Buddhist Artefacts for the classroom
Book of Buddhist Artefacts
This 26-page book of Buddhist artefacts brings together notes for all the artefacts sold by Clear Vision, covering the significance and use of the objects and related subjects such as mudras and mantras, and suggesting follow up activities and discussion topics.
Contains notes for:
- Mala
- Tibetan Bells
- creating your own shrine
- offerings
- different mudras (gestures)
- Prayer Wheel
- Prayer Flags
- Singing Bowl
Mala (beads)
These Indian sandalwood beads are traditionally used in meditation and in the chanting of mantras.
(See our Artefacts Book for teacher's notes explaining the use and significance of malas and mantra, and how to explore these in the classroom.)
Bells
Bells are an essential part of Buddhist ritual and worship.
This pair of Tibetan bells is made in Nepal and comes in a small pouch. Each bell is decorated with the mantra om mani padme hum, one of the best-known Buddhist mantras.
(See our Artefacts Book for teacher's notes explaining the use of mantra)
Metal and leather, 6.5cm diameter.
Buddha statue (rupa)
A graceful traditional figure of the historical Buddha seated in meditation at the time of his Enlightenment, with his hand in either the dhyana (meditation) or earth-touching mudra. We cannot guarantee which of these will be in stock but please express a preference if you wish.
Our Artefacts Book includes illustrated teacher's notes explaining the traditional symbolic physical marks of a Buddha, and earlier Buddhist symbols.
Why not buy a shrine cloth and offering bowls and use them all as the basis for a classroom shrine?
Resin, from Nepal, 18cm high.
Set of offering bowls
There are seven traditional offerings that are made to a Buddhist shrine (explained in the Artefacts book), often symbolised by seven offering bowls.
In the Tibetan tradition these are filled to the brim with water which is changed daily.
These brass bowls are from Nepal - 55mm diameter.
Shrine cloth
Often Buddhist shrines have beautiful cloths on which various implements, offerings and statues will sit.
These cloths are made in Nepal from the material that traditionally frame Tibetan Buddhist paintings.
They are approximately 16 inches square.
Prayer Wheel
Prayer wheels, or mani wheels, are common in Himalayan Buddhist countries.
They contain scriptural texts and are decorated with mantras such as om ma ni pa dme hum. When the wheel is turned it is believed that praise and blessing are released into the universe.
Adapted for classroom safety.
(See our Artefacts Book for teacher's notes explaining the use of the prayer wheel and mantra)
Brass and wood, 25cm long approx.
Prayer Flags
These 25 flags in red, yellow, blue, white and green will quickly brighten your school or bring a Buddhist theme to your classroom.
Printed with mantras of praise and blessing, prayer flags flutter across the landscapes of many Himalayan Buddhist countries.
(See our Artefacts Book for teacher's notes explaining the use of prayer flags and mantra.)
Cotton flags on nylon cord, 8m long approx; each flag 24cm square approx
Singing Bowl
A sweet-sounding bell which can be struck or made to sing.
Use it as part of a "stilling" exercise, or simply to restore peace to your classroom!
(See our Artefacts Book for teacher's notes covering the use of bells, Buddhist meditation,and a classroom "stilling" exercise)
Brass, 12cm diameter approx; wooden striker