Buddha beads, originally called rosary beads, refer to a certain number of beads with threads pierced through them, which are used to keep count when reciting Buddha's name or chanting mantras. Its original Sanskrit language includes four meanings:
(1) pa^saka-ma^la^, transliterated as "Bosaimo", and free translation as "Shu Zhu".
(2) aks! a-ma^la^, transliterated as "Achamoluo", free translation as "Pearl Garland".
(3) japa-ma^la^, transliterated as "Japa Moluo", free translation as "chanting garland".
(4) aks!a-su^tra, transliterated as "Akshutra", free translation as "Pearl of the Thread".
The Sanskrit ma^la^ means "garland". Generally speaking, the origin of Buddhist beads is due to the ancient Indian custom of wearing tassels and garlands, which was followed to later generations and gradually evolved into Buddhist beads. There are many names - types of Buddhist beads. There are many types of Buddhist beads. In terms of their use, they can usually be divided into three types:
1. Holding beads - beads that are twisted or chanted by hand. ;
2. Beads - Buddhist beads worn on the wrist or arm;
3. Hanging beads - Buddhist beads hung around the neck.
Holding beads are often used to record the number of chanting Buddha's names or mantras. It is said in the sutra:
If a good man or a good woman is able to recite the dharani and the Buddha's name, for the sake of self-interest and protection of others... If you wish to be born in the pure land of the Buddha, This bead should be accepted and held in accordance with the law. [4]
This shows that holding Buddhist beads is to restrain the body and mind, help practice, and eliminate delusions. Over time, if the skills are deepened, you will be able to increase your wisdom, benefit yourself and protect others, and at the same time gain immeasurable merit. .
Pendant beads, commonly known as bracelets, are most commonly made of eighteen beads, mostly made of precious materials or bright colors. Nowadays, many men and women who do not believe in Buddhism are proud to wear Buddhist beads, making them become a fashionable jewelry. In my opinion, all these people who love Buddhist beads should be regarded as people with deep roots of good deeds and who have been predestined with the Buddha for unbelievable kalpas. The Buddha has made it clear long ago:
If someone holds this bodhi bead and cannot recite the name of the Buddha and the Dharani according to the law, but can hold it with him while walking, standing, sitting or lying down, and what he says is good or evil, then By upholding the Bodhisattva, a person will gain merits and virtues similar to those of reciting Buddhas and reciting mantras, and will receive immeasurable blessings. [5]
Hanging beads are mostly made of crystal, agate, jade, coral, dense wax, turquoise and other precious materials. The color of the beads must be uniform, and it is required to choose beads with little color change between them. Made of good materials that are warm, delicate, smooth and crystal clear. At the same time, the diameter of the beads is also required to be about one centimeter, and there should be no big error. When joining together, a spacer bead is embedded between every twenty-seven sub-beads. Under the mother bead, there is also a "Buddha head fringe" composed of a beautifully woven "Chinese knot" and jade, jade and other pendants. In important Dharma meetings or when great monks pay homage to the Buddha and burn incense, this "Buddha head fringe" can play a certain balancing role, thereby ensuring a dignified manner throughout the entire Buddhist activity. Generally speaking, when wearing beads, you should consider certain seasonality. For example, in summer, you should choose gemstones such as crystal, agate, jade, coral, etc., which can make people feel cool and close to your body; in winter, you should choose amber, dense wax. Or hanging beads such as fruits are better.
In addition, there is another type of hanging beads that is derived from Buddhist beads, that is, "Chaozhu", which is a unique ornament for officials in the Qing Dynasty. The biggest difference between Chaozhu and ordinary hanging beads is that Chaozhu changed the style of the Buddha's head tassel into a large pendant called "back cloud", which was tied with a wide ribbon and wrapped with silver enamel. The disciple bead was also moved to On the chest, it consists of three strings. Because in recent times there have been people who imitated the style of Chao beads to serve as hanging beads, so when wearing the style of hanging beads, you should pay attention to the three beads on the chest as the center symmetry, and put the "back cloud" on the back close to the center of the back. The three strings of disciple beads are in the shape of one on the left and two on the right. They must not be hung randomly as it violates etiquette.
In order to better understand the types of Buddhist beads, the names of each part of the beads are introduced below. A standard string of Buddhist beads should include mother beads, child beads, separated beads (also known as "Suchi"), disciple beads (also known as "Jizi"), Jiziliu and some accessories.
