As we walked around McLeod Ganj, we often saw people praying over long strands of beads, repeating the mantra “Om mani padme hum” as they held each bead. We were told by a monk that repeating the mantra is a way of offering wishes for the well-being of all living creatures. Traditional buddhist prayer beads often have 108 beads, and serve as a way of counting the prayers recited.
The 108 cups were created over several months in a process that often felt meditative because of its repetitive nature. “Throw, trim, stamp, fire, glaze, fire” was the mantra. The resulting vessels, a way of offering homage to the people and culture of India, and nourishment to those who drink from them.
The 108 cups were created over several months in a process that often felt meditative because of its repetitive nature. “Throw, trim, stamp, fire, glaze, fire” was the mantra. The resulting vessels, a way of offering homage to the people and culture of India, and nourishment to those who drink from them.