{"product_id":"amethyst-formal-bracelet-shingon-february","title":"Amethyst Formal Prayer Beads Bracelet – Shingon Sect (February Birthstone)","description":"\u003ch2\u003eAmethyst Birthstone Bracelet – Formal Shingon Sect Prayer Beads\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis one-of-a-kind piece pairs the star-and-moon bodhi seed with February's birthstone, amethyst, in the formal style of the Shingon sect — part of Kohgen Ojuzukan's original Sect \u0026amp; Birthstone series.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eAbout the Materials\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe main beads are made from star-and-moon bodhi seeds (hoshizuki bodaiju) sourced from Hainan Island, China — considered the finest grade available. The countless small black flecks on each seed are said to resemble stars in a night sky, while the single larger mark left by the stem is likened to the moon, together evoking the universe, which has long been regarded in Buddhism as the realm of the Buddha. The bodhi tree is also cherished as the very tree beneath which Shakyamuni Buddha is said to have attained enlightenment. (Many other types of bodhi seed are also used in prayer beads, including kongo, tengen, kokuryu, hogan, maya, kogan, gogan, and antique star-and-moon bodhi.)\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eAbout Amethyst, the February Birthstone\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eAmethyst is well known as a stone said to calm the spirit and restore a sense of composure, and its beauty has captivated countless admirers over the years. As February's birthstone, amethyst has long been said to help its wearer stay clear-headed and level-tempered, making it especially popular among professionals such as lawyers and doctors. Its calm, understated color suits wearers of any age, and purple has the quality of blending quietly into formal wear without standing out, lending a composed, refined impression.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eAbout the Shingon Sect Formal Style\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis bracelet follows the formal prayer bead design of the Shingon sect. It is said that Shingon may have been the very first sect to bring prayer beads to Japan, and for this reason its beads closely resemble the all-sect formal design. The style typically features two tassels each on the front and back, strung on a red cord. The prayer beads carried on pilgrimages, such as the Shikoku henro, are simply a slightly longer version of these Shingon sect beads.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eProduct Specifications\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eItem Number: 633v082000000\u003cbr\u003eParent Bead (Oyadama): Approx. 0.39 in (1.0 cm) – Amethyst\u003cbr\u003eMain Beads (Shudama): Approx. 0.28 in × 0.12 in thick (0.7 cm × 0.3 cm) – Star-and-Moon Bodhi Seed\u003cbr\u003eAccent Beads (Yotenma, ×4): Approx. 0.16 in (0.4 cm) – Amethyst\u003cbr\u003eInner Diameter: Approx. 6.69 in (17.0 cm)\u003cbr\u003eNote: As each bracelet is handcrafted from natural gemstone and bodhi seed, the exact grain and shade may vary slightly from the images shown. This is a one-of-a-kind piece.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Kohgen","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48174469611757,"sku":"633v082000000","price":360.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0713\/3003\/7997\/files\/633v082000000_1.jpg?v=1790737507","url":"https:\/\/shop.kohgen.com\/products\/amethyst-formal-bracelet-shingon-february","provider":"Kohgen","version":"1.0","type":"link"}