Material: Small-leaf sandalwood. 108-bead Buddhist prayer beads. Counter.

Size: 10mm

Description: **Small-leaf sandalwood** (scientific name: *Pterocarpus santalinus*), also known as "red sandalwood" or "red sandalwood," is another precious type of sandalwood besides *Pterocarpus macrocarpus*. It belongs to the genus *Pterocarpus* of the legume family, and its main production area is **southern India** (especially Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala). The Indian government lists it as a nationally protected plant, and its export is strictly controlled. Currently, the export of raw logs is almost prohibited, and only small quantities can be exported in the form of processed products. Therefore, truly high-quality old-growth small-leaf sandalwood is becoming increasingly scarce.

**Main Components and Characteristics:**

- Main chemical components: Contains various mulberry pigments (Santalin A, B, C, etc.) and pterocarpine, which give it its unique deep red to purplish-black color.

- Extremely high density (air-dry density typically > 1.0 g/cm³, sinks in water).

- Extremely oily, with a smooth, oily feel; after handling, it develops a highly lustrous, glass-like patina.

- Scent: New material has a distinct sandalwood aroma, while older material develops a sweet, agarwood-like fragrance.

- Fine grain, often exhibiting "flame patterns" and "water ripple patterns," with extremely fine, almost invisible, hair-like grain.

Unlike "large-leaf sandalwood" (Pterocarpus indicus), small-leaf sandalwood is not classified under the *Pterocarpus* genus in the national standard for rosewood. However, due to its redder color, higher density, and stronger aroma, it is more highly regarded in Buddhist and antique collecting circles.

Status and Influence in Buddhism

Small-leaf sandalwood prayer beads are among the most revered high-grade prayer bead materials in both Han and Tibetan Buddhism, often referred to as one of the "Seven Treasures of Buddhism" (or listed alongside turquoise, coral, etc.).

1. **Extremely High-Ranking Ritual Implements**

- Small-leaf sandalwood prayer beads can be found among the belongings of many eminent monks (such as Venerable Master Hsu Yun, Venerable Master Mengcan, and Master Chin Kung).

- In Tibetan Buddhism, small-leaf sandalwood is frequently used to make guru prayer beads and 108-bead hand prayer beads, especially in the Nyingma and Kagyu schools.

- Han Chinese Buddhism, particularly the Chan and Pure Land schools, also regards it as "Emperor Wood," representing nobility and blessings.

2. **Symbolic Meaning**

- Its color ranges from purplish-red to purplish-black, symbolizing "transformation from the mundane to the sacred." Red represents "lotus birth," and black represents "subduing afflictions."

- Its naturally emanating fragrance is known as "settling fragrance," which can aid concentration during mantra recitation (similar to the effects of agarwood, but more subtle).

- Buddhism believes that sandalwood can "ward off evil and protect the righteous," and wearing it can prevent external demonic interference.

3. **Legends and Blessings**

- Indian Legend: The land where small-leaf sandalwood grows is often protected by a dragon king. When it is cut, it bleeds a blood-like red sap, thus being considered a "spiritual" wood.

- Tibetan Legend: Small-leaf sandalwood is "the manifestation of Manjushri Bodhisattva," and holding it can open wisdom.

- Many monasteries consecrate small-leaf sandalwood prayer beads with high-ranking monks, giving them to disciples as important ritual implements for transmitting Dharma or for protection.

4. **Current Status**

Genuine old-growth small-leaf sandalwood (over 100 years old) is almost extinct. Most of what's on the market is 20-50 years old from new mountain trees, or "blood sandalwood" or "large-leaf rosewood" masquerading as genuine from Vietnam and Myanmar. A genuine 108-bead rosary of old-growth Indian small-leaf sandalwood now easily costs hundreds of thousands to millions of RMB, and is extremely rare.

In summary, small-leaf sandalwood prayer beads are not only a counting tool in the Buddhist community, but are also regarded as "ritual implements with blessings". Their rarity, color, fragrance and cultural symbolism make them even more valuable than sandalwood (large-leaf sandalwood), making them the "ultimate prayer beads" that many practitioners dream of.