{"product_id":"aventurine-formal-bracelet-soto-zen-may","title":"Aventurine Formal Prayer Beads Bracelet – Soto Zen Sect (May Birthstone)","description":"\u003ch2\u003eAventurine Birthstone Bracelet – Formal Soto Zen Sect Prayer Beads\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis one-of-a-kind piece pairs the star-and-moon bodhi seed with May's birthstone, aventurine, in the formal style of the Soto Zen 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 Aventurine, the May Birthstone\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eAventurine is also known as Indian jade. It is said to have a calming effect on the emotions and to help one open up honestly to others. In ancient Tibet it was revered as a 'stone of insight,' believed to sharpen perception and understanding. Aventurine is also associated with health, longevity, and virtue, and is thought to support a long, healthy, and happy life — making it a welcome gift as well.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eAbout the Soto Zen Sect Formal Style\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis bracelet follows the formal prayer bead design of the Soto Zen sect. Like Rinzai Zen prayer beads, the formal Soto Zen strand is often carried by temple priests. Its shape closely resembles Rinzai Zen beads, but a distinguishing feature of Soto Zen prayer beads is a metal ring threaded onto the strand. The reason for the ring is not fully known, though one theory holds that it represents Bodhidharma (Daruma).\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eProduct Specifications\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eItem Number: 633v058000000\u003cbr\u003eParent Bead (Oyadama): Approx. 0.39 in (1.0 cm) – Aventurine\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) – Aventurine\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":48174467023085,"sku":"633v058000000","price":151.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0713\/3003\/7997\/files\/633v058000000_1.jpg?v=1790737105","url":"https:\/\/shop.kohgen.com\/products\/aventurine-formal-bracelet-soto-zen-may","provider":"Kohgen","version":"1.0","type":"link"}