Vintage Nepalese melong Om Mani Padme Hum 50 millimeters

The use of metal mirrors as an indispensable attribute for people dealing with the worlds of the spirits on a regular base, such as professional shamans and priests, is already known for more than 6000 years. As such they have been found in excavations all over (especially) the Eurasian continent. From Tibet, Siberia, Nepal to China.

In different regions, the shamanic mirror is known with different names, such as kuzungu, toli, panaptu, melong, darpana or chinza. But regardless of the name, the mirror is attributed the same sacred functions in all these regions. Such as; protection against malignant forces, amplifying the power of the heart from the one wearing it, being a guide and protector in other worlds, being a spirit container and assisting in oraclework and scrying. 

The shamanic mirror is one of the most important attributes in the tradition of Spirit of Wolf and is worn during all kinds of rituals and healing work. 

A shamanic mirror can be made in different shapes and patterns, and be decorated with all kinds of motives and symbolism. The frontside is often very shiny and should be regularly polished to be able to reflect all negative influences away. 

Shamanic mirrors can be made from different kinds of metal. The diverse metals are attributed certain correspondences such as: 
- Brass or bronze, connected to the Sun
- Silver, connected to the Moon
- Copper, connected to Underworld Sun

This mirror comes from Nepal, where such amulets are typically called 'melong' and worn on the belt (instead of around the neck).

This melong shows the characters for the mantra "Om Mani Padme Hum", the most recited mantra in Tibetan Buddhism. And also one of the most ancient ones; with a (for now) first known mentioning on Tibetan script somewhere in the 5th century. This mantra invokes the boddhisattva Avalokiteshvara. It calls upon the Jewel ('Mani') in the Lotus Flower ("Padme'); the Buddha nature that is the true core essence of all people, but is often hidden deep in our heart beneath many layers. These layers are symbolised by the petals of the lotus flower (which represents the human heart), which need to be opened to be able to live fully from a heart of compassion; this is what is symbolised by the Buddha (the one who has accomplished just that) sitting on the opened lotus flower (the heart completely filled with compassion.

This melong comes from Nepal and has been made from a good quality white bronze with an almost silvery color. It has a diameter of 5 centimeters (measured without the eyelet) and a weight of 31 grams. It is from vintage origin, and therefore shows some signs of its age and previous usage, but overall this melong is in good condition and has a nice patina due to its age. 

Only one available.