Material: Lotus Bodhi seed prayer beads, 108 beads

Size: 10mm

Description: "Lotus Bodhi," also known as "Lotus Seed," "Star Moon Bodhi (Lotus Shape)," or simply "Lotus Bodhi Seed," is a very popular type of Bodhi seed in the current Buddhist prayer bead market. The following is a detailed description:

1. Composition and Plant Source

- **Botanical Name**: Primarily from the Rudraksha tree (a variety of Elaeocarpus angustifolius or Elaeocarpus ganitrus), belonging to the family Elaeocarpaceae.

- **Fruit Structure**: The fruit of the Rudraksha tree has a layer of blue pulp (called "blue fruit" by Australian Aboriginals), inside which is a very hard kernel. The surface of the kernel naturally has many raised "bumps" that resemble lotus petals, hence the name "Lotus Bodhi."

- **Differences from Regular Bodhi Seeds**:

- Regular Bodhi Seeds: Smooth surface with only one large dot (star) and numerous small dots (moon).

- Lotus Bodhi Seeds: Surface with prominent lotus petal-shaped bumps, no obvious "star," resembling miniature lotus flowers.

Truly 100% natural Lotus Bodhi seeds are extremely rare. Currently, over 90% of those on the market have undergone artificial carving, molding, or acid washing to give ordinary Bodhi seeds a more three-dimensional lotus shape.

2. Main Production Areas

- Australia (Queensland region)

- Indonesia (Java, Sumatra)

- Small quantities also found in Malaysia, the Philippines, Nepal, etc.

Among them, Australian Bodhi seeds have the highest density and the most natural and three-dimensional bumps, but their production is extremely limited, making them the most expensive.

3. Significance and Influence in Buddhism

The lotus holds extremely high symbolic meaning in Buddhism, thus the "Lotus Bodhi" is also imbued with profound religious connotations:

| Symbolic Meaning | Explanation |

|------------|------|

| Rising from the mud unsullied | The lotus grows from the mud yet remains pure and flawless, symbolizing the practitioner maintaining a pure mind amidst worldly affairs.

| Purity and purity | Represents the inherent purity of Buddha-nature, remaining unpolluted even in the defiled world.

| Infallible cause and effect | The lotus blooms and bears fruit simultaneously, symbolizing "seeing Buddha-nature upon the blooming of the flower, sudden enlightenment and Buddhahood."

| Four virtues | Fragrance, purity, softness, and loveliness, corresponding to precepts, concentration, wisdom, and liberation.

Because of these symbolisms, the Lotus Bodhi is regarded by many Tibetan and Han Buddhists as a highly blessed rosary, especially suitable for:

- Pure Land practice: Used when reciting the Buddha's name, symbolizing rebirth in a lotus flower.

- Vajrayana practice: Visualizing the deity seated on a lotus throne, enhancing visualization power.

- Practicing the Six-Syllable Mantra of Avalokiteshvara or the Avalokiteshvara Dharma: Because Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva is often seated on a thousand-petaled lotus.

4. Practical Use and Cultural Influence

- In Tibet and Nepal, natural high-density lotus seed beads were once considered the second most precious rosary after the "Phoenix Eye Bodhi."

- In the past decade, they have become extremely popular in Han Chinese Buddhist circles, with many abbots and monks wearing them, further elevating their religious status.

- Many people believe that long-term handling of lotus seed beads can help purify the mind, eliminate afflictions, and increase wisdom (although there is no scientific basis, it is a traditional belief).

Summary

The essence of the lotus seed bead is the kernel of the Vajra Bodhi tree. Because its surface naturally (or artificially) resembles a lotus flower, Buddhists have endowed it with the extremely high symbolic meaning of "rising from the mud unsullied, pure and holy." Although most commercially available products are artificially treated, its status among contemporary Han Chinese and Tibetan Buddhists has become second only to Phoenix Eye and Star Moon Bodhi seeds in popularity, especially favored by practitioners of the Avalokiteshvara and Pure Land Dharma.

If you wish to purchase or offer this item, it is recommended to choose one with "high density, naturally three-dimensional lotus petals, and inconspicuous appearance," and to recite the mantra with a pure mind; its blessing power will naturally be stronger. Amitabha.