The mother bead, commonly known as "three links" or "Buddha head", usually has only one, but there are also two. It is used to combine different numbers of child beads into one place, and it can also play a role. It has the function of connecting disciple beads, Ji Ziliu and some ornaments.
Mother beads in the old days often had Buddha images painted on the inside. Using the principle of convex lenses, the Buddha images inside can be clearly observed, making people feel the solemnity of the beads as a kind of ritual tool.
Separating beads, also known as "spacing beads" or "numbering beads", are mostly used to evenly separate the beads. Generally speaking, the spacer beads are slightly larger than the child beads, and the number can range from one to three. For example, for one hundred and eight beads and fifty-four beads, one spacer is needed for every twenty-seven beads; for twenty-seven and eighteen beads, one spacer is needed for every nine beads. beads.
The size of the disciple beads is smaller than that of the child beads. Generally, there are ten or twenty beads. They are mostly strung on the other end of the mother beads. Ten beads are used as a small string, just like an abacus, using ten beads. Carry is used to calculate the number of twists. The number "ten" represents the "ten paramitas" of Buddhism, namely: giving, precepts, patience, diligence, meditation, prajna, expediency, wish, power, and wisdom. [6]
Ji Ziliu refers to the beads or ornaments that are slightly larger than the disciple beads attached to the end of each string of disciple beads. It can also be replaced by a "Chinese knot" tied with a string. The purpose It is to prevent the disciple beads from slipping. The meaning is far-reaching - the number of beads. Each string of beads is composed of a certain number of beads. The number of beads depends on the scriptures and represents different meanings. Here is the list:
From the above table It can be seen that the number of Buddha beads varies greatly in the classics, with as many as nine types. In fact, there are different numbers of Buddhist beads because they have different meanings. The different meanings are briefly described below based on commonly circulated sayings:
(1) One hundred and eight beads
p>is the most common number, in order to express the pursuit of the hundred and eight samadhi, to eliminate one hundred and eight kinds of troubles, so that the body and mind can reach a state of silence. There are many different explanations for the content of the Eighteen Troubles. Generally speaking, each of the six roots has three types of suffering, happiness, and equanimity, which are combined into eighteen types; and each of the six roots has three types: good, bad, and neutral, which are combined into ten. Eight kinds, totaling thirty-six kinds, plus the past, present, and future three lives, combined into one hundred and eight kinds of troubles. As it is said in the sutra:
Bodhisattvas asked: Why is it a hundred and eighty? The Buddha said: If you have thoughts and don't know that there is Yin and Collect in the birth and death of the mind, you don't know it is delusion. The same is true when you turn to the mind, and the same is true for consciousness. This is the third mind. Seeing good colors, neutral colors, and bad colors, without knowing that they are created or destroyed, there are yins and gatherings, and even contact is the same. That sutra only lists six roots each. Although there is no mention of three generations, it has one hundred and eighty-fold conclusions. Therefore, it is known that it is three generations in about an instant. Since the three of mind and consciousness are the three of mind and earth, it connects the three worlds, such as gathering the mind of naming, measuring the name and meaning, and distinguishing consciousness. The three meanings are true, so the five roots that they rely on are also true. Three generations, three thirty-six, so there are one hundred and eight. [7]
(2) One thousand and eighty pieces
According to Tiantai Sect theory, all ten realms have good and evil natures, so the number one thousand and eighty means that each of the ten realms has its own nature. One hundred and eight kinds of troubles are combined into one thousand and eighty kinds of troubles. "Ten Realms" represents the entire world of confusion and enlightenment, namely: 1. Hell Realm, 2. Hungry Ghost Realm, 3. Animal Realm, 4. Shura Realm, 5. Human Realm, 6. Heaven Realm, 7. Sravaka Realm. , 8. Pratyekabuddha Realm, 9. Bodhisattva Realm, 10. Buddha Realm.
