Lanterns Up

Kalachakra is a Sanskrit term used in Tantric Buddhism that means “time-wheel” or “time-cycles”. The Kalachakra tradition revolves around the concept of time and cycles: from the cycles of the planets, to the cycles of human breathing, it teaches the practice of working with the most subtle energies within one’s body on the path to enlightenment.

The Kalachakra deity represents a Buddha and thus omniscience. Since Kalachakra is time and everything is under the influence of time, Kalachakra knows all.

The Kalachakra mantra, which is shown as OM AH HUM HOH HAM KSHAH MA LA VA RA YA HUM PHET, consists of seven individual syllables combined together with three other components to make a total of ten very powerful elements within the image. The ten powers are described as ten existences – body, awareness, space, wind, fire, water, earth, stable, moving, and the gods unseen and uncreated. So, the Kalachakra symbol means “The one with ten powers”, which is the best known symbols of the Kalachakra system. It is carved onto pendants, rings, bracelets, etc. for the use of protection against spirit harm.

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Dzi Bead contains elements of jade and agate, belonging to the nine-eyed cavenous rocks. The colors can generally be categorized into dark and light brown, its patterns are generally milky white lines etched to its inner core. Some Dzi researchers regard the inner color of the Dzi string hole as an important criterion for judging the quality of the Dzi. Milky white color is more superior in quality, and thus more precious.

Due to weathering, Dzi Bead’s surface appears scaly with cinnabar dots and chippings. As it is passed down and worn by different collectors, and given blessings from monks, it will appear naturally smooth and lustrous from the interior to the exterior. Basically, its authenticity can be determined based on the smoothness, lustre, weathering marks on the surface, chippings, curves and the technique of making the string hole of the bead opening as well as from the line designs.

The designs of Dzi Bead include: dotted, lines, squarish, circular, triangular, rhombus, polygonal, seed shape, irregular shapes, animal motifs, abstract motifs and symbol combinations. Different designs represent different meanings and function. The Dzi’s value is very much dependent on the uniqueness of the lustre and designs.

Valuations of Dzi Beads are determined by age, scarcity, number of the eyes (odd numbered, eight-eyed and twelve-eyed Dzis are more expensive), degree of chippings, cinnabar dots (will grow from inner to the surface with age) and special designs like Buddha eye, Heaven-and-Earth Motif, Dorje design, Lotus and Bottle Motif, and unique patterns to determine the price.

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Tibetan pendants are among the most stunning jewelry pieces you’ll find on the market today. High in the mountains of Nepal, skilled artisans use the same techniques that have been used for generations to create the most gorgeous silverworks and gem cuts.

Asia is home to some of the worlds finest gemstones, so grand master artisans have a wide variety of stunning stones to work with. Tibetan pendants are often set with green turquoise, red coral, butterscotch yellow amber, carnelian and deep blue lapis lazuli. Gorgeous emeralds, rubies, sapphires, amethysts, citrines and garnets are common as well.

Thangka is a Nepalese art form imported to Tibet after Princess Bhrikuti of Nepal, daughter of King Lichchavi, married Sron Tsan Gampo, the ruler of  Tibet imported the images of Aryawalokirteshwar and other Nepalese deities to Tibet.  Thangkas are made on various fabrics. The most common is a loosely woven cotton produced in widths from 40 to 58 centimeters (16 – 23 inches). While some variations do exist, thangkas wider than 45 centimeters (17 or 18 inches) frequently have seams in the support.

For thousands of years, Dzi (pronounced as “ji”) beads have been deeply entrenched in Tibetan culture. The Dzi beads, being Tibetan’s most precious living gemstone and charm are worshipped, revered and passed down from generations after generations. Did you know that in Tibet, the ancient pure Dzi beads can be used for mortgage purposes in banks! As with all things ancient and mystical, there is plenty of folklore associated with Dzi beads. One legend has it that demi-gods threw away their Dzi beads when they became ever so slightly blemished, which explains why the Dzi bead is also regarded as the “Heavenly Stone” by the Tibetans.

