Material: Vajra Bodhi seeds, 108 beads, prayer beads, counter.

Size: 10mm x 8mm

Description: Vajra Bodhi (Sanskrit: Vajra Bodhi) is one of the most common and popular materials for Buddhist prayer beads, especially in Tibetan Buddhism (Vajrayana), where it is considered the most auspicious material. Its scientific name and common names are as follows:

Formal Name and Composition

- Scientific Name: **Vajra Bodhi Seeds** (also known as **Yuezhi Bodhi Seeds, Sun Seeds, Bodhi Roots**)

- Plant Source: **Vajra Tree** (scientific name: Elaeocarpus ganitrus, or Rudraksha tree)

- Family: Hamamelidaceae

- Main Production Areas: Nepal, northern India, southern Himalayas, and small quantities from Indonesia and Hainan. Among these, those from Nepal are considered the highest quality, largest, and have the deepest veins, making them the most valued by Tibetan Buddhist practitioners.

The Vajra Bodhi seed is actually the fruit of the Rudraksha tree. The fruit has a layer of blue pulp (hence the Indian name "Shiva's Tears" or "Blue Fruit"). After removing the pulp and drying, the brown, hard kernel we see is the Vajra Bodhi seed.

The Significance of the Faces: The most special feature of the Vajra Bodhi seed lies in the number of faces (from 1 to 21, commonly 5-9). Tibetan Buddhism believes that:

- The more faces, the rarer and the stronger the energy.

- The most auspicious is **one face (one leaf)**, symbolizing "ultimate perfection" and the primordial Buddha (Samantabhadra).

- The most common are **5 or 6 faces**, with 5 faces representing the Five Dhyani Buddhas and 6 faces representing the Six Perfections (paramitas).

Influence and Importance on Buddhism (especially Tibetan Buddhism):

1. **The Symbolism of "Vajra" in Vajrayana**

- In Vajrayana, "Vajra" represents wisdom that is "unbreakable and capable of cutting through all afflictions."

1. **Rudraksha beads:** The material of Rudraksha beads is extremely hard (Mohs hardness exceeds 7, much harder than ordinary wood), symbolizing the indestructible body of Vajra, thus considered the most suitable blessed object for Tantric practices.

2. **Highly Recommended by Eminent Masters Throughout History:**

Almost all Tibetan Buddhist masters, including Padmasambhava, Tsongkhapa, Milarepa, successive Dalai Lamas, and the Karmapa, used Rudraksha beads as their primary practice tool.

Many masters will specially bless the Rudraksha beads in their disciples' hands during teachings or empowerments.

3. **Special Benefits in Practice (Traditional Tibetan Buddhist Perspective)**

* It enhances the power of mantras during recitation (especially Vajrasattva, heart mantras, Vajrapani mantras, etc.).

* It helps subdue demonic obstacles and eliminate karmic hindrances.

* The more one recites it, the brighter it becomes; the more one handles it, the more lustrous it becomes, thus it is considered a sacred object with "spiritual power."

- Traditionally, it is believed that wearing or reciting mantras on a Vajra Bodhi seed for a long time can counteract anger, increase blessings and wisdom, and prolong life.

4. **Acceptance in Han Chinese Buddhism**

- In the early days, Han Chinese Buddhism used it less (mostly using Bodhi seeds like Star Moon Bodhi and Lotus Bodhi).

- In the last 30 years, due to the rise of Tibetan Buddhism in Han areas, Vajra Bodhi has become one of the most mainstream prayer beads among Han Chinese Buddhists, especially Pure Land and Tantric practitioners, almost everyone owns a string.

Summary

The component of Vajra Bodhi prayer beads is the kernel of the **Rudraksha tree (from Nepal/India)**. Due to its hardness, wear resistance, sacred appearance, and strong blessing power, it is regarded as the "King of Prayer Beads" in Tibetan Buddhism and holds an irreplaceable position in Vajrayana practice. Many practitioners believe: "If I could only own one string of prayer beads, it must be Vajra Bodhi."

Currently, the most sought-after Vajra Bodhi beads on the market are still **large, deeply textured, high-density, and naturally oily** Nepalese beads, especially medium to large sizes with 5-7 facets, which are considered the first choice for practice and collection.