What is a Buddhist Necklace?
What does it mean when we call a necklace a "Buddhist necklace"? Does it mean that the necklace depicts The Buddha? Well, the answer is both yes and no. To begin with, "Buddhist necklace" is a broad term. And so, some people use it to describe a necklace that depicts The Buddha. While others use it to describe a necklace that depicts a Buddhist image or symbol.
Some of the most common elements used in Buddhist necklaces are images of The Buddha. While others feature symbols, such as the lotus flower. Or the "Wheel of Dharma". Buddhist necklaces may also include mantras. Such as, Om or Om Mani Padme Hum.
In this blog I will use the term "Buddhist necklace" to refer to necklaces that depict the Buddha, and other common elements found in Buddhism. I would also like to go over the Buddhist Necklace Meaning for each of these necklaces. As well as, their benefits, and how they can aid in you in meditation, yoga and mindfulness practices.
What is the History of the Buddhist Necklace?
The history of Buddhist necklaces, flows like that of an ancient river. Its waters carry the wisdom of the Buddha across time and space. In other words, these talismans have long served as vessels to transmit the teachings of the Buddha. And yet, to this day, they continue to do so.
Buddhist necklaces date back to over 2,500 years ago. To the time of The Buddha himself. Some of the earliest forms of Buddhist necklaces or pendants were small stones found in the ashes of his cremation. To have even a tiny shard was to hold infinite wisdom in the palm of your hand. His followers, would wear small relics around their necks. Such as, crystals and gemstones. They wore them to feel closer to his enlightened essence.
After The Buddha passed away, it wasn't long before Buddhism spread to all corners of Asia. In fact, it spread like that of wild fire. And Engulfed Asian cultures with a new and profound way to celebrate spirituality. And as a result of this, the Buddhist Necklace took on a life of it's own. In Tibet, they inscribed the the Om Mani Padme Hum mantra on them. In Thailand, they etched images of the Buddha in meditation on them. And in China, they incorporated jade and filigree metalwork in to them. Yet, their purpose remained the same. Which was, to remind the wearer of the wisdom of the Buddha. As well as, bring them tranquility of mind and body.
The history of Buddhist necklaces, is the history of the spiritual journey that we all share. Their beauty lies in how they hides profound truths in the simplest of forms. And casting the light of the dharma in to the deepest reaches of the self.
What is a Buddhist Necklace Made of?
A Buddha necklace is a sacred ornament. With its symbols and depictions, it reflects the deepest truths of existence. With this in mind, its materials are not mere metals and stones. But vessels of meaning. Thus, each metal and stone whispers of mysteries that pierce the veil of the ages.
Silver is the color of serene moonlight. With its luminous sheen, it purifies the soul and awakens the mind. Copper is warm, like sunbeams that warm the night sky after a sunset. With its healing glow, it kindles the spirit's radiance. Gemstones are the colors of rainbows. Which is light slowed down. They connect us with our inner light. Fragrant woods, like rosewood and sandalwood, carry the breath of life itself. Thus, when we breathe them, we breathe in the fragrance of life.
What is the Buddhist Necklace Meaning?
The Buddhist Necklace Meaning is like that of a secret window. It will allow us to peer in to the deepest recesses of our souls. And in doing so, we can unearth profound insights about the nature of every thing. Yet, like a still pond that reflects the vastness of the sky, each one tells a story of our spiritual journey. As well as, the lessons we've learned and the serenity we've attained.
The Buddha
The Buddha is like an eternal light that illuminates the path to enlightenment. To wear his noble image, is to bask in the radiance of his wisdom and compassion. With this in mind, a Buddha necklace is a reminder of the awakened nature within us all. Each glance at his smile will stir the seeds of insight. And at the same time, it will remind us that suffering arises from attachment to our desires. Thus, it is through letting go of our craving, that we can find liberation.
When you adorn yourself with a Buddha necklace, you open your heart to his teachings. His serene presence will enhance your meditation and yoga. Which in turn, will allow you to peer in to your true nature. Likewise, during meditation or yoga, visualizing his form will help to calm your restless mind. And in the same way, guide you in to a deep state of flow. As well as, in daily life, noticing his pendant around your neck, will help you to pause and reflect. Thus, it will reveal to you how attachment to views and expectations breed discontent.
