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The Symbolism of The Buddha

A Buddha is one who has attained Bodhi; and by Bodhi is meant wisdom, an ideal state of intellectual and ethical perfection that can be achieved by man through purely human means. The term Buddha literally means enlightened one, a knower.  It brings the elements of peace, clarity, and serenity to the wearer

Much Love,

Kaaren

P.S.  To learn more about the balancing qualities of each of my powerful, healing creations, please browse my collection and experience the love they can bring. http://www.etsy.com/shop/healingartjewelry

HERE’S A LINK TO ONE OF MY BUDDHA DESIGNS:

https://www.etsy.com/listing/844190049/handmade-boho-bead-crochet-3-buddha?ref=shop_home_active_4&pro=1&frs=1 

WHAT ARE MALAS?

Malas are prayer beads used by various spiritual traditions for meditation. 108 beads are strung and hand knotted in between each bead. A central bead named Guru Bead and a tassel are often added to malas.

SYMBOLISM

108 beads – The number 108 is considered sacred in Buddhism and Hinduism. This number represents 108 energy lines that converge to form the heart chakra; 108 Hindu Goddess names; 54 letters of the Sanskrit alphabet, each with a feminine and masculine side (Shakti and Shiva) and 54 times 2 equals 108. It is interesting to note that in Western astrology the 12 house and 9 planets also equal 108.

Marker Beads – Often marker beads are added to malas. Some are made with 26 beads plus a marker bead with a different mantra used on the marker bead and some are made with 27 beads plus a marker bead. The marker beads have either separate textures or a different diameter than the other beads, but in most instances they are counted in the 108 beads. When marker beads are crossed while meditating they are there to help us to stay focused, pause our thought or as gentle reminder to stay present.

Guru Bead – The center bead is said to represent the teachers we had along the way or to remind us of the teacher within.

Tassel – Made from silk, cotton or nylon represents enlightenment or oneness as all the strands are connected together, as a metaphor connecting all to the Divine. They are a symbol for prana and consciousness. Many current avant garde malas use a crystal or gemstone pendant or a keepsake dear to the wearer instead of a tassel.

MEDITATION WITH MALAS

Meditation with the Mala – The mala beads are used to keep count of the mantras in Japa meditation. Recite your mantra on each bead, going around the entire mala until you get to 108 repetitions of that mantra. A separate mantra or a pause can be used when crossing over the marker beads.

Japa Meditation – From Sanskrit. Meditative repetition of a mantra or a divine name, a practice found in Buddhism, Hinduism, Jainism, and Sikhism. The mantra or name may be spoken softly enough for the practitioner to hear it, or it may be spoken within the reciter’s mind.

Intentional Meditation: Repeating an intention you want to focus on or manifest , a positive affirmation, healing intention, or prayer.

MATERIALS USED IN MALAS:

Traditionally rudraksha seeds were used. Rudraksha bead are thought to help resolve problems by stabilizing our body and having calming effect on our heart and senses. The Rudraksha seed exerts a right force around the heart which improves its performance, controls the heart beat and maintains the blood circulation. It is thought to prevent heart attacks and high blood pressure. Authentic rudraksha beads are difficult to find with many claiming to be the real thing but most being carved dyed wood.

Through the ages semi-precious gemstones beads were used for malas made for royalty, the wealthy, and metaphysically oriented spiritual seekers both for their beauty and to utilize the healing qualities of the individual gemstones as well as to enhance the vibration of the intentions or prayers of the seeker.

Gemstones can also be chosen to balance each of the 7 chakras as well as for their healing qualities

ADORNMENT MALAS

Malas are often used as decorations, jewelry, in addition to their traditional use during seated meditation for prayers and repetition of a mantra.

These beautiful pieces of wearable art often hold special significance for the wearer based on a memory, why they chose the stones, and the energy resonance they feel with the gemstone beads.

SOURCES:
Chopra.com
Marion Jewels In Fiber
Nitya Malas
Traditional Vedic & Buddhist Texts
Tricycle.org
Wikipedia

Much Love,

Kaaren

P.S.  To learn more about the balancing qualities of each of my powerful healing creations, please browse my collection and experience the love they can bring. http://www.etsy.com/shop/healingartjewelry

HERE’S A LINK TO A GEMSTONE MALA NECKLACE:

https://www.etsy.com/listing/1098224961/handmade-lapis-mala-necklace-with?ref=shop_home_active_2&pro=1&frs=1

COLOR HEALING & THE CHAKRAS

 Chakra (cakra in Sanskrit) means “wheel” and refers to energy centers in your body. They are thought to be spinning disks of energy that balance and align every organ and tissue in our body as well as our mental emotional bodies.

Each of the chakras  has a color, light , fragrance and sound associated with it and can be balanced through touch, remote healing, wearing/viewing specific colors, aromatherapy or sound.

CHAKRA / COLORS AND MEANINGS

-1st Chakra – Root = Core identity, security, survival

Black /Red – Grounding, transformational, prosperity, self -control, decision making, happiness, to absorb what is needed in all situations.

-2nd Chakra – Belly = Creativity, personal power, inner child

Pink/Orange- Creativity, precision, lifts moods, charisma; dispels fear, rage and apathy.

-3rd Chakra – Solar Plexus = “Processing Center”, mental body, emotions, self confidence, will power

Yellow/Gold/Earth Tones – Balances solar plexus, helps discernment, reduces stress, aids mental focus, soothing and calming.  Self-awareness, mental focus, opens upper chakras, prosperity, regenerates tissues/CNS.

-4th Chakra – Heart = Self love, compassion, connectedness

Green- Helps us to avoid taking on “stuff” from others, decisiveness, follow-through, initiative, keeps us on track, light heartedness. Centering, self control, mental stability, general balancer.

-5th Chakra – Throat = Communication, integrity, creativity, expression

BLUE – Releasing old patterns & programs, wisdom, clarity, courage, communication, deep healing on all levels.

-6th Chakra – 3rd Eye = Intuition, God/Goddess within

Grey/ indigo /pale purple – Intuition, transformational energy (“fairy energy”), conscious awareness of life purpose, strengthens auric field.

-7th Chakra – Crown = Spiritual awareness

Silver/violet – Calming, serenity, stability, strength, self worth, common sense, protective, “meditation stone”.

Much Love,

Kaaren

P.S.  To learn more about the balancing qualities of each of my powerful healing creations, please browse my collection and experience the love they can bring. http://www.etsy.com/shop/healingartjewelry

My name is Kaaren Jordan. This jewelry line evolved out of the desire to extend the reach of my healing work using the vehicle of wearable art. Each of these one of a kind or limited edition pieces of wearable art are created with the healing and chakra balancing qualities of the gemstones in mind.

Since 1986, I have been a holistic health care practitioner specializing in women’s wellness, natural facial rejuvenation and weight loss using the modalities of foods as medicine and Jin Shin acupressure combined with remote healing.