Material: Gold-plated. Plastic. Pendant

Size: Diameter: about 3.5 cm

Description:

In Tibetan Buddhism, "Gawu" (Tibetan: གཟུང་གནས།, Wylie: gzung gnas, transliterated as "Gawu") usually refers to a special religious holy object or amulet, and is often called "Gawu" (Tibetan: གའུ, Wylie: ga'u) in Tibetan. It is a small metal or wooden container, usually square or round, with scriptures, holy objects, blessed objects or small Buddha statues inside to protect the wearer, pray for blessings or ward off evil. The following is a detailed description of the meaning and origin of Gawu:

**The meaning of Gawu**

1. **Protection and blessing**:

- Gawu is believed to have a strong protective power that can protect the wearer from evil spirits, disasters or negative energy. Tibetan Buddhists believe that the sacred objects or scriptures inside the Gawu are blessed by high monks or lamas, and contain the power of the Dharma, which can bring peace, health and blessings.

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

2. **Spiritual connection**:

- The Gawu usually contains 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. These items are believed to enhance the spiritual power of the wearer, help practice or purify karma.

- Some Gawu may also contain images or mantras of specific deities (such as Avalokitesvara, Tara, Vajrapani, etc.), which are associated with the wearer's practice.

3. **Cultural and personal meaning**:

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

**The 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 Bon (Tibetan primitive religion) and Buddhist elements. Gawu may be influenced by the Bon amulet customs 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 monasteries or qualified craftsmen. The sacred objects inside are personally selected by monks or lamas and blessed by rituals to ensure their spiritual power.

- The contents of a 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, an image of a guardian deity or a specific mantra may be added.

3. **Symbolism 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 follow the right path at all times.

- In Tibetan Buddhist rituals, gawu may also be used in ceremonies or offerings as a medium for offering to guardian deities or deities.

**Usage**

- A gawu is usually worn around the neck, waist or carried on the body as a personal amulet. Tibetans believe that gawu must be kept clean and cannot be opened at will to avoid the loss of the blessing power of the sacred objects.

- Some gawu are made for specific purposes, such as pregnant women wearing it to ensure the safety of mother and child, or travelers wearing it to wish for a smooth journey.

**Cultural influence**

The Gawu not only plays an important role in Tibetan Buddhism, but also has an impact on Buddhist culture in other regions. For example, Buddhists in Bhutan, Mongolia and Nepal often use similar amulets. With the global spread of Tibetan Buddhism, the Gawu has become a sacred object favored by many Western practitioners, symbolizing the connection with Tibetan Buddhism.

**Summary**

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