Buddhist necklace meaning: Enlightenment, wisdom and compassion.
Guanyin
Guanyin is the bodhisattva of compassion. She is like a luminous moon. It can illuminate the darkness of the suffering in the world. And so, to wear her image as an ornament, is to invite her radiant light in to your life. Thus, a Guanyin necklace is a reminder of the compassion that dwells within each of us. And so, each glimpse of her smile will awaken your capacity for mercy towards all beings.
When you adorn yourself with a Guanyin necklace, you open yourself to her blessings. With this in mind, her calming presence will enhance your meditation and yoga. By envisioning her graceful form, you will quiet your restless mind. And in the same way, you will ease in to a state of peace and calm. In daily life, noticing her necklace around your neck, will help you to shift your mood. And at the same time, it will help you to broaden your perspective.
Buddhist necklace meaning: Compassion, kindness and empathy.
The Laughing Buddha
The Laughing Buddha is like warm sunlight on a spring day. To adorn yourself in his image, is to invite boundless cheer in to your life. With this in mind, his necklace is symbolic of a carefree spirit. Thereby, each glimpse of his smile will awaken our inherent capacity for delight. Thus, it will remind us not to take ourselves too serious.
When you wear a Laughing Buddha necklace, you open yourself to his joy. His presence will enhance your meditation and yoga. Which in turn, will allow you to be at ease. During meditation or yoga, envisioning his smiling face will help you to let go of negative emotions. And in the same way, it will help you to infuse your practice with good humor. As well as, in daily life, noticing his necklace will help you to see the joy in every moment. Thus, your perspective will broaden with childlike curiosity.
Buddhist necklace meaning: Optimism, joy, and prosperity.
Amitabha
Amitabha is like an eternal flame of compassion. It lights the darkness, and guides us on the path to enlightenment. To adorn yourself with his necklace, is to bask in divine light. Thus, it will illuminate the deepest recesses of your mind.
An Amitabha necklace is a reminder of your true nature. Which is infinite love, peace and wisdom. With this in mind, as you go about your day, the image of Amitabha will touch your heart. As well as, awaken feelings of empathy, calm and insight. Likewise, stress and worry will melt away. And you will remember the vast radiance that shines within you. In the same way, his calming presence will enhance your meditation and yoga. In other words, by gazing upon his smile, you become him. Which is to say, expansive, loving, serene. Thus, his light illuminates all areas of life.
Buddhist necklace meaning: Compassion, wisdom, salvation and rebirth.
Acala
Acala is the immovable one. He is the protector who guards the gates of inner wisdom. Wearing his necklace is like holding that of an invincible shield. It repels the forces of darkness. And instills strength within us.
An Acala necklace cradles you in a shield of peace. In other words, during meditation or yoga, his stern expression will still your overactive mind. Which in turn, will allow insight to arise, like the sun peeking through the clouds. In the every day rush, his strength will help you to glide through entangled traffic and crowded supermarkets, with ease. For this reason, you become the eye of the storm. Thereby, untouched. Yet, aware of the chaos all around you. At night, his blessing will prepare you for sleep. By smoothing away your cares of the day, like stones eroded by a river. Thereby, you will drift in to dreams wrapped in the feathered cloak of his protection. And your heart, filled with his compassionate wisdom. Each new dawn, you wake refreshed. Thus, greeting the new day with Acala's poise and clarity.
Buddhist necklace meaning: Protection, wisdom, compassion, enlightened activity and courage.
Vajrapani
Vajrapani is like that of a storm. He clears the clouds of ignorance. Revealing the vast open sky of our mind’s true nature. To wear his necklace, is to call upon his strength. Thus, reminding us of our inner power. And the chains of suffering that once bound us, are shattered.
