Material: White Bodhi Root, Seeds, Prayer Beads

Size: 12mm*7mm / 108 beads + GB

Description: Origin of White Bodhi Root Prayer Beads

"White Bodhi Root Prayer Beads" primarily refers to prayer beads carved from "white Bodhi root" (also known as white jade Bodhi root, Bodhi tree root), also called "Bodhi Root Prayer Beads" or "Phoenix Eye Bodhi Root."

There are two main theories about its origin:

1. **The most widely accepted traditional theory**

It comes from the "true Bodhi tree" (scientific name: *Ficus religiosa*) in India and Nepal, the Bodhi tree under which Shakyamuni Buddha attained enlightenment at Vajrasana in Bodh Gaya.

The root of this Bodhi tree, near the ground, naturally turns pure white or milky white after long-term exposure to wind, sun, rain, and soil minerals. Its texture is as hard as ivory, and its surface has natural textures and small pores (phoenix eye patterns), hence the name "white Bodhi root" or "phoenix eye Bodhi." Both Tibetan and Han Chinese Buddhism believe that the Buddha attained enlightenment under this tree, and that its roots, being closest to the "Vajra Earth," absorbed the blessings of the Buddha's 49 days of teachings, thus being considered one of the most spiritually potent sacred objects.

2. **The Actual Source of the Mainstream Market**

Over 90% of the white bodhi roots on the market today actually come from a large tree in Southeast Asia (mainly Vietnam, Thailand, and Indonesia) belonging to the same genus as Ficus (scientific name mostly Ficus microcarpa or its closely related species). The roots are artificially polished, bleached, and refined to appear as white as jade, and "phoenix eye" patterns are pressed into them.

Although botanically not entirely the same as the true bodhi tree of the Buddha's time, its extremely similar appearance and lower price have made it the most widely circulated "white bodhi root."

Usage and Taboos

1. **Basic Specifications**

The most common is 108 beads (symbolizing the severing of 108 kinds of afflictions), but reduced quantities such as 54, 27, 21, and 18 beads are also available. It is usually accompanied by a large "mother bead" (Buddha head), a three-way bead, a counter, a tassel, etc.

2. **Traditional Usage**

- When reciting mantras, hold the prayer beads with your left hand (Tibetan tradition mainly uses the right hand, while Han Chinese tradition mostly uses the left).

- Move one bead after each recitation of a Buddha's name or mantra; this is called "passing the bead."

- Do not step over the mother bead (symbolizing not overstepping one's place); turn it in the opposite direction, representing "dedication of merit."

- Commonly used for reciting the Six-Syllable Mantra (Om Mani Padme Hum), the Amitabha Buddha mantra, the Cundi mantra, the Medicine Buddha mantra, etc.

3. **Important Taboos and Maintenance**

White Bodhi root is a plant root, porous and soft in texture, and is most susceptible to the following:

- Strictly avoid contact with water, sweat, oil, perfume, and cosmetics (it will turn yellow, blacken, and smell bad).

- Do not impact or drop it (it is easily cracked).

- Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight (it will turn yellow). - Do not store with metals or jade (they will wear each other down).

- Traditionally, it is believed that one should not wear it while using the toilet, during sexual intercourse, after killing, or at hospitals or funerals (as this is considered disrespectful to the Buddha-nature of the Bodhi root).

Proper Care:

Regular handling (gently rubbing with clean hands or a pure cotton cloth) will make it increasingly translucent and lustrous, developing an ivory or milky white patina. The highest grade will exhibit a "glassy" or "porcelain-white" texture.

Profound Influence on Buddhism

1. **Extremely High Symbolic Significance**

White Bodhi root is considered one of the "Three Sacred Objects" (the other two being Vajra Bodhi and Tiantai Brahma Bodhi).

In Tibetan Buddhism, many high-ranking monks (such as the Dalai Lamas, Panchen Lamas, and Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche) use white Bodhi root prayer beads as their primary ritual implement, symbolizing "purity, undefiledness, and ultimate enlightenment."

2. **Considered to Possess Extremely Strong Blessing Power**

A popular saying goes, "First white, second yellow, third red, fourth star and moon," meaning:

Among all Bodhi seeds, white Bodhi root possesses the strongest blessing power (yellow jade Bodhi second, red phoenix eye third, and star and moon Bodhi fourth).

Many believe that if one can polish a string of truly porcelain-white and translucent white Bodhi roots, it is equivalent to offering to a Buddha statue, accumulating immeasurable merit.

3. **A Modern Buddhist Cultural Phenomenon**

- It has become one of the most mainstream prayer beads for Han and Tibetan Buddhists, almost forming a three-way balance with "Vajra Bodhi = Tibetan Buddhism" and "Star and Moon Bodhi = Han Chan Buddhism."

- It has also driven a craze for "bead polishing culture" and "Bodhi seed collecting," allowing more young people to come into contact with Buddhism through collecting and polishing white Bodhi roots, indirectly promoting the spirit of the Buddha's enlightenment under the Bodhi tree.

In summary, white bodhi root prayer beads are not only practical tools for chanting mantras, but are also regarded as a symbol of the "root of Buddha's enlightenment," carrying the profound meaning of "indestructible, pure and undefiled, and ultimately perfect," and have an irreplaceable position and influence in the contemporary Buddhist community.