Ancient Tibetan Dzi

For thousands of years, Tibetans have viewed Dzi as a living gemstone. It is meant for devout worship and is reverently kept and passed down over generations. The ancient Dzi absorbs cosmic energy from the universe, hence it can guard against misfortune and brings blessings, stabilizes blood pressure, increases the internal 'qi', gives good fortune and bliss. Till now, Dzi enjoys great popularity around the world, and it is a revered sacred charm for protection, worship, health, as well as a symbol of wealth.

Place of Origin and Legend

Dzi is not only a very rare and precious gemstone, it is also one of the seven treasures in Tibetan Buddhism. The main places of origin are Western Tibet, Eastern Tibet, Bhutan, Sikkim, Ladakh and certain regions in the Himalayas. Dzi has been around for 2000 to 2500 years. According to legend, Dzi is actually a “God’s treasure” which has descended to earth and was discovered by the Tibetans. Hence the Tibetans still regard Dzi as the “heavenly stone”.

Stories on the origin of Dzi varies, one account has it that it flowed from a stream in Ngari; another believed that it was the treasure of the Azha Kingdom, Tibet; yet others thought it was one of the gemstones in the treasury of the Tagzig Kingdom. It is also said to be the celestial essence from Manjushri Bodhisattva's previous incarnate (Manjushri Buddha); some believed it was made by Asura; it is even said to be made from meteorites that plummeted down to earth. According to another legend, the compassionate Vajravarahi Buddha let Dzi descended to earth to stop the spreading of epidemic because it possessed the power to guard against evil. What can be verified is, although modern technology can replicate the appearance of Dzi, it is unable to reproduce the strong magnetic energy that Dzi possess. Neither can it replace the religious belief passed down over the generations. Hence, judging from its unique quality and extensive historical value, Dzi is very valuable.

Historical Accounts

The earliest record of Dzi in China’s history is in the Tang Dynasty. When Princess Wencheng married Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo, the most expensive betrothal gift was a Buddha statue built according to the image of the 12 year old Jowo Sakyamuni. It was brought to Tibet all the way from Chang'an. The Buddha's diadem, cape, decorative strap and robe were splendidly adorned with various pearls, agates, turquoises, corals and hundreds of various Dzi, including three Nine-eyed Dzi beads, Triple-eyed Dzi beads, Double-eyed Dzi beads, Tiger-tooth & Longevity Dzi beads and others. This Buddha statue is currently placed in Lhasa, Jokhang Monastery. Hence, we can see that Dzi beads have been used as offerings to Buddha; not only are they sacred, but they are also rare and precious.

Dzi Bead is the Tibetans' Most Precious Living Gemstone

The Tibetans regard Dzi bead as the most precious living gemstone and it is the treasure offered to the royal family generations after generations. In Tibet, the ancient pure Dzi beads can be used for mortgage purposes in Banks or the City’s Credit Bureau. Therefore, to the Tibetans, Dzi bead is no different from cash. Because of their small size, they are easy to maintain and carried around, the royalty and the rich will exchange their domesticated animals, land and money for them. It is also not uncommon to see expensive goods being exchanged for Dzi beads.

Dzi bead is an essential ornament in a Tibetan lady’s adulthood and marriage ceremony. The quantity and quality of the Dzi beads can reveal the wealth of the family. Besides that, Dzi Bead is also a precious medical ingredient in many Tibetan medical dictionaries.

Dzi bead is the Tibetan’s most precious amulet. It is believed that devout worship of the Dzi Bead can remove hindrance of karma, receive blessings, prevention against stroke, guard against evil, improves vitality and increase wealth.

Strong Magnetic Energy

Dzi Beads possess nature's cosmic magnetic energy. According to a scientific study, Japanese researchers discovered that Dzi Beads contain 14 elements from Mars.

The hardness of Dzi is 7 to 8.5 on the Moh’s hardness index, slightly below the African diamond, which has an index of 10. Crystal’s magnetic wave is 4 volts whereas Tibetan’s Dzi Bead gives off 13 volts, 3 times more than crystal. The magnetic energy emitted by Dzi Bead is very gentle and is suitable to be placed at any human parts. It is perceived to be able to regulate blood circulation and reduce illnesses.

Benefits for the Wearer

Dzi Bead is an eons-old antique, yet it remains fashionable. Its different pattern is an ideal trendy ornament for the young and is also suitable for all ages. But most importantly, besides wearing it for protection purposes, the magnetic energy from the Dzi can regulate the body’s blood and 'qi' circulation, balance the body’s yin yang and five elements, improves the body’s immunity system and henceforth, achieve overall improvement in one's health. The effects are similar to acupuncture. It can improve the health of those suffering from heart diseases, high blood pressure and diabetes as well as reduce various symptoms like poor blood circulation, blocked nose, sprains, insomnia and aching bones.

Quality and Authenticity

Dzi Bead contains elements of jade and agate, belonging to the nine-eyed cavenous rocks. The colors can generally be categorized into dark and light brown, its patterns are generally milky white lines etched to its inner core. Some Dzi researchers regard the inner color of the Dzi’s string hole as an important criterion for judging the quality of the Dzi. Milky white color is more superior in quality, and thus more precious.

Due to weathering, Dzi Bead's surface appears scaly with cinnabar dots and chippings. As it is passed down and worn by different collectors, and given blessings from monks, it will appear naturally smooth and lustrous from the interior to the exterior. Basically, its authenticity can be determined based on the smoothness, lustre, weathering marks on the surface, chippings, curves and the technique of making the string hole of the bead’s opening as well as from the line designs.

Categories of Dzi Beads and Valuation

The designs of Dzi Bead include: dotted, lines, squarish, circular, triangular, rhombus, polygonal, seed shape, irregular shapes, animal motifs, abstract motifs and symbol combinations. Different designs represent different meanings and function. The Dzi's value is very much dependent on the uniqueness of the lustre and designs.

Valuations of Dzi Beads are determined by age, scarcity, number of the eyes (odd numbered, eight-eyed and twelve-eyed Dzis are more expensive), degree of chippings, cinnabar dots (will grow from inner to the surface with age) and special designs like Buddha’s eye, Heaven-and-Earth Motif, Dorje design, Lotus and Bottle Motif, and unique patterns to determine the price.

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Ancient Tibetan Dzi