A Vajrapani necklace encapsulates you in a shield of strength. In other words, during meditation or yoga, his stern expression will strengthen your restless mind. Which in turn, will allow insight to arise, like the sunlight of dawn after a storm. In every day life, he will turn mundane moments in to expressions of enlightened wisdom. For this reason, you will become a beacon of hope. Like a lighthouse, that guides ships to safety. Thereby, each new friend you make, will feel the light of your compassion and wisdom.
Buddhist necklace meaning: Power, wisdom, compassion, spiritual accomplishment and protection.
Manjushri
Manjushri is the Buddha of Wisdom. With his sword, he slices through ignorance, like a shockwave from an exploding star. Thus, he illuminates the deepest truths of our existence. To wear his sacred necklace, is to invite the light of his insight in to our lives.
With this in mind, when you wear his necklace, you open your mind to Manjrushri's wisdom. In meditation and yoga, his serene presence will help your mind to become calmer and sharper. As well as, when you hold his it in your hands, you will feel his wisdom arising within you. And at the same time, his insights will flourish in your mind. Thereby, you will see through illusions. Your conflicts will come to a stop. And you will perceive the interconnectedness of all things. In daily life, a glimpse of his presence around your neck, will remind you to seek truth over falsehood. And in times of distress, touching the carved lines of his form will help you to still the turbulent waters of your mind. Which in turn, will allow clarity to rise from the depths of consciousness. All in all, to wear his necklace, is to shine the light of wisdom on all areas of your life.
Buddhist necklace meaning: Wisdom, enlightenment, compassion, spiritual accomplishment and eloquence.
Ganesha
Ganesha is the Remover of Obstacles. With his tusk, he removes all obstacles from one’s path. To wear his necklace, is to call upon his divine grace to clear the path ahead. Thus, grant us safe passage through the dense jungles of life.
With this in mind, when you wear his necklace, you open your mind to his grace. In meditation and yoga, his calming presence will help your mind to find its way past all distractions. As well as, when you hold it in your hands, his iconic form will remind you that you can surmount any obstacle. In daily life, a glance at his iconic form, will dispel doubts and despair. And when times seem darkest, touching the carved lines of his form will give you the determination to forge on against any odds. Which in turn, will allow fearlessness to rise. All in all, to wear his necklace, is to bring the power of courage in to all areas of your life.
Buddhist necklace meaning: Wisdom, new beginnings, protection, purity, and spiritual devotion.
Om
Om is the primordial sound of creation. It is the vibration that set the universe in to motion. To wear a sacred Om necklace, is to attune oneself to this celestial frequency. Thus, harmonize one's being with the music of the spheres.
With this in mind, when you wear an Om necklace, you open your mind to the cosmic hum that underlies all reality. In meditation and yoga, the curved lines of this symbol will help you to quiet the chatter of thoughts. As well as, when you hum the the om mantra, you call to mind the eternal. And at the same time, compassion will flourish in your mind. In daily life, a glance at this sacred symbol, will remind you of the divine energy that pulses through all forms of life. And in times of strife, touching this sigil will help you to shift your focus to the peace that dwells within you. In turn, your mind will open to the all-encompassing hymn that gives rise to existence itself. Thus, you begin to hum the Om mantra. All in all, to wear an Om necklace, is to resonate with the rhythm of the Absolute.
Buddhist necklace meaning: Divinity, wholeness, creation, spirituality, sacred sound and enlightenment.
Om Mani Padme Hum
Om Mani Padme Hum is the mantra of enlightenment. With each chant of it, ripples of wisdom will spread through our minds and bodies. Like droplets creating infinite ripples across a still pond. You remain anchored in a sea of calm. To wear this sacred necklace, is to carry these droplets close to our hearts. Thus, we spread ripples of compassion wherever you go.
An om mani padme hum necklace will grace your life with an inner tranquility. With this in mind, when you wear it, you will ignite the light within. In meditation and yoga, its presence will illuminate your inner journey. As well as, when you hold it in your hands, you will feel the radiant truth of your Buddha nature. In daily life, it will emit a glow of compassion that will softens your heart. And at the same time, it will subdue the churning waves of your desires. Which in turn, will allow compassion to rise. All in all, to wear this necklace, is to bring the power of enlightenment in to all areas of your life.