(3) Fifty-four stars
Indicates the fifty-four positions in the Bodhisattva’s practice process, including the ten faiths, the ten dwellings, the ten lines, the ten dedications, and the ten The fiftieth level of the earth, plus the four good roots. The breakdown is as follows:
The Ten Faiths:
1. Confidence, 2. Mindfulness, 3. Diligence, 4. Wisdom, 5. Concentration, 6. Dharma-protecting mind, 7. Dedicated heart, 8. Wary heart, 9. Eternal heart, 10. Wishful heart. [8]
Ten abodes:
1. The abode of the initial mind, 2. The abode of governing the ground, 3. The abode of practice, 4. The abode of precious life, 5. The abode of having sufficient conveniences. 6. Live with an upright mind, 7. Live without retreating, 8. Live with innocence, 9. Live with the Prince of Dharma, 10. Live with empowerment. [9]
Ten lines:
1. Deeds of joy, 2. Deeds of benefit, 3. Deeds without hatred, 4. Endless deeds, 5. Deliberate deeds, 6. Good deeds Acting, 7. Action without attachment, 8. Action with respect, 9. Action with good Dharma, 10. Action with truth. [10]
Ten deeds:
1. Dedicate to save all sentient beings and avoid the relationship between sentient beings, 2. Dedicate to immortality, 3. Dedicate to all Buddhas, 4. Dedicate to all. Dedicate everywhere, 5. Dedicate the endless treasure of merit, 6. Dedicate the good roots of obedience and equality, 7. Dedicate the observance of all sentient beings, 8. Dedicate the likeness, 9. Dedicate the unbound and unattached liberation, 10. Dharma Realm. Infinite dedication.
[11]
Ten places:
1. The place of joy, 2. The place of separation, 3. The place of radiance, 4. The place of radiant wisdom, 5. The place of difficulty, 6. The present The former place, 7. The place of traveling far away, 8. The place of immobility, 9. The place of kindness and wisdom, 10. The place of Dharma cloud. [12]
Four Roots of Goodness:
Refers to the four levels of practice before seeing the Tao, meditating on the Four Truths and practicing the Sixteen Elements to achieve the holy position of no leakage, including: 1 , Warm position, 2. Top position, 3. Endurance position, 4. The first Dharma position in the world. [13]
(4) Forty-two stars
Indicates the forty-two stages of the Bodhisattva’s practice process, namely the ten abodes, the ten practices, the ten dedications, the ten grounds, etc. Awakening and sublime awareness.
Equal enlightenment: Also called equal enlightenment, it refers to those who are equal to the Buddha in content, but slightly inferior to the Buddha in actual practice. For detailed information, please refer to Kumarajiva's translation of "Renwang Prajnaparamita Sutra: Acceptance and Upholding Materials". [14]
Wonderful Enlightenment: Refers to the ultimate Buddhahood of perfect enlightenment, which is obtained by breaking through the ignorance of the first level of enlightenment. [15]
(5) Thirty-six pills
There is no exact meaning. It is usually thought that they are for ease of carrying, so the one hundred and eight pills were divided into thirty-six pills. It contains the principle of seeing the big from the small, so it is the same as the one hundred and eight.
(6) Twenty-seven stars
Representing the twenty-seven sage saints who practice the four directions and four fruits of Hinayana practice, that is, the "eighteen learnings" and the first four directions and three fruits. The fourth Arahantship is the "Nine Unlearned".
Eighteen have learning: 1. Act according to faith, 2. Act according to Dharma, 3. Believe and understand, 4. See, 5. Personal evidence, 6. Every family, 7. One room (a kind of ), 8. Pre-flow direction, 9. Pre-flow fruit, 10. One-time direction, 11. One-time fruit, 12. Non-return, 13. Non-return fruit, 14. Mid-level nirvana, 15. Rebirth-level nirvana. , 16. Nirvana with actions, 17. Nirvana without actions, 18. Ultimate color of superior flow. [16]
Nine Wuxue: 1. Retreating phase, 2. Maintaining phase, 3. Death phase, 4. Living phase, 5. Advancing phase, 6. Indestructible phase, 7. Not regressing phase , 8. The sign of wisdom and liberation, 9. The sign of liberation. [17]
(7) Twenty-one pieces
Indicates the ten places, the ten paramitas, and the fruit of Buddhahood. For the introduction of "Ten Grounds" see the section "Fifty-four Pearls", and for the "Ten Paramitas" see the section "Disciple Pearls", I will not go into details here. "Buddha" refers to the ultimate state of attaining Buddhahood.
(Eight) Eighteen
Commonly known as "Eighteen", the so-called "Eighteen" refers to the "Eighteen Realms", that is, six roots, six dusts, six knowledge.
