Buddhist Mani stones
objective: Students will create a mani stone centered around a mantra or image with meaning.
history:
Tibetan Buddhism has a rich history and tradition in the carving and offering of mani stones. “Mani” means “jewel” or “infinite altruism.” One can find walls, hills and, even, mountains built from stones inscribed with sacred syllables and prayers. More than just rocks, mani stones are believed to offer a particular power, with profound meaning and relevance.
Mani stones are rocks, slabs or pebbles engraved with Tibetan Buddhist mantras and images, and instilled with profound meaning and spiritual significance. They are found throughout the sacred landscapes of Tibet, Bhutan, India and Nepal.
The largest mani stone mound in the world, in the Xinzhai Village of Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, is reportedly made up of over 2.5 billion stones. As an act of prayer and devotion, Tibetan Buddhists walk around mani stone collections in a clockwise direction.
Mani stones are rocks, slabs or pebbles engraved with Tibetan Buddhist mantras and images, and instilled with profound meaning and spiritual significance. They are found throughout the sacred landscapes of Tibet, Bhutan, India and Nepal.
The largest mani stone mound in the world, in the Xinzhai Village of Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, is reportedly made up of over 2.5 billion stones. As an act of prayer and devotion, Tibetan Buddhists walk around mani stone collections in a clockwise direction.
Mani stones are engraved with a “mantra,” which is Sanskrit for “sacred,” or, “that which protects the mind.” Mantras are prayers that are spoken or read aloud with intentions of healing, transformation and protection.
Below are some ancient Buddhist Mantras:
• OM AH HUNG BENZAR GURU PEMA SIDDHI HUNG
This mantra is known as the Vajra Guru mantra, and is said to contain the essence of the entire teachings of the Buddha.
• OM TARE TUTTARE TURE SOHA
The Green Tara mantra is related to Tara, the “Mother of all the Buddhas,” known for being a Bodhisattva or Buddha of compassion, action, abundance, and protection from all kinds of suffering.
• OM MUNI MUNI MAHA MUNIYE SOHA
The Buddha Shakyamuni mantra is one of the most popular mantras amongst the Tibetan Buddhist community. It is said to have the power of purifying and disempowering any harmful action.
• OM A MA RA NI DZI WAN TI YE SOHA
This mantra is known as the Amitayas mantra, or the mantra for “infinite life or immortality.” It represents the aspiration to overcome destruction and death, in order to become enlightened.
• OM AMITABHA HRIH
The Amitabha mantra has the special quality of compassion. His name means “infinite light.” He is known for his longevity atttribute, the aggregate of discernment, pure perception, and the awareness of emptiness phenomena.
Below are some ancient Buddhist Mantras:
• OM AH HUNG BENZAR GURU PEMA SIDDHI HUNG
This mantra is known as the Vajra Guru mantra, and is said to contain the essence of the entire teachings of the Buddha.
• OM TARE TUTTARE TURE SOHA
The Green Tara mantra is related to Tara, the “Mother of all the Buddhas,” known for being a Bodhisattva or Buddha of compassion, action, abundance, and protection from all kinds of suffering.
• OM MUNI MUNI MAHA MUNIYE SOHA
The Buddha Shakyamuni mantra is one of the most popular mantras amongst the Tibetan Buddhist community. It is said to have the power of purifying and disempowering any harmful action.
• OM A MA RA NI DZI WAN TI YE SOHA
This mantra is known as the Amitayas mantra, or the mantra for “infinite life or immortality.” It represents the aspiration to overcome destruction and death, in order to become enlightened.
• OM AMITABHA HRIH
The Amitabha mantra has the special quality of compassion. His name means “infinite light.” He is known for his longevity atttribute, the aggregate of discernment, pure perception, and the awareness of emptiness phenomena.
steps:
First, create a sketch or plan for your mani stone. How big will your stone be? What do you want to write on it or what image goes along with the meaning? See the reference sheets in class for lettering techniques and image meanings.
Next, mix the powdered plaster with warm water to the consistency of oatmeal or pudding. Be sure all the lumps are gone or else they will appear in your finished stone design (which you might actually want).
Use Vaseline or plastic wrap around your mold, this will ensure that your plaster doesn't get directly stuck to your mold.
Pour plaster into the mold and allow to dry for 1 day.
Use Vaseline or plastic wrap around your mold, this will ensure that your plaster doesn't get directly stuck to your mold.
Pour plaster into the mold and allow to dry for 1 day.
Begin carving into your plaster using the tools provided in class. See me for demonstration and information!
Once your piece is completely carved, you can paint it or use the textured spraypaint to make yours resemble a realistic mani stone!