What is a dZi Bead
Few beads are surrounded by
as much myth and mystery as the dZi bead - dZi means "brightness".
The etched agates are found in Tibet, Bhutan, Ladakh, and Nepal, and are
believed to be up to two thousand years old.
Many legends accompany the
beads, which are highly revered in the Himalaya mountain range countries - that
they are "heavenly stones" not made by man but created by the gods,
that they bring luck and ward off evil, that they protect the wearer from
physical harm by taking the abuse upon themselves, and that the bead itself
will choose its' owner.
There are many different
patterns which can be found on various dZibeads; circles, squares and waves are
quite common. dZi beads are often imprinted with many “eyes”, to detect
malicious intentions and repress them. These patterns reflect Brahmanic
teaching of ancient India, and are symbolic of the "wulunfajieta"
beliefs. Each pattern bears a different meaning.
Depending on the pattern,
the owner of one of these beads is believed to accrue an abundance of benefits,
among which are prosperity, good fortune, health and longevity. The beads
encourage a good aura and better karma. When the beholder wears the dZi
beads, they will adorn an “invisible cloak”, protecting them against evil
forces, negative energy and supernatural spirits.
Cleansing & Caring for your dZi
Bead
It is very important to cleanse your dZi
bead to rid it of negative energy and then ask it to bond with you.
The first thing to do is to hold your
stone, in your hand, under running water for a few minutes. Water is very
important as a spiritual cleansing agent in many eastern philosophies. Remember to keep positive thoughts in your
head as you are doing this.
After you dry off your stone, put the
stone between your palms as if you are praying. Bring your thumb tips up until
they touch the tip of your nose (this is called a "Wei"). Now,
quietly, and sincerely, ask the stone to be a part of your life. Ask it to help
protect you, and assure it that you will respect and take good care of
it. Then pray by chanting Om Mani Padme Om.
After you have done this Let your dZi
stone sit outside in the sun. This helps to cleanse it, and also adds power to
it.
dZi Bead Meanings – Interpreting Patterns on
Individual dZi Bead
Many people consider the
number of "eyes" on a dZi bead when collecting, but there are other
symbols too, many of which are rooted in Buddhist beliefs.
Here are a few....
"Bodhi" dZi
Bead: Establishes good
virtues and eliminates misfortune in your life, gives you a generous and
lenient heart. This dZi bead helps to avoid dangers, grow in compassion, wisdom
and enlightenment. In Buddhist lore, Prince Siddhartha Gautama was
enlightened after meditating under a Bodhi tree some 2548 years ago.
Dharma Hat dZi Bead
"Dharma" means
"protection". By practicing Buddha's teachings we are protected from
suffering and problems. All the problems we experience during daily life
originate in ignorance, and the method for eliminating ignorance is to practice
Dharma. Practicing Dharma and "wearing" the Dharma hat is the method
for improving the quality of our human life. The quality of life depends not
upon external development or material progress, but upon the inner development
of peace and happiness which Dharma bestows on us. For example, in the past
many Buddhists lived in poor and underdeveloped countries, but they were able
to find pure, lasting happiness by practicing what Buddha had taught.
Dorje dZi Bead
The Dorje is a sacred
tool that Buddhists use to help them reach enlightenment. The Dorje assists in
connecting to Vajradhara. Vajradhara is the primordial Buddha, the dharmakaya
Buddha. Vajradhara, depicted as dark blue in color, expresses the quintessence
of Buddhism itself. Vajradhara represents the essence of the historical
Buddha's realization of enlightenment. In addition to assisting the owner in
their realization of enlightenment the "Dorje Dzi Bead" possesses
special powers, immeasurable control and increases concentration.
Garuda Healing dZi Bead
One side of this bead
contains 5 circles or eyes that make up a cross in the center of the bead. The
5 circles represent the directional wealth gods, and the directional medicine
Buddhas. The five directions represented are North, South, East, West, and
above. The opposite side has what looks like a geometric shape of some kind.
This glyph represents lightening. Lightening destroys ignorance.
Lotus Flower dZi Bead
The lotus flower is a
water flower, which grows from some of the filthiest conditions. Conditions
that would kill other lilies and flowers allow the lotus flower to bring forth
beautiful blooms. The message of the lotus flower is to remind us that beauty
can grow and thrive even in the filthiest of conditions. The Lotus dZi purifies
mental status and enlightens one's understanding of Buddhism. In Buddhism, the
lotus can symbolize many things, including spiritual unfolding, purity, which
is the true nature of beings realized through enlightenment, and compassion.
The number of
"eyes" or dots on a dZi bead will tell you its purpose and particular
strength. Here are a few examples.
1 eye – this powerful eye is believed to enhance human wisdom, and
bring forth happiness for life.
2 eyes - enables harmony between husband and wife; builds a happy
family, successful career, and good relationships with others.
3 eyes - represents the three stars of luck, happiness, honor, and
longevity. It is the bead of wealth and health to bring continuous
fortune.
4 eyes - helps to overcome negative forces, clears obstacles,
increases merits & longevity, subdues demons.
5 eyes - assists one in obtaining whatever one desires, endless
happiness.
6 eyes - eliminates sadness and sufferings in life, and increases
access to good luck.
