Material: Lapis Lazuli. Buddhist Prayer Beads. Rosary

Size: 10x7mm / 108beads+GB

Description: Lapis Lazuli is a deep blue metamorphic mineral, primarily found in Badakhshan Province in northeastern Afghanistan. The lapis lazuli mined here is of the highest quality and has the most vibrant color (with golden pyrite specks and a small amount of white calcite), and has a mining history of over 6500 years. Other sources include Lake Baikal in Russia, Chile, Myanmar, and Pakistan, but the quality and historical significance of these sources are far less than those in Afghanistan.

Main Components

- Main Mineral: Lapis Lazuli (a sodium calcium aluminum silicate mineral), which gives it its deep blue color.

- Minor Minerals: Calcite (white parts), pyrite (golden specks), diopside, sodalite, etc.

The finest lapis lazuli contains a high proportion of lapis lazuli mineral, resulting in a vibrant color reminiscent of the night sky, hence its ancient names "Azure Stone" or "Stone of the Sky."

Ancient lapis lazuli was extremely precious, transported from Afghanistan via the "Lapis Lazuli Road" (predating the Silk Road) to Mesopotamia, Egypt, ancient India, and China. Ancient Egyptians ground it into powder to create the most valuable pigment, "Ultramarine," which was used in medieval European paintings of the Virgin Mary's blue cloak and was once more expensive than gold.

A Deep Connection with Buddhism

Lapis lazuli holds a very high position in Buddhism, primarily reflected in the following aspects:

1. **Symbolic Color**

The deep blue of lapis lazuli is considered "blue" (Sanskrit nīla), representing "elimination of karmic obstacles" and "the wisdom of the Dharmadhatu" among the five colors of Buddhism (blue, yellow, red, white, and black). In Mahayana Buddhism, the Medicine Buddha of the Eastern Pure Land of Lapis Lazuli has a body color of "lapis lazuli," symbolizing the elimination of illness and calamity.

2. **One of the Seven Treasures**

The "Seven Treasures" frequently mentioned in Buddhist scriptures (such as the Amitabha Sutra, Lotus Sutra, and Infinite Life Sutra) are:

Gold, silver, lapis lazuli, tridacna shell, agate, amber, and lapis lazuli (or chrysanthemum).

Lapis lazuli is listed as one of the Seven Treasures, symbolizing the solemnity and preciousness of the Buddha-land.

3. **The Supreme Sacred Object in Tibetan Buddhism**

- Tibetan Buddhism regards lapis lazuli as the natural prototype of "dzi beads," with the highest quality lapis lazuli called "Imperial Lapis Lazuli."

- Many high-ranking lamas use lapis lazuli from old mines in Afghanistan for their prayer beads, gau boxes, and ritual implements.

- Tibetans believe that wearing lapis lazuli enhances the connection with the Medicine Buddha, eliminates illness and negative karma, and is particularly beneficial for the throat chakra (Vishuddha Chakra), facilitating expression and communication.

4. **Applications in Han Chinese Buddhism**

While not as widespread as in Tibetan Buddhism, lapis lazuli prayer beads are commonly seen in Han Chinese temples, especially in Medicine Buddha monasteries (such as Qixia Temple in Nanjing and Jiuhua Mountain). During the Ming and Qing dynasties, the imperial workshops often used high-quality lapis lazuli (called "golden star lapis lazuli") for the emperor and empress dowager's court beads and prayer beads.

The Special Significance of Lapis Lazuli Prayer Beads in Buddhist Practice

- Lapis lazuli prayer beads are highly recommended for reciting the name of the Medicine Buddha (Medicine Buddha, Lapis Lazuli Light Tathagata).

- Tibetan Buddhism believes that lapis lazuli has the power to "protect the home, ward off evil, and increase blessings and wisdom," and can counteract anger.

- Wearing or holding lapis lazuli prayer beads is said to help practitioners stabilize their minds, open their wisdom, and connect with the Medicine Buddha. In summary, lapis lazuli is not only one of the most beautiful materials for Buddhist prayer beads, but also a concrete symbol of the "Blue Dharma Realm" in the Buddhist cosmology, especially connected to the Medicine Buddha faith in the most direct and profound way. Among all lapis lazuli gemstones, lapis lazuli has the strongest blessing power and symbolic meaning for Buddhists, and therefore has been one of the most revered Buddhist sacred objects for thousands of years.