Buddhist necklace meaning: Compassion, wisdom, enlightenment, spiritual protection and purification.
The Vajra
The vajra is the diamond thunderbolt. With its prongs, it cuts through ignorance like a flash of lightning piercing the night sky. To wear a vajra necklace, is to wield this weapon of wisdom. Thus, shatter illusions and liberate the mind.
As you wear your vajra necklace, its prongs will press in to your flesh. This in turn, will awaken you from the slumber of unawareness. With this in mind, in meditation and yoga, holding its pronged form in your hands, will burn away the veil of delusion. And reveal to you, the true essence of your mind. Which is like that of the vajra. It is indestructible. In daily life, your vajra necklace will reflect the strength of your mind. In the same way, it will ignite the fires of insight in those around you. And the chains that once bound you and them, dissolved. And the light of consciousness, freed
Buddhist necklace meaning: Spiritual power, compassion, protection and indestructibility.
The Swastika
The swastika is an ancient spiritual symbol of peace and prosperity. With its arms spread open, it's like that of a blossoming lotus flower reaching for the light. To wear a swastika necklace, is to wear a piece of sacred wisdom. Thus, it will remind us of the inner peace and harmony that dwells within.
When you wear a swastika necklace, its power and positivity will radiate in to your being. With this in mind, in meditation and yoga, it will help you to focus your mind. Thereby, it will help you to enhance your concentration. In daily life, it will bring peace and clarity to your thoughts and actions. As well as, protect you from negative energy. And in the same way, it will clear your path ahead. Through its divine blessings, you will gain insights and intuitions. Which in turn, will help you to walk the right path. At night, it will calm your mind for deep, restful sleep. And you will awake recharged and refreshed. All in all, your swastika necklace will guide you to go within. And help you to tap in to your inner wisdom. As a result, you will be your highest self.
Buddhist necklace meaning: Good fortune, eternity, peace, divinity and enlightenment.
The Prayer Wheel
A prayer wheel is an ancient Buddhist symbol of spiritual enlightenment. With its wheel, it spins like that of the eternal cycle of life. To wear a prayer wheel, is to wear cosmic wisdom. Thus, it is a reminder of the timeless truth of impermanence and change.
When you wear a prayer wheel necklace, its power and blessing will flow in to your being with each turn of the wheel. With this in mind, in meditation and yoga, it will help you to focus your mind and body. Thereby, it will connect you to something greater than yourself. In daily life, it will bring peace and clarity. As well as, help you to go with the flow. And in the same way, it will protect you from attachments and obscurations. And clear your path to awakening. Through its divine grace, you will gain insights. Which in turn, will help you to you walk the right path. At night, it will calm your mind for deep, restful sleep. And allow you to awake recharged and refreshed. All in all, your prayer wheel necklace will guide you to go within. And tap in to your inner wisdom. As a result, you will achieve a state of enlightened bliss and compassion.
Buddhist necklace meaning: Compassion, wisdom, enlightenment and sacredness.
The Kalachakra
The Kalachakra is a sacred Buddhist emblem of time and wisdom. With its intertwining shapes, it spins endlessly like the wheel of dharma. To wear this divine symbol close to your heart, is to embrace its blessings of wisdom and awakening. Thus, it is your reminder of the eternal dance of life and death.
When you wear your Kalachakra necklace, its power and wisdom will radiate in to your being. With this in mind, as the Kalachakra rotates, so too do its blessings rotate through your chakras. And in doing so, it will clear blockages. As well as, open you up to receive its insights. In meditation and yoga, it will help you to transcend the illusion of time. And in the same way, it will connect you to a higher reality. In daily life, it will bring clarity and calm in to your life. And help you to live in the present moment. Through its divine grace, you will gain insights to walk the timeless path. At night, it will soothes your mind for deep, restful sleep. And at the same time, it will allow you to awake feeling reborn. All in all, through your Kalachakra necklace, you will have the power to transcend time. Thus, in each fleeting moment, you will be reborn.
Buddhist necklace meaning: Wisdom, enlightenment, timelessness and sacred spiritual teachings.