Six roots: 1. Eye world, 2. Ear world, 3. Nose world, 4. Tongue world, 5. Body world, 6. Mind world;
Six dusts: 1. Color dust, 2. Sound dust, 3. Fragrance dust, 4. Taste dust, 5. Touch dust, 6. Dharma dust;
Six consciousnesses: 1. Eye consciousness, 2. Ear consciousness, 3. Nose consciousness, 4. Tongue consciousness, 5. Body consciousness, 6. Consciousness. [18]
(9) Fourteen stars
It means that Guanyin Bodhisattva has the same compassion and admiration for all living beings in the ten directions, the three times, and the six paths, so that all living beings can obtain the fourteen fearless merits. . The fourteenth fearlessness:
1. Make all living beings reflect on their own nature and gain liberation;
2. Make all living beings turn around and see, so that even if they encounter fire, they will not be burned;
3. Make sentient beings spin around to watch and listen. Even if they are drifted by big water, they cannot drown;
4. Make sentient beings enter the Rakshasa ghost kingdom, and the ghosts will destroy their evil on their own;
5. The six roots of sentient beings will disappear and the sword will be broken when they are about to be harmed;
6. The Bodhisattva will shine in the ten directions, so that all living beings will not be harmed by Yaaksha and other netherworlds;
7 , so that all sentient beings will not be bound by false claims;
8. So that sentient beings can walk on dangerous roads as if they were walking on smooth roads, and will not be robbed when encountering thieves; 9. Those who cause excessive sexual promiscuity, Don’t have sexual thoughts;
10. Keep those who hold anger and hatred from being angry;
11. Keep all those who are dull and have no good intentions away from delusion and darkness;
< p>12. Let the childless living beings who desire a man be given birth to a boy;13. Make the childless living beings who desire a woman be born with a daughter;
14. The blessings gained by all living beings who uphold the name of Guanyin are the same as the number of grains of sand in the Ganges River. [19] Colorful and colorful - the materials of Buddhist beads. There are countless materials used to make Buddhist beads. Whether they are minerals or plants, generally bamboo, wood, teeth and horns can be made into Buddhist beads. However, the materials recorded in Buddhist scriptures that can be used to make beads are very limited, with no more than ten kinds at most, which is really incomparable with the many and complicated categories today.
The following is a list of the materials of Buddhist beads mentioned in Buddhist scriptures.
In Buddhism, Buddhist beads made of the "Seven Treasures" are the most noble. The names of the seven treasures are explained differently in various sutras. The Prajna Sutra states that there are seven kinds: gold, silver, lapis lazuli, clam, agate, amber, and coral. In addition to the above-mentioned "Seven Buddhist Treasures", the material of Buddhist beads can be divided into five major categories:
(1) Bodhi class
Bodhi beads are probably the most well-known type of Buddhist beads. . In fact, bodhi seed is not the fruit of the bodhi tree, but refers to a herbaceous plant named Chuangu that is produced near the snow-capped mountains. Its specific appearance is:
Seedlings grow in spring, with stems three or four inches high. Chi, leaves like millet, red and white flowers, spike-shaped, firm in summer and autumn, round and white in color, with a hard shell like enamel. Because it is often used to count the beads for reciting the Buddha's name, it is also called the Bodhi Son. The woody one is a different species. It is found only in Tiantai Mountain in my country and is called Tiantai Bodhi. [20]
Nowadays, "Bodhi" has long been a general term, representing the meaning of "enlightenment". "Records of the Western Regions of the Tang Dynasty" says:
The bodhi tree is the tree of Bibala. When the Buddha was alive in the past, he was hundreds of feet tall. However, after being cut down many times, he was especially four or five feet tall. The Buddha sat under it and achieved perfect enlightenment, so it was called the Bodhi tree. [21]
There are more than thirty varieties of Buddha beads named after Bodhi. Among them, some are named according to the place of origin, such as Tiantai Bodhi, Tianzhu Bodhi, etc.; some are named according to texture, such as Xingyue Bodhi, Phoenix Eye Bodhi, etc. Carrying a string of Bodhi beads will bring immeasurable blessings to people. "The Sutra on the Merit and Virtue of Counting Beads" says:
If the Bodhi Seed is used to count beads, either by pinching it or by holding it in hand and reciting it once, the blessings will be immeasurable. [22]
Because Bodhi beads have such profound meaning, many Buddha beads are usually named Bodhi beads, and those who believe in Buddhism must have a string of Bodhi beads.
