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![Tibetan Prayer Wheel [Om Mani Padme Hum] - May all humans be blessed and free from all sufferings](images/prayerwheels.gif) |
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What Do You Know About Tibetan dZi Beads ?What is in a dZi bead? Making dZi BeadsMany variations of techniques were used to pattern the beads. Chung dZi (lesser quality dZi) and decorated carnelians that exhibit a white surface residue differ from pure dZi and better quality chung dZi examples where the color has gone into, rather than onto the bead.It is generally accepted that mixtures of metal salts and alkalines were painted on the beads to change their color; then heat was used to further change the bead. But the technique was lost, and no one seems able to figure out how beads were first darkened, then selectively lightened (or vice versa), without undoing previous treatments. Mystical properties of dZi beadsThere are also beliefs about dZi beads possessing magical powers associated with health and prosperity. One belief is that dZi beads were dropped to the earth by gods or other supernatural powers and that they remained animate in the form of insects until captured by humans. While there are different stories about tabular-eye beads, almost all groups associate them with protection against the evil eye (a common concern among most early cultures). These beads stir something very primitive and archetypal in all of us, and even people who have never seen them before and have no idea of their value are attracted to them. Humans have always been fascinated with their own image and especially with beads that look back at them.The type of tabular-eye bead which translates as 'sun, moon, and stars, the three.' This powerful symbol represents all the important celestial bodies: sun, moon, and stars, and nothing catastrophic is supposed to be able to happen to a person wearing it. The Tibetan from whom we purchased this bead was told, 'Put this on and I will shoot you. Nothing will happen. It can't hurt you.' We laughed with our friend because since tabular eyes are much older than guns, they may not have been designed to protect against gunshots. Besided, if the shooter had been wrong, he would have been able to keep our friend's money and beads. Prices of dZi beads over the past three or four years have steadily risen, especially on the more specialized pieces. Four years ago I heard a story of a car accident in Taipei, Taiwan. All were killed except the one dZi wearer. The story has escalated since I read about it a year later as a bus accident and heard it recently in India as a plane crash! Seriously, demand increased as revered Tibetan Buddhist Lamas visited Taiwan and spoke of the many benefits of dZi beads to health and business. Owners of dZi beads have often said to me, 'Bring much luck,' and 'do good business every day.' To them, dZi beads represent both status symbols and hope for the future. On one visit overseas, we were buying malas (Buddhist rosaries), turquoise, and a few dZi, and my friend saw a bead he really wanted. We didn't buy it and many times he talked about it wishfully - much to my chagrin since I'd kept him from having it. Anyway, over a year later and three hundred miles away, the same bead was offered to us again for a slightly higher price. We were obviously intended to have it, and it was after daily wearing of this bead that we noticed an upturn in business. So who can really say? Note: The material provided as it is by contributors and we do not guaranteed the accuracy of such content. This is only meant to be used as reference and the owner of this site is not liable for the content shown in this website. If you have other information to add, please feel free to email us to include your material so that others may benefit from it. Thank you. Further reading below: More about Tibetan dZi Regards,  |
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