History of DZi Beads

                                                              History of DZi Beads

The origin of DZi beads can be traced back to the ancient Zhang Zhung period (between 18,000 years BC to 3000 BC). At that period, DZi beads were created because the ancient ancestor wanted to be blessed by the God and Buddha. They drew the totem pattern (the patterns of DZi beads nowadays), which were recorded in the ancient literature Veda, on the stone so as to reach the effect of developing the spirit (soul) awareness. According to the record of Veda, the ancient people tended to pray for the assistance from the god as they always suffered from the influence of geographical environment and natural disasters. As a result, DZi beads were created. In the meantime, various drugs were mixed into the DZi to cure diseases. Totem pattern with sorcery spell were drawn on the stone so as to obtain the blessing from the God and Buddha. 

                         （AncitentZhang zhung Dynasty(18000),aboutten thousand years or so）

    DZi beads pronounce DZI in Tibetan, meaning happiness, reputation and morality, and fortune. DZi beads were mainly used to serve the Buddha and Bodhisattva. One of the representative records was that in the 15^th year of Zhenguan Period (641 AD), when Princess Wen Cheng married to Songzain Gambo of Tibetan regime in ancient China, she brought an Indian Buddha as dowry. At last, this Buddha was placed in the Sakya Hall of Jokhang Temple in Lhasa. This Buddha was decorated with all kinds of DZi beads by the Tibetan people, including three nine-eye DZi beads, three-eye DZi beads, two-eye DZi beads, Aquarius DZi beads (or eternal DZi beads) tiger stripe DZi beads, and other DZi beads with eyes. At present, this Buddha is served in the Sakya Hall of Jokhang Temple in Lhasa. According to the historical data, the grassland channel between Yuyuan and Tibetan regime is the important channel for Tibet to have cultural exchange with the people in the north. This ancient road has been opened at least before 5BC. With profound history, beautiful mysterious legend, as well as Tibetan people’s devout collection and inheritance generation from generation, DZi beads have become precious treasure in people’s heart.