Types of Bodhisattva
l. Bodhi is the transliteration of Sanskrit bodhi, which means enlightenment, wisdom, knowledge, and path. Broadly speaking, it means to cut off the troubles in the world and achieve nirvana. wisdom. Because the Buddha Sakyamuni attained enlightenment at the Bodhi tree, Bodhi means enlightenment and attainment of Buddhahood. According to Buddhist scriptures, using Bodhi Seeds to recite the Buddha's name can obtain immeasurable merits. Therefore, Bodhi Seeds have become one of the most widely used instruments, regardless of whether it is Sutra or Tantric. Exoteric sects use Xingyue Bodhi more often, and Tantric sects use Phoenix Eyes Bodhi more often.
2. Taiyangzi is a hard reddish-brown fruit produced in the tropics. Each fruit has a small white dot, which looks like the rising sun. Its reddish-brown color is like the fire of the sun, hence the name. For the sun. Buddhism calls the sun god the sun god. The leader of Buddhist Tantric Buddhism is the Great Sun Tathagata. He appears in the world according to circumstances, breaks all darkness, reveals Bodhicitta, and illuminates all living beings. The Son of the Sun drives away evil spirits and eliminates disasters, bringing good fortune and health to people. Used to make Buddhist beads or carry single beads, which not only help spiritual practice, but also are beautiful and generous, adding to your temperament.
3. Yuezi is a dark gray hard fruit produced in the tropics. Each fruit has a light brown dot, which looks like the moon hanging in the sky. Its gray-white color is like the cool and bright moonlight, hence the name. Yuezi. The moon represents femininity, auspiciousness and peace.
4. The golden toad seed is similar to the Xingyue Bodhi, but it is harder than the Xingyue Bodhi. Because each particle is shaped like a golden toad, it is called golden toad seed. It can increase wisdom in the house and bring peace and good luck. It can be used to make prayer beads, single or several beads, to bring good luck to people.
5. Burmese eggplant is a rare tropical fruit that looks like an eggplant. The back is as hard as wood, the fruit body is dark brown, the pedicle is yellow, oblate and long, with different sizes. The unique shape of Burmese eggplant itself has an alluring charm. It is said that Burmese eggplant can exorcise evil spirits, protect the house and protect the body, and bring good luck, longevity and wealth to the owner. It has always been cherished by collectors. It can be strung together with one, three, or multiple beads and hung on the body. It can be used as an ornament or a prayer bead. Because of its unique energy, it can change a person's magnetic field and bring good luck and health.
6. Five Eyes and Six Links is an unusual fruit. It has five small holes on the top after the base, which looks like five small eyes. The holes are drilled from beginning to end to make Buddhist beads, which is called It is the "Five Eyes and Six Links". The "Five Eyes" refer to the five abilities of the physical eye, the Heavenly Eye, the Wisdom Eye, the Dharma Eye, and the Buddha's Eye; the "Six Passages" refer to the Divine Foot Passage, the Heavenly Ear Passage, the Heavenly Eye Passage, the Other Mind Passage, the Destiny Passage, and the Wisdom of Exhausting Outflows. The first five links can be achieved through various practices, but the full link is the Buddhist realm. These are the six kinds of unhindered and free and wonderful functions demonstrated by Bodhisattva according to the power of concentration and wisdom. This kind of Buddhist beads has rich meanings.
7. Fairy peach. According to ancient Chinese legend, peach wood can drive away ghosts, peach stems can ward off evil, and peach charms can ward off evil. Peach stones are hard in texture and have the above functions at the same time. The Buddhist beads made after carving are also Extraordinary energy. According to legend, the flat peach is a fairy peach planted by the Queen Mother, which can prolong life. Therefore, flat peach is also called fairy peach. The flat peach stone is oblate in shape and has many uneven and irregular textures on its surface. It does not require any carving and is very unique. The peach core is bronze in color and has an antique charm, making the Buddhist beads unique.
8. "Slam", Buddhist beads made of coconut stems, are extremely rare. Coconut stems are unique in that they do not get cold in winter and are not afraid of sweat stains in summer. This kind of coconut bracelet, someone named it "Slam", which is very interesting.
