Tibetan script

The greater part of each day's activities for nearly half of Tibet's three million population is devoted to elaborate rites and ceremonies to appeal to, adore or appease their many gods. One common instrument used is the prayer wheel with the inscription, as in this example Om Mani Padme Hum (Hail, Jewel of the Lotus). This is repeated over and over, thousands of times. The type of scroll herewith exemplified is used in a round container slipped over the top of a rod and whirled. With each whirl the prayers are known to be received by the gods. The script used on this example is in common Tibetan use. It is based on an Indian script and has changed little from its early forms. It is said to have been introduced about 630 A.D. by Thon-mi Sambhota, minister of the king who established Lhasa, the capital of Tibet.