Question asked by Tan
Dear Pastors,
If we turn the mani prayer wheel in opposite direction, will there be serious negative karma? I printed some chenrezig mantra image and sticked to my cds, so that they will turn when being played. But then, I found out the CD turn clockwise, and if clockwise the mantra will be spinning in opposite direction. Will this generate negative karma? If we want to disposed of printed sutras, buddha images, and mantras, how should we do it? Thanks.
Dear Tan,
There are reasons for turning the prayer wheel in a clockwise direction. When it turns clockwise, the mantra can be seen turning in the direction in which it is written. It is also the direction we follow when we circumambulate a Buddha statue, stupa or holy place. Another reason given is that it follows the movement of the sun across the sky.
Normally, we do not turn the mani wheel in an anticlockwise direction. In certain tantric practices, the prayer wheel is turned anticlockwise in order to manifest more wrathful protective energy. But since we are not tantric practitioners, it is not advisable to do so.
Don’t worry about which way your CD is turning and the direction the mantra is spinning as long as the sound comes out right.
As for the disposal of printed sutras, buddha images and mantras, the best way is to burn them. Do not throw them in the garbage bin and do not burn them along with other trash. Burn them alone and as they burn, recite OM AH HUM. As the smoke rises, visualise that the essence of the Dharma is being carried to the six realms of samsara, blessing all sentient beings, purifying their minds and removing their suffering.