Material: Strap-type . Silver-plated . Window

Size: Approximately 16.5 ~ 20.5 cm

Description:

In Tibetan Buddhism, "Gawu" (Tibetan: གཟུང་གནས།, Wiley: gzung gnas, transliterated as "Gawu") usually refers to a special religious holy object or amulet, Tibetan, often called "Gawu" (Tibetan: གའTibetan). It is a small metal or wooden container, usually square or round, containing scriptures, holy objects, prayer objects or small Buddha statues, used to protect the wearer, pray for blessings or ward off evil. The following is a detailed explanation of the meaning and origin of Gawu:

**Gawu Meaning**

1. **Guardianship and Blessing**:

- People believe that Gawu has a strong guardian power that can protect the wearer from evil spirits, disasters or negative energy. Tibetan Buddhists believe that the sacred objects or scriptures in Tibetan Buddhist beads are blessed by high monks or lamas, and contain the power of the Dharma, which can bring peace, health and blessings.

- Wearing Tibetan Buddhist beads is a symbol of faith, representing the connection with the Dharma and guardian spirits, helping practitioners to maintain mindfulness in daily life.

2. **Spiritual connection**:

- Tibetan Buddhist beads usually contain Buddhist scriptures (such as the Heart Sutra of Prajnaparamita), mantras (such as the six-syllable mantra "Om Mani Padme Hum"), holy soil, holy water, pills (Tibetan medicine or blessed objects) or other sacred objects. People believe that these items can enhance the spiritual power of the wearer, help practice or purify karma.

- Some Tibetan Buddhist beads may also contain images or mantras of specific gods (such as Avalokitesvara, Tara, Vajrapani, etc.), which are closely related to the wearer's practice.

3. **Cultural and personal meaning**:

- Gau is not only a religious object, but also an important symbol of Tibetan culture. Many Tibetans have worn Gawu since childhood, considering it as part of family heritage or personal belief.

- The appearance of Gawu is usually decorated with exquisite metal carvings, gems or turquoise, showing the exquisite craftsmanship of Tibetan craftsmanship and also reflecting the identity or status of the wearer.

**Origin of Gawu**

1. **History and Heritage**:

The origin of Gawu can be traced back to the early development of Tibetan Buddhism, especially the rituals and guardian traditions of Tantric Buddhism (Vajrayana). Tibetan Buddhism combines elements of Bon (Tibetan primitive religion) and Buddhism. Gawu may be influenced by the amulet customs of Bon religion and gradually evolved into a Buddhist sacred object.

- During the spread of Tibetan Buddhism, monks or yogis would distribute blessed objects to believers. These sacred objects were placed in small containers and became the prototype of "Gawu".

2. **Making and blessing**:

The making of Gawu is usually done by temples or qualified craftsmen. The sacred objects inside are personally selected by senior monks or lamas and blessed to ensure their spiritual power.

- The contents of the gawu vary depending on its purpose. For example, to cure illness, a mantra of Medicine Buddha or a pill may be added; to ward off evil, a guardian deity or a specific mantra may be added.

3. **Symbolic meaning and function**:

- The shape of the gawu (mostly square or round) symbolizes the universe or mandala, and the sacred objects inside represent the core teachings of Buddhism. Wearing a gawu is seen as "carrying the Dharma with you", reminding practitioners to always stay on the right path.

- In Tibetan Buddhist rituals, the gawu can also be used in rituals or offerings as a medium for worshiping guardian gods or gods.

**Purpose**

- The gawu is usually worn around the neck, waist or carried on the body, and is regarded as a personal amulet. Tibetans believe that the gawu must be kept clean and cannot be opened at will to avoid losing its sacred power.

- Some gawu have special uses, such as pregnant women wearing it to bless the safety of mother and child, and travelers wearing it to pray for a smooth journey.

**Cultural influence**

The gawu not only plays an important role in Tibetan Buddhism, but also affects the Buddhist culture of other regions. For example, Buddhists in Bhutan, Mongolia, and Nepal often use similar amulets. As Tibetan Buddhism spreads around the world, Gawu has become a favorite sacred object for many Western practitioners, symbolizing their connection with Tibetan Buddhism.

**Abstract**

In Tibetan Buddhism, Gawu is a sacred object that combines faith, protection, and culture. It carries the Buddhists' piety to the Dharma and their prayers for peace and happiness. Its origin is closely related to the Tantric and Bon cultures of Tibetan Buddhism. After being blessed by high monks, Gawu becomes a powerful spiritual tool. Whether worn daily or used in special ceremonies, Gawu embodies the Tibetan Buddhists' pursuit of harmony between the spiritual and material worlds.