always in a clockwise direction), the blessings of the mantras are invoked and spiral out to benefit all sentient beings.
In Palpung Sherabling there are two large prayer-wheels housed in a temple in front of main monastery, many of the large stupas contain prayer wheels, and there is one beside the Sherabling Institute. Anyone is welcome to turn the wheels - no need to remove your shoes.
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