9. Tianyizi, Tianyizi is a strange and hard fruit. The oblate shape, with raised curved ridges, looks like a flat peach or a tiny sweet melon. There is a God's Will Tree in the Buddhist scriptures. This tree turns according to God's will and fulfills your wishes. Tianyizi has its own special meaning. Use this bead to practice and follow the will of God. Wear it casually to increase your happiness and wisdom.
l0. Diamond Son. According to Buddhist books, Diamond Son is said to be the son of the Vajra tree. It is also said to be the son of the Bodhi tree. It is very precious. King Kong means extremely hard and indestructible, and has the power to destroy all evil. For Tantric practice, use diamond beads to practice the Vajra Division. Wearing a diamond on the body has a strong ability to drive away evil spirits and avoid disasters, and can increase good luck.
11. Asura, Asura is one of the gods in ancient India. It is translated into Chinese as "without reason" because of its ugly appearance. Asura is also one of the "six paths" (i.e. heaven, humans, asuras, animals, hungry ghosts, and hell). Asura seeds are named because of their unique shape, which is an oblate, ribbed, heart-shaped fruit with a slightly pointed head and tail. Asuras themselves have unique energy that helps with spiritual practice.
l2. Dharani seed is a relatively small hard fruit. The meaning of Dharani is to always uphold, which refers to the ability to remember countless Buddha Dharma without forgetting it, to always uphold the merits of Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, so that all good Dharma will grow and all evil Dharma will not arise. The Buddhist beads of Dharani, when held and recited to the Buddha, have the meaning of gathering good dharma and suppressing evil.
13. Manizi, Mani means pearl, which is said to have the function of eliminating disasters. Manizi is a hard brown fruit with many lines on the surface, which is relatively rare. Its function of exorcising evil spirits and avoiding disasters is strong, and wearing it can help bring peace and wealth.
14. Xingyue Bodhi is a rare plant with a hard texture. The shape of Xingyue Bodhi is milky yellow Bodhi beads with even black spots on the surface and a concave circle in the middle. It is like stars supporting the moon, so it is called Xingyue Bodhi. It is known as one of the "Four Famous Pearls" in the world.
l5. Tianzhu is the ancient name of India. There is a mountain named Tianzhu Mountain to the south of Lingyin Mountain in Hangzhou, Zhejiang. The Bodhisattva Bodhisattva grown in the mountain is of various sizes, oval in shape, with irregular cracks on the surface. The Bodhisattva Bodhi has an elegant and profound charm and charm.
16. Phoenix-eye Bodhi, each bead has a Phoenix eye, which symbolizes auspiciousness. Buddha beads made of Phoenix-eye Bodhi are one of the indispensable instruments for Tantric practitioners.
17. Longan Bodhi, each grain has a triangular eye. Dragon has special significance in Buddhism. For example, "dragon elephant" is a metaphor for the majesty of Bodhisattva, and "dragon response" is one of the three responses of Guanyin Bodhisattva. Long Sanskrit is transliterated as "Naga". It has the ability to call wind and rain, and is also the protector of Buddhism. Longan Bodhi, especially the Indian Longan Bodhi, is a rare thing, that is, a must-have item for practitioners. It is also a product that can drive away evil spirits and increase wisdom.
18. The unicorn-eyed Bodhi has a special shape. Each seed has a square eye. The entire Bodhi seed is oblate and round like a bulging persimmon. With the square eyes in the middle, it looks like copper coins. Qilin is a mythical beast with a dragon head, a deer body, a unicorn armor on its body, and a useful head, symbolizing auspiciousness. Kirin Eye Bodhi is rarer than Longyan Bodhi. It is the highest quality Bodhi child that increases blessings and wisdom, helps enlightenment, and protects practice.
l9. Tongtianyan is a rare fruit seed, dark gray in color, with irregular small dot-like protrusions on the grains. What is strange is that there is a small round hole on each seed, Tongtianyan. That's where it comes from. It is said that this bead can absorb the disease energy of the human body. Holding this bead regularly can help strengthen the body and eliminate fatigue. Get rid of diseases and stay safe forever. The Sky Eye can help you.
2O. The lotus base is the fruit pedicle of a rare plant. It is maroon red and hard in texture. Each grain is shaped like a small lotus base, hence the name. It is said that wearing this object on the body can ensure peace, increase good luck and help practice.
