Dzi beads, a treasure passed down through generations of the Tibetan people

The Tibetan word for "Dzi bead" is pronounced "Siyi," transliterated as gzi (zee), meaning beautiful, virtuous, solemn, abundant, possessing, noble, and elegant. In Sanskrit, it is called "Meiziga." Dzi beads are mainly produced in the Himalayan region, including Tibet, Bhutan, Sikkim, and Ladakh.

Tibetans discovered that this mineral possessed a strong magnetic field. They mined and ground it into shapes such as pestles and round plates. Due to the limited engineering technology at the time, they could only obtain shallow layers of the mineral, which were grayish-white in color and lacked obvious patterns. Therefore, Tibetans painted various auspicious patterns on it (such as vases, lotuses, tiger stripes, eye patterns, and lines). After high-temperature treatment, the pigments penetrated deep into the mineral, and then it was blessed by great practitioners, thus imbuing it with magical powers.

The Origin of Dzi Beads

The exact origins and production methods of Dzi beads are shrouded in historical mystery, with extremely limited documentation and a lack of archaeological evidence. Currently, the academic community generally believes that Dzi beads originated between 3000 and 1500 BC in the ancient Indian kingdom of the Aryans.

According to the Vedas, in ancient times, influenced by geographical environment and natural disasters, the desire for divine assistance naturally arose. Various medicinal herbs were incorporated, and totemic symbols with magical incantations were drawn on stones. Modern research suggests that Dzi beads were artificially created by etching and dyeing natural chalcedony using a technique known as "etching agate," the most complex and exquisite of which is now lost.

The Value of Dzi Beads

1. Dzi beads are sacred objects for Buddhist offerings.

Tibetan Buddhists always devoutly use their best and most precious items for Buddhist worship. 1. The custom of offering dzi beads to Buddha has a long history. Throughout the ages, they have been inlaid into statues of Shakyamuni Buddha, guardian deities, Songtsen Gampo, and Princess Wencheng for worship.

2. Dzi beads are the most auspicious talismans.

Talismans and mantras are the most important protective items for Tibetans, with dzi beads being the most auspicious. Tibetans have believed for generations that dzi beads possess special power.

3. Dzi beads are precious medicinal materials.

Dzi beads are among the most valuable medicinal materials in Tibetan medicine. Austrian Tibetologist René de Benesky-Wojczykwitz, in his 1950s book *Prehistoric Beads from Tibet*, also mentioned: "Crushed cat's-eye stone powder (note: referring to dzi beads) and pills made with herbs, gold and silver powder, and pearl powder are very expensive, but are said to be effective in treating many diseases."