Tibet, being the former home of the Dalai Lama, has always been associated with the mystical and the holy. There is no denying that the beads’ very origins certainly lend it a metaphysical air. It is believed that the Dzi Bead has the ability to protect its wearer from supernatural “bad” forces. Many believers claim that donning a Dzi bead is akin to having an invisible cloak protect you from the intangible negative elements and energies. Evil spirits, sickness, misfortunes and sudden death are kept at bay with the presence of a powerful Dzi bead. Dzi can also balance the body of the wearer’s yin yang and five elements, hence improves the body’s immunity system and promotes overall health. Other reasons people wear Dzi beads include to usher in greater wealth, for spiritual enlightenment and even just as an aid in enhancing a feeling of calm within oneself.

The mysterious Dzi beads are shiny stone beads that often feature a universally recognized pattern, usually that of ‘eyes’, circles, squares or certain stripes and wave patterns. There are also some pieces that boast some rare patterns and are equally potent in their protective powers such as one that has the silhouette of the Goddess of Mercy Kwan Yin outlined on the bead. The different patterns found on the surface of the Dzi beads all serve a different purpose. One-eyed Dzi beads are generally meant to promote brilliance and growth in wisdom while a 13-eyed Dzi will promote tranquility and serenity. For the savvy businessman, the three-eyed Dzi will certainly serve you well as it is said to help in bringing prosperity and wealth. The most favored bead is usually the nine-eyed one, as it is said to have the powers to bring about compassion, power and glory.

The Dzi bead can be worn by everyone regardless of race, religion, gender and age because these beads are not meant to be religious. Its main purpose is to promote the good aura of a person.

The eight luck-bringing symbols, Ashta-Mangala (Sanskrit) or Uljeitu naiman temdek (Mongolian), are popular charms to both the lamas and the Tibetan laity. The qualities of the Buddha are traditionally represented by these 8 auspicious symbols. They were offered to the Buddha Shakyamuni at the time of his birth.

The 8 auspicious symbols also commemorate the gifts offered by celestial beings to Buddha Shakyamuni after his attainment of enlightenment. The auspicious symbols appear either all together, in pairs or singly. They decorate all sorts of objects both sacred and secular. Sometimes they appear cast as altar bronzes.

The 8 auspicious symbols may be personified as eight symbol-bearing goddesses, known in Tibetan as Tashi-lhamo Gyal or ASHTAMANGALA-DEVI in sanskrit. Each is represented holding the symbolic object and all are adorned with crowns and jewels.

1. THE PRECIOUS UMBRELLA [PARASOL]

(CHATTRA [S.] Rinchen Dug [T.] Sikur [M.])
denotes respect; gives protection from all evil and the heat of evil desires

2. TWO GOLDEN FISH

(SURVANA MATSYA Sergyi Nya Jighasun)
represent Buddha’s eyes, hence Transcendent Wisdom; happiness and utility; symbolic of beings saved from the ocean of earthly life and suffering

3. GREAT INEXHAUSTIBLE TREASURE VASE

(KALASHA Terchen-pahi Bumpa Bumba)
the innumerable qualities of a Buddha’s Body; contains spiritual jewels; the treasury of all desires

4. THE EXCELLENT LOTUS FLOWER

(PADMA Padma Zangpo Badma)
representing the purity of the Buddha’s Mind; emblem of original purity; pledge of salvation, or Nirvana

5. PRECIOUS WHITE CONCH HORN [TRUMPET],

WITH A SPIRAL THAT TURNS TO THE RIGHT
(SHANKHA Dungkar Yakhyil Labai)
symbolizes the sound of Dharma, which can be heard in all directions; proclaiming the fame of the saints; “the blessedness of turning to the right”

6. THE GLORIOUS INTERWOVEN KNOT OF LIFE

(SHRIVATSA Palgyi Behu Balbu)
the Mystic Diagram representing the Great Love of all the Buddhas, and the never-ending continuity of the Teachings of Buddha’s Mind; the knot of Love; the thread which guides to happiness

7. SUPREME CIRCULAR BANNER OF VICTORY

(DHVAJA Choggi Gyaltshan Doja)
victory over negative influences; flag that celebrates the victory of Buddhism; the standard erected on the summit of the palace of salvation

8. PRECIOUS GOLDEN WHEEL OF DHARMA

(CHAKRA Sergyi Khorlo Kurde)
the Teaching of the Buddha; wheel of doctrine or religious law; the wheel which leads to perfection