The Legends of Tibetan Dzi Bead

The Legend of Tibetan Dzi Bead

西藏天珠传奇

티벳천주

チベットてんじゅ

by

Tan Chin Hock

(DziCrystal.com)

http://dzicrystal.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=15&Itemid=39

The Potala Palace located in Lhasa Tibet Autonomous Region China, was the chief residence of the Dalai Lama until the 14th Dalai Lama fled to Dharamsala, India after a failed uprising in 1959. Today the Potala Palace is a state museum of China and it is a popular tourist attraction; was named as one of the "New Seven Wonders of the World".

Tah-shi de-leh! (Greeting in Tibetan language) If you have the chance to visit The Museum of Fine Arts, Boston or The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, most likely you will find a unique bead called Dzi – a stunning contrasts of black and white (or dark brown) bead of etched or treated agate, that is revered in Tibet.

In 1959 the Dalai Lama and many Tibetans fled abroad when the Chinese communists invaded Tibet. They took much valuable jewelry with them, such as coral, amber, turquoise and the mysterious dzi beads. The refugees sold these valuables during the journey in exchange for their daily needs. It was that time the world was exposed to this precious jewel from the Land of Snow!

Dzi or Gzi (pronounced as “zee”) in Tibetan word mean “good retribution, dignity and perfection”. The authentic “Pure Dzi” and “Chung Dzi” are found primarily in Tibet, and the “dzi family” can be found in neighboring countries such as India, Bhutan, Ladakh, Sikkim and Nepal. The later are “etched carnelian” and the history can be traced back to 5000 years ago where its main sources were Mesopotamia, Afghanistan and India.

"Pure" dzi beads, in the traditional Tibetan system for evaluating dzi, are regarded as the most valuable and desirable variety.

Etched agate beads not considered pure are called “Chung Dzi”, or "secondary, less important dzi". Lastly, “etched carnelian” is not recognized by the Tibetan. Chung dZi has such a huge variety of shapes, sizes and designs, from plain natural carnelian or striped agate, to huge, beads with many etched lines and patterns, that they would be impossible to value.

A brown and milky white body color Tibetan dzi. The round brown dot surrounded by white circle is the eye of dzi. There are five “eyes” on this bead (called dzi mig inga pa in Tibetan language); three can be seen clearly from this photo, the other two are at the rear part of the dzi. The reader could also easily detect the weathering mark on the surface of the dzi bead. This authentic pure five-eyed dzi is a high value old bead.

The striped dzi (dkar khra men in Tibetan language) is considered the chung dzi.

Not all pure dzi comes in the shape of tube. The above goat’s eye dzi (Lumik in Tibetan language) is in round shape. This bead is the traditional and effective amulet for Tibetan when they are traveling.

The back of the above goat’s eye dzi forms a beautiful pattern that looks like an aura. This dzi is a sovereign piece among the topmost group of dzi.

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The Origin of Dzi Bead

The dzi bead is one of the most mysterious of all the beads known to human being today. Numerous attempts to trace back to their source yield fruitlessly although many dzi beads have been passed down from generations to generations. They exist seemingly in isolation, as if snapped from a chain, with no links to their past. It is unclear to many bead scholars the exact origin of dzi bead, why, when and how it was manufactured. The fact is these tiny stone beads patterned with mystical eyes are one of the most treasured beads in the world today. The Tibetans believe the dzi beads are the precious jewels with supernatural origin.

There are many myths and legends in Tibet describing the origin of the bead. Among the many myths and legends that follow the dzi, the main belief is that the gods created them. The Tibetan theorized divine origin rendered the dzi to be precious and powerful talismans. Most Tibetans will not let go of it because this may cause bad luck to them. In addition, the rarity of the bead makes them as valuable as diamonds in Tibet.

Most Tibetans believe that the dzi were once insects that lived in a kind of nest call “dzi tshang” in Tibet. When the insects were unearthed they will continue to move for a while and eventually become petrified in the form of dzi that exist today. There are stories say that the dzi were once insects but became petrified by the touch of human hand, or by the people with good karma, or by woman’s shirt.

Another legend said that there was a time when Tibet was overwhelmed by severe epidemic and the Tibetans were facing very hard life. Fortunately, the compassionate Vajravarahi Buddha came to rescue by releasing the magical Dzi Beads from the sky. The beads are believed to bring good luck, ward off evil, and protect the wearer from physical harm.

The painting of Vajravarahi Buddha in the Tibetan Tangka

One of the stories describes the dzi were once wore by semi-gods in heaven as ornaments during ancient times. When the dzi gradually blemished, the semi-god throw it to the earth. Therefore, no one can ever find the beads in perfect condition.

