In the mountains, intersections, lakesides and riverbanks across Tibet, you can see piles of stones and slabs. They are called mani piles or Duobang in Tibetan.
The Origin of Mani Pile
The history of Mani piles can be traced back to the origin of Tibetan Buddhism.
According to legend, when spreading his teachings, Sakyamuni, the founder of Buddhism, encouraged his followers to pile up stones on the road they walked on to show their awe and gratitude to heaven and earth.
Gradually, this custom spread in Tibetan areas and evolved into the Mani pile of today.
The Tibetan people cherish strange stones and regard "Rangjiong" (Tibetan, meaning natural stone) as sacred objects. They think that every small stone has spirituality and possesses the spiritual light of gods and Buddhas. People believe that these stones can convey blessings and protection.
The form of Mani pile
There are mainly the following forms of Mani piles:
- Ordinary stone pile: It is made of a simple pile of stones of different sizes. Usually, worshippers add stones as they pass by to express their respect and prayers.
- Stone Mani Pile: The six-character mantra, wisdom eyes, deity images or other auspicious patterns are carved on the stone. These stone carvings are carefully carved to symbolize deeper faith and blessings.
- Colored Mani PileSome Mani piles use dyed stones or paint on the stones. The colors are mostly red, yellow, blue, green and white, symbolizing the five elements and auspiciousness.
- Prayer flags and mani pile: Five-colored prayer flags are inserted on the top or around some Mani piles, fluttering in the wind, conveying the wish for blessings.
- Giant Mani PileLarge Mani piles are made of a large number of stones, some of which are even several meters high. They are usually located in important religious places or pilgrimage routes and have become spiritual symbols for believers.
Mani Pile Blessing Ceremony
When people pass by the Mani pile, they will circle it clockwise and add a stone to it to pray for blessings. As time goes by, the Mani pile will become larger and larger, so never push down or take away these stones at will.
Why do Mani piles appear in mountains, at intersections, by lakes and rivers?
The presence of Mani piles in these places has profound cultural and religious significance:
- Valley: Mountains are regarded as sacred places, symbolizing a place close to heaven. Building Mani piles in the mountains expresses worship and blessing for the mountain gods, hoping to receive the blessings of the mountain gods.
- intersection: The intersection is an important node for people to walk. Stacking Mani piles can pray for a safe journey and avoid accidents and obstacles.
- Lakeside：Lakes are considered holy water sources in Tibetan culture. Building Mani piles is to pray for the protection of the water god and keep the water source clean and abundant.
- Riverside：Rivers symbolize the flow and prosperity of life. By piling up Mani piles on the riverside, people can pray for the protection of the river god and bless the smooth progress of life and agricultural production.
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