The Jewel Under the Lotus is one of my first kaleidoscopes, and still my best seller.

The little booklet that comes with it has the following words imprinted on it: Wrapped around the cover of this Kaleidoscope are the words of the Mantra of Compassion "Om Mani Padme Hum" which is sometimes translated in English as "The Jewel under the Lotus", hence the name.

In creating this Kaleidoscope I was inspired by the symbols represented on a copper and brass incense holder, and by the Mantra itself. The optic system has 2 mirrors forming a Mandala with 8 points, just like the Lotus flower's petals. Also, 8 refers to the Bodhisattva as well as the Auspicious Symbols in Tibetan Buddhism.

By meditating on each of the 8 points of this Mandala you may achieve a blessed state of balance and harmony. Or you may just want to enjoy the beauty of the Mandala and the calming effects of the patterns and colors of the oil chamber, which is filled with a mixture of glass, crystal, and semiprecious stones, including: Amethyst, Aquamarine, Garnet, Citrine, Iolite, Peridots, and Quartz.

In either case don't forget to have fun!