Buddha Eyes (Wisdom Eyes)

On virtually every stupa (Buddhist shrine) in Nepal, there are giant pairs of eyes staring out from the four sides of the main tower.

These are Buddha Eyes (also known as Wisdom Eyes), and they look out in the four directions to symbolize the omniscience (all-seeing) of a Buddha.

The Buddha eyes are so prevalent throughout the country that they have become a symbol of Nepal itself.

Between the Buddha's eyes where the nose would be is a curly symbol that looks like question mark.

This is the Nepali character for the number 1, which symbolizes unity of all the things as well as the one way to reach enlightenment—through the Buddha's teachings.

Above this is a third eye, symbolizing the all-seeing wisdom of the Buddha.

Tibetan Prayer Wheel

Monks and Buddhist practitioners use the Tibetan Prayer wheel to improve their karma and distribute blessings on others. The Tibetan Prayer wheel comes in all sizes and types. Inside all Tibetan Prayer wheels there is a rolled up piece of paper with a prayer on it. By spinning the wheel the user will achieve the same effect as by saying or chanting the prayer. Tibetan Buddhists hope to achieve compassion by saying this prayer, and they also hope to get rid of negative urges and emotions.