It is also believed that the dzi beads were made from meteorites fell from outer space thousands of years ago. The magnetic field of dzi bead is three times stronger than the normal crystals.

Another legend tells the story that after Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) built the first temple (Samye Monastery) in Tibet, he was blessed with dzi beads by the heavenly beings. Guru Rinpoche then buried the dzi beads all over Tibet, each with specific prayer, blessing or spiritual insight. Hundreds of year later, King Gesar of Ling Kingdom had defeated the Tagzig Kingdom, he found maps that led him to discover rare treasures, including millions of dzi beads. King Gesar brought them back as the spoils of military conquest to reward soldiers.

Image of Guru Rinpoche in Samye Monastery.

King Gesar of Tibet

Image of Guru Rinpoche with various old dzi beads.

Zambala - The God of Wealth in Tibet is wearing various old dzi beads (3 eyed, seven eyed and nine eyed) strung with red agate beads.

The Buddhism spread to Tibet during the Tang Dynasty approximately 1,300 years ago. The Tang Emperor Taizong sent his adopted daughter, Princess Wencheng, to become the bride of the 32nd King of Tibet, Songtsen Gampo, as a strategy to harmonize the relationship between Tibet and China. Princess Wencheng brought along with her Buddhism and an image of the twelve-year-old Jobo Sakyamuni. The diadem, cape and decorative straps worn by the image of the young Buddha are studded with many pearls, agates, turquoises, corals and dzi beads. They look extremely splendid. The most precious are the three pieces of nine-eyed dzi on the diadem. Other dzi beads, around hundreds in number, display various designs including waves and tiger-tooth. At present, the image is housed and worshipped in the Jokhang Monastery.

Image of Jobo Sakyamuni in Jokhang Monastery is decorated with hundreds of dzi beads, corals and turquoise.

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Criteria to Identify Dzi Bead

There are many criteria to identify dzi bead such as the weathering marks, cinnabar dot, diaphaneity, circular dragon mark, body color, surface pattern, degree of perfection etc. The value of a dzi bead is determined after considering factors mentioned above. The buyers are advised to understand these criteria before making any purchases. Hopefully readers are able to appreciate the value of dzi beads with the descriptions and photos below


1. Weathering Marks

Weathering marks are signs of aging and represent the age of a dzi bead. They are the tine lines of different thickness running irregularly on the surface of the dzi bead. However, not every old dzi bead will have the weathering marks.

The weathering marks can be detected from the center of this three eyed dzi (dzi mig gsum pa in Tibetan language).

2. Cinnabar Dots

Cinnabar Dots are the red or black speckles that grow from within the body of dzi to its surface. It is possible that these cinnabar dots are the effects of the magnetic interaction between the dzi and the human body after a very long time. There are two types of cinnabar dot: the red and the black cinnabar dot. The red one is more popular among the wearers. Dzi bead with black cinnabar dot is believed to have longer history or older than the red one. This is due to the observation that the red cinnabar dot will eventually turn into black after a few generations. However, dzi beads with cinnabar dots are extremely difficult to find thus the price usually very high.

A few red cinnabar dots can be seen at the white color body part of this two eyed dzi (dzi mig gnyis pa in Tibetan language).

A few black cinnabar dots can be seen at the white color body part of this five eyed dzi (dzi mig gnyis inga in Tibetan language).

3. Diaphaneity

Diaphaneity is the transparency of the dzi body, which is the ability to allow light to pass through. It was once used as the method to identify the authentication of dzi beads. It was later concluded that this could be very misleading as many authentic old dzi are not transparent. Therefore, this should not be the ONLY criteria to determine the value of Dzi.

4. Circular Dragon Marks

Circular dragon marks are the natural streaks that circulate the body of dzi. These marks are propitious signs resulted from the meditative practice of the gurus. The circular dragon marks should complete a full circle on the body of dzi and should not cut through the eye of dzi. If both conditions are not fulfilled, the value of such dzi will drop drastically.

This unique three eyed dzi fulfills both conditions mentioned above. It is not surprise that the value of this particular bead can go up as high as USD3000.


5. Body Color

The body color of dzi could give the indication of its age. The younger bead will have body color of shining black and white; the older one varies from dark brown to light brown. Old dzi are more expensive and appreciated by collectors.

This three eyed dzi has light brown body color, indicating it is an very old dzi.

