Rudraksha: The Sacred Seeds of Shiva
As far as Spiritual Jewelry goes there are few jewelry items that embody the depth of spiritual legend and mythology, mystery and energy for transformation like the Rudraksha beads. These naturally occurring seeds from the seeds of the Elaeocarpus ganitrus tree that grows in the Himalayan regions of India and Nepal and in parts of Indonesia. They are viewed not just as ornaments but also as living embodiments of Divine power. They are traditionally liked with the Hindu Deity, Lord Shiva and His beads are valued by spiritual people all over the world as protective talismans, tools for meditation and transmitters of blessings and spiritual grace.
These amazing beads are not only an invitation to the wearer into a lineage of ancient wisdom and magickal current but are also profoundly beautiful in their humble simplicity.
The Teardrops of Lord Shiva
We are told in Hindu mythology that the Rudraksha beads originated from the tears of Lord Shiva (Mahadeva). Lord Shiva, we are told, opened His eyes after profound and deep meditation…and motivated by divine compassion for all living beings, shed tears that fell to the Earth and became the Rudraksha tree. From these sacred trees, the powerful Rudraksha beads emerged and each one carries the energies of Shiva’s stillness and meditative calm, His connection to all beings and become conduits of His protection and grace.
It is from this origin that the Rudraksha beads are thought to
- grant protection from negative energies and entities
- expand spiritual consciousness and foresight
- bring awareness to Divine connection
- support meditative states of consciousness
- Bring balance to the mental and emotional bodies
To this day, devotees of Lord Shiva, Yogis and devotees of all kinds and practitioners of various kinds of Yoga wear the Rudraksha beads as a symbol of connection to God.
A Living Natural Gem
Every Rudraksha beads is individual and unique…in size and texture but also in the number of Mukhi (faces) which have been formed by the natural world and environment of its development. Like the Snowflake, no two Rudraksha beads are ever identical…a tribute to the diversity of Nature and of Life itself.
Sometimes the rudraksha beads are used in malas (strands of prayer or mantra beads…similar to the western rosary).
Metaphysical Properties of Rudraksha
Many practitioner believe that Rudraksha holds subtle energies that interact with the auric field. While interpretations vary across traditions, common benefits include:
Metaphysical practitioners of various kinds believe that the Rudraksha beads hold subtle energies that can interact with a person’s energy field (auric field) and produce various benefits, such as:
Clarity of Mind and increased focus
Balance of the emotional energies
Grounding and stability
Restoration of Peace
Spiritual Protection and Increased Energy
Acceleration of Spiritual Growth and Attainment
Traditional Ways to Wear Rudraksha
It is traditional to wear the beads around the neck or wrist. It is advisable to treat them with the utmost respect and reverence. They are to be kept clean and are often energized with simple prayer or intention. Some recite mantras of Lord Shiva, especially when first wearing them. Perhaps the best know such mantra is “AUM NAMAH SHIVAYAH”.
Our Rudraksha Bead Necklace is on a stainless steel chain…which is durable and stylish…and connects the ancient rudraksha traditions with modernity and elegance.
Why Wear Rudraksha Today?
Today’s world is thought in Hinduism to be the “Kali Yuga” a time of conflict and increased darkness. Rudraksha beads are something of a reminder of the Divine presence and spiritual truth that is present at all times and in all places…and only awaits the memory of the initiate to activate. To wear a Rudraksha is to carry a fragment of the ancient world, a soft whisper of the compassion of Shiva into the spaces that need it most.
Whatever your path and however you identify in the present, we encourage you to explore the ancient magick of the rudraksha bead. We feel confident. you will be glad you did.
-AUM NAMAH SHIVAYAH-
WJ