21. Lotus is a rare plant seed.
It is conical in shape and comes in two types: dark brown and white. The texture is hard and slightly prickly to the touch. Its shape resembles a lotus flower, hence its name. The lotus flower emerges from the mud and becomes stained, which is a symbol of attainment. At the same time, when practicing the lotus part in Tantric Buddhism, you must use lotus beads to string beads, which is more helpful for achieving the Bodhisattva position. Carrying lotus beads with you can calm your mind and keep you pure. (Also divided into: Lotus Gaozhuang Mushroom, Lotus Mushroom, Pagoda Lotus)
22. Honeydew Melon Bodhi Seed is a kind of Bodhi root. It is unprocessed and looks like honeydew melon, hence its name. It looks like a small honeydew melon, which is very interesting. Because it is the root of Bodhi, it is very helpful for cultivating Bodhicitta and can also be used as a collection.
23. White bodhi root is made from polished plant seeds. Some are as white as snow, and some are slightly yellowish, bright and pleasing to the eye. Wearing this bead not only helps with spiritual practice, but also can ward off disasters and has ornamental value.
24. Tiantai beans are a unique product of Tiantai Mountain in Zhejiang and are the seeds of trees. It looks like a large bean, is black, and has a tough texture. It is said to have the function of exorcising evil spirits. No one who goes to Tiantai Mountain will forget to buy Buddhist beads made from Tiantai beans.
25. Tiantai Bodhi is a woody Bodhi tree in Tiantai Mountain, which is white or light yellow in color. Guoqing Temple in Tiantai Mountain is the ancestral hall of Tiantai Sect. At that time, the Three Ten Great Tens of the Kaiyuan Dynasty, namely: Goodness and Fearlessness, Vajra Wisdom, and Fu Kong, brought Tantric Universal Gate Dharma to China. The famous astronomer Master Yixing had been initiated by Master Fu Kong. A group of masters brought Tantric Dharma to Tiantai and founded Tiantai Tantric Sect, which is actually a lineage of Tang Tantric Buddhism. Therefore, Tiantai Bodhisattva has its own unique characteristics and profound connotations.
26. Muyu fruit is a rare tree seed. It is brown with spots and looks like a wooden turtle, hence its name. Because the wooden fish itself has the function of alerting people to enlightenment and promoting advancement, the wooden fish fruit beads are cherished by Buddhists not only because of their unique appearance, but also because of their profound connotations.
27. Peach wood Buddha beads, peach wood, has been said to be able to ward off evil spirits in ancient China. The beads made of peach wood are simple and bright. Although they are not expensive, their functions are extraordinary. Such beads have always been popular.
(2) Gemstones
Gemstones are more valuable because of their bright colors, crystal texture, brilliant luster, hardness and durability, and because they are rare in the world. Generally speaking, the more common types of gemstones include: crystal, peridot, alexandrite, turquoise, malachite, hibiscus, aventurine, lapis lazuli, tourmaline, garnet, gold sandstone and many other categories. But these can only be regarded as second-class gems, far inferior to the four most precious gems: diamond, ruby, sapphire, and emerald. Because these gems are extremely precious, these gems are used to make Buddhist beads, which are mostly used by the royal family or wealthy gentry. , which is not available to ordinary people. For example, in the book "Chronology of Old Monk Xuyun", there is a story about how Old Monk Xuyun commissioned Master Kuan Hang to bring a string of "Seven Colors and Nine Treasures Arhat Beads" donated by a certain prince to Hong Kong and give them to Master Cen Xuelu as a souvenir. records.
Jade can be divided into broad and narrow senses. In a broad sense, it includes many kinds of minerals and rocks used for arts and crafts carving. Such as marble, Shoushan stone, Qingtian stone, Chang stone, Balin stone, Duan inkstone, etc. all fall into this category. In a narrow sense, jade only refers to two types: jadeite (represented by high-quality jade from Myanmar) and nephrite (represented by high-quality Hetian jade). Since jade has symbolized good luck for thousands of years, it is said that it can ward off evil spirits, ward off disasters and bring luck. In addition, it is influenced by the saying that "a gentleman is as virtuous as jade, and has the principles of benevolence, wisdom, propriety, loyalty and trustworthiness". Those made of jade Buddhist beads are becoming more and more popular among people.
(3) Fruit (core) type
Fruit (core) prayer beads occupy a large proportion in the large family of prayer beads. People can list many types at will, such as peach stone carving, walnut carving, olive stone carving, peach stone carving, diamond seed, sun seed, coix seed, lotus seed, coconut stem, five eyes and six tongs, etc., there are simply too many to mention. . Among them, peach pits and olive pits are the representatives of fruit pits, and wooden walnuts and coconut shells (pedicles) are the representatives of fruit types.