6. Motif

The motif of the dzi bead can determine the value of the dzi. The common patterns have the lower value. The unusual patterns that are difficult to find will have higher value.

Dzi bead on the top is a common pattern two eyed dzi. The two eyed dzi at the bottom has less common pattern thus can be sold at higher price.

Three eyes of rather irregular shapes run diagonally across the front while the back shows shapes of various overlapping each other. This piece is ranked among dzi of the topmost grade.

Of all three eyed dzi, those with three Buddha eyes are the most sought-after.7. Size of Dzi

The dzi with larger size will be at higher value.

The three difference sizes of Guan Yin Dzi.8. Defect Quality Dzi

Sometimes you can find authentic dzi bead at very low price. This is because such dzi could be the “reject” quality.

For example, you can detect visible banding (line) that cut through the eye of the bead. This is viewed as bad signs and one should not wear such dzi.

The bead above has one side looks like normal dzi. However, the back of the same bead have difference color and looks dirty. Such unevenness is viewed as reject.

The color of this bead looks dirty and the eye is not clear due to smear effect. It should be rejected.

The color of this bead looks dirty and the eye is not clear due to smear effect. It should be rejected.

This bead has the unusual triangle that cut through the white lines as well as smear color.{mospagebreak}Imitation Dzi

With the value of authentic dzi beads at the increasing trend, the market is now flooded with imitation dzi beads by using glass or poly. These have confused many buyers.

The internal color of the broken authentic pure dzi bead (right) is mainly ivory white, with the black color only covering one third of the radius. The broken imitation dzi on the left demonstrates white line just printed on the surface, the internal body looks unnatural. However, you do not have to break the dzi bead to inspect the internal structure. There are many other techniques to identify the dzi.

Various types of imitation dzi bead that can be found easily in the market.

Blood vein (or Golden Vein) dzi bead - Pure dzi was put through temperature cycle to create micro-crack lines on the surface of the bead. The coloring agent was then forced into the gaps of the crack lines. The effect is red color lines like blood vein running on the surface of the bead. This type of dzi bead can be broken easily as the temperature cycle process already damage the internal structure of the dzi.

The Meaning of Dzi Bead Motif

	1. One-Eyed Dzi The bead of Light; enabled better thinking process and improved wisdoms.
	2. Double-Eyed Dzi Enabled harmony between husband and wife, build a happy family, successful career and good relationship with others.
	3. Three-Eyed Dzi Represents the three stars of luck: happiness, honor and longevity. It is the bead of wealth and health to bring continuous fortunes. Also known as the God of Wealth (Zambala) in esoteric doctrine.
	4. Four-Eyed Dzi Represents Avalokiteśvara,Mañjuśrī, Ksitigarbha, and Samantabhadra; the four great Bodhisattvas, scattering and destroying all hindrances for the wearer.
	5. Five-Eyed Dzi Blessing by Kuvera, the god of wealth, for continuous fortunes and longevity, perfect and good luck, endless of happiness.
	6. Six-Eyed Dzi Restores the physiological functions of the viscera and bodily strength, release from the suffering of the six ways of sentient existence(Samsara), to remove (by magic, prayer, incantation) impending ill fortune, represents increment of fortunes.
	7. Seven-Eyed Dzi Perfection in every aspect of life: good fate, good name, career, fortune, health, long life and marriage.
	8. Eight-Eyed Dzi Doing well and complete in everything, venerable and wealthy, protected by Eight Auspicious Signs. Avoids influences by the eight groups of demon-followers and enter the eightfold noble path.
	9. Nine-Eyed Dzi Accumulation of meritorious virtue, increases compassionate, separates from suffering and obtains happiness, escapes from the human world of woes and finds salvation, resplendent authorities and gains advantages.
	10. Ten-Eyed Dzi Removes all karmic hindrances, increases respect-inspiring virtue, live a joyful life and perfect in every way.

