A prayer wheel should be held almost upright and spun smoothly and slowly; greater benefit is achieved if its mantra is recited simultaneously as the wheel is turned. While concentrating on the mantra being recited while turning the prayer wheel has greater benefit and helps to focus the mind in a meditative state, it is believed by Buddhists that even an insect will gain merit for its next life by flying in the shadow of a prayer wheel, and simply touching a prayer wheel will assist to purify a negative karma.

The historical use of prayer wheels is poorly known. Wikipedia states that prayer wheels were first mentioned in written records around 400 C.E. by Chinese pilgrims inLadakh. A prayer wheel is the physical manifestation of the phrase "turning the wheel ofDharma," which describes the way in which theBuddha taught.

Different mantras to different buddhas, bodhisattvas and gods may be written upon prayer wheels. A very common mantra today is Om Mani Padme Hum, meaning Hail, Jewel in the Lotus. This is the mantra of the compassionate Buddha, Avalokitsvara, of whom the Dali Lama is an incarnation.