What is Star Moon Bodhi?
Bodhi, transliterated from Sanskrit, means enlightenment, wisdom, knowledge, and the path. In Buddhism, it is believed that the silence of prayer beads speaks volumes. A string of prayer beads carried throughout life and passed on to descendants can inspire and perpetuate Buddhist wisdom. Bodhi signifies enlightenment, wisdom, knowledge, and the path, symbolizing the attainment of nirvana by eliminating worldly troubles. Therefore, Star Moon Bodhi prayer beads are believed to nurture the mind, ward off evil, dispel calamities, and aid in the salvation of all beings.
In the Sutra on the Merit of Counting Beads, it is mentioned: using Bodhi seed prayer beads to chant Buddha's name and mantras brings boundless blessings. This translates to using Bodhi seeds to recite the names and mantras of Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, attracting countless good fortune.
Star Moon Bodhi is a seed from a woody vine plant, known as one of the four famous seeds. It is characterized by evenly distributed black dots on its surface and a central concave circle, resembling stars surrounding the moon, symbolizing a beautiful meaning of stars gathering around the moon. The medicinal expert Li Shizhen recorded in the Compendium of Materia Medica that the dried roots and stems of Star Moon Bodhi can be used as medicine to clear lung heat. Due to its beauty, auspicious meaning, and significant effects, Star Moon Bodhi has become one of the most widely used prayer beads among Buddhist believers.
Buddhism teaches that "all phenomena arise from dependent origination," emphasizing the principle of cause and effect. The so-called "three-life karma" suggests that actions in past lives result in current circumstances, and current actions will impact future lives. It underscores personal responsibility for one's actions, where every experience is a result of one's own deeds and must be accepted. Under the influence of Buddhist concepts of causality and retribution, Tibetan people view life's joys and sufferings as outcomes of past actions, often wearing prayer beads to accumulate merit and eliminate karma for future lives.
According to Tibetan customs, when parents pass away, one bead from their prayer beads is buried with them, symbolizing taking a part of their merit with them, while the rest is passed on to their descendants, representing the continuation of merit.
Types of Star Moon Bodhi
- Star: The irregular brown-black dots on the surface of Star Moon Bodhi.
- Moon: The deep pit left after the embryo of the Bodhi seed is ground off.
Star Moon Bodhi is classified by the density of "stars" and oil content into types such as Yuanbao seed, Jinchan Bodhi seed, light-colored Jinchang Bodhi seed, and Manizi, with Yuanbao seed being the highest quality.
- Yuanbao Seed: Sparse stars, stars stand alone, whiter than other Bodhi seeds.
- Jinchan Seed: Lower density than Yuanbao seed, stars are connected, yellowish color, larger black dots.
- Manizi: Dense stars, usually used to make larger prayer beads, stars are denser than Yuanbao seed, forming an ice-flower pattern.
Why Wear Star Moon Bodhi Prayer Beads?
- Star Moon Bodhi is a Buddhist treasure, aiding in cultivation, attracting wealth, ensuring safety, and increasing wisdom.
- Wearing Star Moon Bodhi prayer beads brings peace of mind, great love, and wisdom, fostering compassion and kindness. It is especially suitable for entrepreneurs to attract good relationships.
- Bodhi seeds need regular handling to gradually change color and develop rich surface patterns like jade. During handling, they massage the hands, stimulate acupuncture points, promote blood circulation, and regulate internal organs.
- Symbolically, Star Moon Bodhi represents auspiciousness, capable of driving away evil and bringing good fortune, while conveying positive energy and ensuring safety.
- In recent years, old Star Moon Bodhi from Tibetan areas has become highly sought after in the antique market, having significant collection value.
Handling Method
When handling, hands should be freshly washed and dried. Avoid direct contact with sweaty hands and ensure to handle around the bead holes.
Handle for about 30 minutes daily.
After one to two weeks, the bead surface will feel sticky, indicating the formation of a thin patina. Let the beads dry naturally, which usually takes about a week. Repeat this process for 5 to 6 cycles (about three months), and the beads will develop a spiritual luster, even resembling a glass-like shine.
Precautions
- Avoid getting the beads wet; if they do get wet, immediately dry them with a soft cloth and let them air dry in a cool place. Improper handling can cause the beads to crack.
- Avoid exposing the beads to environments with significant temperature changes, which can cause expansion and contraction, damaging the structure.
- Do not store Bodhi seeds in damp conditions to prevent mold. If mold occurs, clean with a soft cloth; it does not affect the structure or use.
- If the surface is too dry, roll the beads on the face or other oily body parts, or use natural essential oils for maintenance. Avoid exposure to sunlight, strong winds, and freezing conditions. When wearing, try to keep the beads close to the body for protection.
Star Moon Bodhi is not just an ornament but a treasure for self-cultivation. Wearing Star Moon Bodhi prayer beads allows everyone to feel the blessings and power of the universe. Let us embrace Star Moon Bodhi and attain peace and wisdom in daily life.
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