Chinese Jewels And Their Legendary Stories

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n all Buddhist cultures, monks and lay practitioners use prayer beads or rosaries to help them count their prayers and incantations, reciting, chanting, or mentally repeating a mantra or the name or names of a deity (a deity is a postulated preternatural or supernatural immortal being).
In Sanskrit they are known as mala or Japa mala. They are usually round, but in some cases, they are carved in the form of human skulls, a reminder of the impermanence of life.

Traditionally, Buddhist rosaries have 108 beads, though other numbers, usually divisible by 9, are also used: they symbolize the three jewels of Buddhism: the Buddha, the dharma (his teachings), and the Buddhist community. The string passing through the beads stands for the power of all the Buddhas that runs through everything.
Malas are mainly used to count mantras. These mantras can be recited for different purposes linked to working with mind. Although regular beads are made of wood, the material can vary according to the purpose of the mantras used.

For exemple, Appeasing mantras should be recited using white-colored Malas. Materials such as crystal, pearl or mother of pearl are preferable. These can serve to purify mind and clear away obstacles like illness.

Previously, i was talking about malas in the form of a necklace. In this module I'm going to talk about wrist malas (also known as Power Beads) that are bracelets. The bracelet and the necklace are both named mala, then have a similar use.

Buddhist prayer beads are a traditional tool used to count time while meditating using mantras. They are similar to other forms of prayer beads used in various world religions and to Christianity's Rosary; thus this tool has also been known as the Buddhist rosary.

In Chinese culture such beads are named shu zhu ("counting beads"), Fo zhu ("Buddha beads"), or nian zhu ("prayer beads").

In the chinese culture the well-known "dragon" is important and it is a bit different compared with European dragon or Persian dragon.

Chinese dragons (long), and Oriental dragons generally, can take on human form and are usually seen as benevolent, whereas European dragons are usually malevolent though there are exceptions.
In the ancient China, the emperor was named "dragon" whereas the queen was a "phoenix". Thus, males will mostly wear a jewel with a dragon nowadays.

Another mythological creature is as important as the dragon, although much less famous in western countries. It is named Pi Xie.
The Pi Xie is as much sculpted as the dragon in chinese jewelries but most western people confuse it with the dragon.

Therefore, in the next module i'm going to tell you who is Pi Xie.

Here is the Pi Xie!

Pixiu or Pi Yao but originally known as Pi Xie is a Chinese mythical hybrid creature considered to be a very powerful protector to practitioners of Feng Shui. It has protruding eyes and sharp teeth. Its body resembles a Chinese lion and the legs of Pi Xie are those of a Qilin*. Looking at the posture of the Pi Xie, the creature seems to project a sense of strength, elegance and mobility. Its obvious characteristic is its fat body to indicate a full stomach loaded with unlimited amounts of good fortune.
Indeed, It can drive away evil spirits and possesses mystical power capable of drawing wealth.

It is believed that the Pi Xie will always try its best to fulfill its owner's wish and protect its owner from injuries.

Also, the legend says that wearing jade or crystal articles carved in the shape of a Pi Xie can ward off evil spirits and let riches come into your house.
In brief, It's a symbol of protection and good fortune.

*Qilin is a chimeric animal with several variations. The first giraffe sent as a gift to a Chinese emperor was believed to be the Qilin. An early Chinese painting depicts this giraffe replete with the fish scales of the Qilin. In legend, it is believed to have perfect good will, gentleness and benevolence to all living creatures.