<P> This wheel is turned by the heat of a candle or electric light . The light emitted from the prayer wheel then purifies the negative karmas of the living beings it touches . </P> <P> This type of wheel is turned by wind . The wind that touches the prayer wheel helps alleviate the negative karma of those it touches . </P> <P> Many monasteries around Tibet have large, fixed, metal wheels set side by side in a row . Passersby can turn the entire row of wheels simply by sliding their hands over each one . </P> <P> Some prayer wheels are powered by electric motors . "Thardo Khorlo," as these electric wheels are sometimes known, contain one thousand copies of the mantra of Chenrezig and many copies of other mantras . The Thardo Khorlo can be accompanied by lights and music if one so chooses . However, Lama Zopa Rinpoche has said, "The merit of turning an electric prayer wheel goes to the electric company . This is why I prefer practitioners to use their own' right energy' to turn a prayer wheel". </P>

What is a buddhist prayer wheel used for