These genuine hand carved stones, are created by Master Stone Carver, Thupa Lugru, Tibetan Cultural Artist.  His work is extraordinary, and it is an honor to represent him.

Tibetan prayer stone carving is a culturally unique religious folk art practiced in the high Himalayan mountains, as a way of giving physical expression to the aspirations of prayer. Prayer stone makers inscribe the surfaces of flat stones by expert chisel strokes with the text of prayers and sacred symbols. The inscribed stones are then carried to beautiful and sacred places where one wishes to offer prayers, such as mountain summits, temples, holy sites, or river valleys. Here, aspirants, holding the prayers in their hearts, place the stone or stones on consecrated ground. Over the years, a large number of prayer stones offered by many different people accumulate over the years, eventually growing to form tall, fence-like rows. Some prayer stone artists carve prayers on large rocks embedded in mountains, or on freestanding boulders in meadows or gardens. More commonly, many smaller rocks or large pebbles are inscribed and piled in long rows at sacred places of prayer.

The carving of prayer stones is unique to Tibet, and this religious art is rarely found in neighboring countries such as India and China. Skilled prayer-stone carvers are becoming rare, yet the stones they have carved remain for hundreds of years, a silent monument to the enduring power of prayer. These stones are genuine natural bluestone from a local stoneyard in upstate New York. Square stones are approximately 12 x 12 inches and thickness varies with stone, generally in the range of 1/2 to 1 1/2 inches. Colors vary from warm brown tones to light or dark blue grays. The traditional rectangular mani stones are approximately 12 x 24 inches. The placement of these stones energizes the space in your home or the earth in your garden.

Visit Gateway to Tibet to experience the energies of both old and new Tibetan Arts to enhance meditation and daily life. We offer the finest quality new handmade rugs, created in the traditional manner, with pure Tibetan wool and natural dyes. Our restoration service includes hand washing and repair of all types of antique rugs, textile mounting, design and expert thangka restoration. Gateway to Tibet is proud of its hand selected merchandise and strives to support artists and artisans both local and abroad, and to cultivate the ground for peace.