Peach tree is a deciduous tree that is easy to plant and has many seeds, so it is widely planted by people. It is said that peach wood can drive away ghosts, peach stems can ward off evil spirits, peach charms can ward off evil spirits, and peach stones are hard and can be carved into various kinds of Buddhist beads with profound meanings.
Olive is an evergreen tree with long round fruits and pointed ends. Because of its bitter yet sweet taste, it is also known as the "sweet fruit". Olive stones are as hard as stone and are an excellent material for making Buddhist beads.
Sapberry, also known as soapberry, is a tree that grows on high mountains. Its branches and leaves are like a toon tree, with opposite leaves. In early summer, it blooms with small yellow flowers, and its capsule is swollen and split. And for three.
It is as strong as a bullet and as black as a lacquer bead. Because in the "Mumu Sutra", the Buddha taught King Boliu to pierce the muko to make rosary beads, this made later generations of Buddhists like to use muko to make prayer beads, which means that they will uphold the Buddha's teachings and never forget them.
Coconut, or "Coconut", is an evergreen tree growing in tropical areas. The fruit is called coconut and can be used to make prayer beads. According to Yuan Mei's "Suiyuan Shihua" of the Qing Dynasty: "It has become customary recently for husbands to have multiple arms wrapped with gold bracelets and hands with coconut beads..." Zhao Fen also has the same record in "Li Yuexuan Collected Works": "During the Qianlong period Zhao Bingchong, the Minister of Household Affairs, selected a string of coconuts and counted beads, which are as precious as the armpits of a thousand foxes. "It can be seen that using coconut shells (pedicles) to make Buddhist beads was very common in the early Qing Dynasty and has a history of hundreds of years.
(4) Bamboo and wood
Both bamboo and wood can be used to make Buddhist beads. Bamboo is a grassy woody evergreen plant that grows for many years. It is soft and hollow, and is not easily damaged by wind and rain. After experiencing cold and heat, its green branches and leaves will not wither. Therefore, the ancients often compared it to a tree that "cannot be taken away during major festivals." The gentleman. Bamboos include bamboo, bamboo, asparagus, arrow bamboo, palm bamboo, peach branch bamboo, spotted bamboo and so on. Huangzhu is hard and white in texture; Qiongzhu is high in knots and solid in texture; Arrow bamboo is strong and strong in arrows. These are all good materials for making Buddhist beads.
As for the types of wood, it can be said to be countless. The general materials used to make Buddhist beads can be pine, cypress, cinnamon, pepper, tung, catalpa, etc. Because pine and cypress wither, it is a metaphor for steadfastness and longevity; the fragrant cinnamon and pepper represent outstanding spiritual powers; tung is a noble tree, and the phoenix can live in it. ; Catalpa is a good material, used to make harp and harp, and most of them have certain meanings. However, the more expensive wooden beads are mostly made of precious materials such as sandalwood, agarwood, ganan, and ebony.
Sandalwood, also known as sandalwood, can be burned as a spice and can also be used as medicine. For example, the commentary in "Sounds and Meanings of All Sutras" says: Zhantan means white sandalwood can cure fever, and red sandalwood can remove wind and swelling. They are both medicines that can cure diseases and calm the body, so they are called Yule. [23]
To this day, most of the sandalwood used to make Buddhist beads is rosewood and rosewood. Especially red sandalwood, because of its solid wood, fine texture, purple color and fragrant aroma, is listed as one of the five Buddhist incense (agarwood, white sandalwood, rosewood, sala incense, celestial wood incense), and is more popular among people. Beloved.
(5) Other categories
This item covers a very wide range. It can be said that in addition to the above-mentioned treasures, Bodhisattva, gems and jade, fruits (core), bamboo and wood, all should belong to this category. Ox horns, cow bones, rhinoceros horns, ivory, etc. have always been rejected by Chinese Buddhism due to legal restrictions, but they are deeply loved by Tibetan Buddhism. Tibetan Buddhism even uses human skulls to make Buddhist beads. Wear or hold these Buddha beads can also help people understand the origin of life and death. At the same time, it will also make people feel some mysterious religious atmosphere.
In addition, there are Buddhist beads made of ceramics, purple sand, carved lacquer and other materials. These beads of different shapes will also bring people endless reverie.