Material: Bodhi root rosary. Buddhist prayer beads. 108 beads

Size: 10mm

Description: Bodhi root rosaries are a common type of rosary used by Buddhists (especially Tibetan Buddhism and Pure Land Buddhism in China). The material comes from the root of a special plant. Details are as follows:

1. Composition and Material

The main material of Bodhi root rosaries is the root of the **Phoenix Eye Bodhi tree** (sometimes also called "Bodhi root Bodhi" or "Lotus Bodhi root").

- Botanical name: The fruit of the Phoenix Eye Bodhi tree is called *Elaeocarpus ganitrus* (Dipterocarpaceae family), native to India, Nepal, Indonesia, and other regions.

- "Bodhi root" is not the seed of the tree, but rather the nodular nodules (root nodules) naturally formed from the old roots (rhizome part) of the Phoenix Eye Bodhi tree after years of burying underground and absorbing minerals.

- These root nodules are milky white or off-white in appearance, hard like stone, with natural textured surfaces and tiny pores. They feel cool to the touch and are very unique. - After polishing and grinding, it will develop a warm, jade-like texture, becoming more lustrous with handling. Some pieces may develop a reddish-brown or coffee-colored patina.

Therefore, strictly speaking, "Bodhi root" is not a true "Bodhi tree" (Ficus religiosa, the tree under which the Buddha attained enlightenment), but rather a name derived from its white color, purity, and the auspicious meaning of the word "Bodhi."

2. Main Sources

- Nepal (the main producing area, especially the Kathmandu Valley)

- Northern India (southern slopes of the Himalayas)

- Java Island, Indonesia (lower production)

- Among these, those from Nepal are of the highest quality, with the whitest color, finest grain, and the highest price.

3. Influence and Symbolic Significance on Buddhism

Bodhi root prayer beads are extremely popular in Buddhism (especially Tibetan Buddhism and the Pure Land School of Chinese Buddhism) for the following reasons:

| Appearance | Meaning and Influence |

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

| Symbolic Appearance | Pure white like jade, symbolizing purity, compassion, and wisdom, closely resembling the sacred image of "White Tara" or "Avalokiteshvara" |

| Texture | Cool and comfortable to the touch, it's particularly calming when handled, aiding in silence and concentration, making it suitable for reciting mantras and chanting Buddhist scriptures. |

Tibetan Buddhism | One of the most common prayer beads among Gelug and Nyingma monks, many eminent monks (such as the Dalai Lama and Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche) wear Bodhi root prayer beads. |

Han Chinese Pure Land Buddhism | Extremely popular in mainland China and Taiwan over the past 20 years, often used when reciting "Namo Amitabha Buddha," and considered the "best companion for chanting." |

Blessing Power | Many believe that Bodhi root, buried underground for years, absorbs the essence of heaven and earth, and grows in the sacred Himalayas, possessing natural blessings. |

Status Symbol | In Tibetan Buddhism, a Bodhi root prayer bead that has been polished to a translucent, reddish hue is often seen as a symbol of spiritual achievement, increasing in value with age. |

4. Common Sayings and Legends

- There is a legend that Bodhi root grew from "the tears of Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva" (although there is no scriptural basis, it is widely circulated).

- Tibetan Buddhism believes that Bodhi root can help practitioners quickly accumulate merit and purify karmic obstacles, making it especially suitable for practicing Pure Land or Avalokiteshvara methods.

In summary, although Bodhi root prayer beads are not the fruit or root of a "true Bodhi tree," their pure white color, excellent feel, and sacred origin have made them one of the most popular prayer beads in contemporary Han and Tibetan Buddhism. They are not only practical mantra recitation tools but also imbued with profound symbolic meanings of "purity, compassion, and blessings," with many even regarding them as "sacred objects personally blessed by Bodhisattvas."

If you wish to purchase or collect Bodhi root prayer beads, remember the widely circulated saying in Buddhist circles:

"Phoenix eye Bodhi cultivates wealth, star moon Bodhi cultivates wisdom, and Bodhi root Bodhi cultivates purity and compassion."

Hope this explanation is helpful! Namo Amitabha