Material: 925 silver. Pendant

Size : 4cm

Narrative:

Gawu (Tibetan: གའུ།, Latin transcription: ga'u), also known as Gawu or Buddha box, is an important protective instrument in Tibetan Buddhism with profound religious and cultural significance. Its origin can be traced back to the ancient nomadic culture of Tibet, and gradually evolved into a symbol of a portable Buddhist temple.

**The Origin of Gawu**

The concept of Gawu comes from the lifestyle of Tibetan nomads. Since Tibetans often need to migrate between different places, they hope to carry Buddha statues and sacred objects with them for worship. Therefore, the Gawu was originally a portable Buddhist shrine and gradually evolved into a protective instrument of Tibetan Buddhism.

**The design and use of Gawu**

Gawu is usually made into a small box, and the materials include gold, silver, copper or wood, and the surface is carved with auspicious patterns or images of the main Bodhisattva. The box can be filled with Buddha statues, relics, amrita pills, sutras, mantras and other blessed holy objects. Believers who wear a Gawu believe that it can bring peace, remove obstacles, increase blessings, and remind practitioners to remain pious.

RELIGIOUS AND CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE

Gawu is not only a talisman, but also a portable mandala Buddhist temple. Tibetans often open the Gawu when performing rituals, worship the Buddha statues inside, and perform prostrations, chant mantras, or recite the Buddha's name. The blessing power of the Gawu is believed to protect the wearer from evil and enhance the effectiveness of spiritual practice.

The story of Gawu demonstrates the spirituality and practicality of Tibetan culture and has become an important symbol of Tibetan Buddhist belief.