	11. Eleven-Eyed Dzi Represents the five Dhyani Buddhas and the Brilliant Mantra of Six Words, accumulates blessedness and wisdoms and dispels calamities.
	12. Twelve-Eyed Dzi Represents the twelve divine generals mentioned in the sutra of Medicine Buddha (Bhaisajya); accumulation of honor, power and influence.
	13. Thirteen-Eyed Dzi Represents the five Dhyani Buddhas and Eight Auspicious Signs; the body and mind always at ease, unafraid and march forward courageously to achieve the highest level of the conduct.
	14. Fifteen-Eyed Dzi Represents the Seven Treasures and the Eight Dharmas, aids and blesses by Devas to achieve all wishes.
	15. Twenty One-Eyed Dzi Increases the power of Buddha-truth, achieves all one's wishes, integrated with the nature and reaches the highest Poetic level, the Mahayana.
	16. Dragon-Eyed Dzi The most superior Dzi. The Naga represents the chief of the scaly reptiles, regarded as beneficent. Nagas are titles of a Buddha and of those freed from reincarnation. The six dragon eyes represent the Brilliant Mantra of Six Words: “OM MANI PADME HUM”. Used for self-cultivation, protection, avoiding māras and heretics. Best for creating lucks and improving Feng Shui.
	17. Dzi with Unusual Pattern Believed to have unique power to do away with calamities and subdue evil.
	18. Dzi with Heaven-and-Earth Motif The “○” represents Heaven and the “□” represents Earth, balances of Ying and Yang, gaining fortune and eliminating obstacles. This category consists of Heaven-and-Earth Motif and Double Heaven-and-Earth Motif, which is more superb. Businessmen are particularly fond of them because they believe that wearing such Dzi brings great wealth and prosperity.
	19. Dzi with Precious Bottle Motif Averting misfortune, fulfilling meritorious virtue, accumulating wealth, improving health and gaining longevity.
	20. Dzi with Lotus Motif Enabled shaper body and purified mental vision to be delighted by others. It is very popular and precious in Tibet.

	21. Dzi with Wave Motif Represents continuous and endless fortunes, supports by benefactor, to be prosperous for a lifetime.
	22. Longevity Dzi Long life. It was discoverd in India 550B.C.
	23. Guan Yin Dzi The Goddess of Mercy, the observer of the sights and sounds of the world as well as the observer of the ultimate nature of things. Saving living beings, breaking sorrows and defilements, learning all Dharma doors and achieving highest Buddha hood.
	24. Dzi with Peak Motif Backing the wearer to handle administrative affairs, go forward courageously and fearlessly
	25. Dzi with Guru Rinpoche’s Dharma Cap Motif One of the three Dharma Masters in Tibet, representing blessedness and wisdom, power and reputation.
	26. Dzi with Guru Rinpoche’s Ritual Paraphernalia Motif The implement of esoteric. Subduing demons and expelling evil obstructions. Greatly improve the concentration of meditation, reaching the ultimate beyond emotion or thinking.
	27. Dzi with Dorje Motif The implement of esoteric. Dorje is among the paraphernalia used for subduing demons.
	28. Dzi with Four Homas Homa of Peace (○), preventing calamities, averting misfortune and eliminating obstacles; Homa of Development (□), prospering business, multiplying wealth, gaining fortune and wisdom; Homa of Perfection (), improving health, perfecting relationship and building leadership; Homa of Force (△), warding off harmful forces, subjugating demons and expelling evil obstructions.
	29. Dzi with Mani-Jewel Motif A magical jewel, which manifests whatever one’s wishes for. According to one's desires, treasures, clothing and food can be manifested, while sickness and suffering can be removed, water can be purified, etc. It is a metaphor for the teachings and virtues of the Buddha.
	30. Dzi with Fortune and Longevity Motif Gaining both fortune and longevity.

	31. Five Fortunes Dzi Fulfilling accomplishments, longevity, health, wealth and marriage, everything going very well.
	32. Dzi with Ying-and-Yang Motif Balances the Ying and Yang at the surrounding, turn bad luck into good.
	33. Dzi with Bodhi Motif Apprehension of reality. Enlightenment, selfless compassion of the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, where self-benefit is fully abandoned for the sake of saving all sentient beings.
	34. Dzi with Six Eyed Vajra Tiger-Tooth Motif The efficacious amulet. Preventing calamities and averting misfortune. The tiger-tooth motif is believed to have the power of subduing. Tibetan Buddhism believes it could help salvation through the complete removal of the obstruction of illusion.
	35. Dzi with Water Lotus Motif Enabled the purifying of mental vision and enhanced buddhata (the Buddha-nature).
	36. Three Colors Striped Dzi Prosperous for a lifetime turns bad lucks to good, make wishes into reality.
	37. Bhaisajya Bead The prayer beads of Medicine Buddha, used for esoteric ceremonial, protecting body from serious illness.
	38. Divine-Eyed Dzi According to Buddhist text, Five Eyes are Human Eyes, Divine Eye, Wisdom Eye, Dharma Eye and Buddha Eye. This bead is essential for esoteric ceremonial.
	39. The Great Personage Dzi Arouses the spirit of the wearer to make a vigorous fight to succeed, abolishes karmic obstruction and achieves ones’ dreams.
	40. Goat’s-eye Dzi LUMIK – Traditional Tibetan amulet. Preventing calamities and prospering the wearer.
	41. Carnelian Dzi Improves blood circulation, an efficacious amulet.
	42. Dzi with Tiger-tooth Motif Represents toughness and strength, removes obstacles and achieves success. Preventing calamities, averting misfortune, prospering business, multiplying wealth and improving health.
	43. Lighting Five-eyed Dzi Confers and uphold by the strength of the five Dhyani Buddhas, continuously advancing in the career, gaining unlimited fortunes and good luck.
	44. Dzi with Garuda Motif One of the sources of Dzi. Preventing calamities and prospering the wearer.
	45. Qilin Dzi Represents auspicious, preying for the prosperity of new generations. Compassionate, auspicious and wisdoms.
	46. Dzi with Sun-and-Moon Motif Represents impartial, candid, openhearted, doing what is most appropriate, ordained in nature (moral obligations, eternal principles, etc.);
	47. Dzi with Universe Motif Confers and uphold by the strength of supernatural power, increases fortune and lucks.

How to Make Purchase Decision

The authentic pure dzi is not something cheap. The price is based on many factors discussed above and can be ranging from few hundred dollars to thousands, or even millions. The high value of dzi has attracted many imitations enter the market. It is so easy to find various imitation products than the real one. Here are advices you can follow to reduce the risk of getting cheated by dishonest traders.

1. Do not simply purchase dzi bead from wet market, low end trading market, kiosk in the mall, company without addresses or someone you are not familiar with. These people might claims that they are selling authentic dzi bead at attractive prices. You might not able to find them later.

2. Purchase the dzi from establish company, someone you can trust or with good knowledge in this field. It will be ideal to bring along an expert if you plan to spend a lot on dzi bead. Bring along the necessary equipments such as 10x or 30x loupe.

3. Improve your knowledge on dzi bead before making the purchase. There are many books or articles on internet that can help you understand more about dzi bead, Tibetan culture and Buddhism. Equip with such powerful knowledge will reduce the risk of making wrong decision.

4. Balance your budget for the dzi that you want to purchase. If you plan or able to spend just a little on dzi bead, starts with the cheaper one. When you feel that dzi is really good for you or your family, then upgrade to better one.

5. Do not believe in certificate issued by the seller. A certificate of gemstone is valid only if it is issued by a third party with no financial interest in the transaction between the buyer and seller. Many sellers issue their own certificate which are meaningless; the bead is not investigated by third party and no analysis data attached.

6. Do not influence by the sales person. You should have a clear state of mind. Do not be influenced by the sales person to make you purchase something out of your budget, imitation product or the dzi that not suitable for you.

If you are serious about dzi and would like to know more, here are some good books that should not be missed!

1. Bubin, Lois Sherr (1986) The History of Beads

2. Tung-Kuang, Lin (2001) The Gzi Bead of Tibet

3. K.Liu, Robert (1995) A Universal Aesthetic Collectible Beads

4. Hung-Shih, Chang (2003) The Bewitching Bijou of

Tibet – An Illustrative Study of Dzi Bead

5. Rinchen Tsering, Kaji and Ugyen Tenzin (2004) Dzee - The King of Beads

6. Nebesky-wojkowitz, R (1952) Prehistoric beads from Tibet

7. Yam, Sheung Cheong (2007), The Mystery of Dzi (Book 1 and Book 2)

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Dzi Bead in the Modern World

An elegant necklace strung with old dzi beads (One with water motif from the left most, two three-eye and two precious bottle motif) and other crystal beads.

The color of dzi bead works very well with corals. The necklace and bracelet are made from dzi beads that could attract wealth for the wearer; They are money hook dzi, five eyed dzi, water motif dzi, three eyed dzi, heaven and earth dzi, and lastly the qi lin motif dzi.

The combination of seven eyed dzi, treasure jar dzi, ying and yang dzi, amber, mala bead and adventurine form this simple yet beautiful necklace and bracelet.

This elegant necklace is made of dragon eyed dzi, several water motif dzi and red agate beads.

This old dragon eyed dzi is strung with red agate beads to form an elegant bracelet.

The carnelian dzi is strung with green aventurine and faceted red agate.

This two eyed dzi is strung with turquoise and onyx to form a splendid bracelet.


Rev 1.1. Released 1/5/2007
Rev 1.0. Released 1/1/2005

p/s: If you have good dzi bead to share with readers, please post you photos and comments to us at sales@dzicrystal.com.