Chartreuse Om Prayer Scroll Beads

These handmade paper beads are actually tiny mantra prayer scrolls, tightly hand-rolled from chartreuse vintage (1970's) woven craft paper. Inside each bead, the mantra "Om mani padme hum" is written repeatedly in ancient Sanskrit. You can see the writing continued on the outside, creating beautiful brown patterns on the surface. These beads are finished with hand painted 18k gold leaf and brown satin thread wrap details. The bright green color paired with brown bands and gold details, was inspired by the chrysalis of the monarch butterfly, symbolizing the metamorphosis of the spirit.

The rhythmic syllables of this mantra, when written or recited in repetition, bring a wonderful feeling of peace and meditation. The mantra is repeated approximately 20 times inside each of the larger beads.

The basic English translation of this mantra is "Praise to the Jewel in the Lotus," however the meaning and significance of the six Tibetan syllables have been interpreted in a variety of ways. One common interpretation is that each syllable corresponds to one of the six realms of existence and purifies the vice associated with that realm:

"Om" purifies bliss and pride
"Ma" purifies jealousy and need for entertainment
"Ni" purifies passion and desire
"Pad" purifies ignorance and prejudice
"Me" purifies poverty and possessiveness
"Hum" purifies aggression and hatred

Each bead is varnished for shine and durability, and the ends are hand painted. They are thick and sturdy, but very light, making them great for chunky or heavily layered beading projects because they do not grow heavy even in large numbers. These beads would be especially well suited for creating mala, which are beaded rosaries used to help count while reciting mantra.

Because these beads are handmade, size and shape may vary slightly, giving them a wonderful uniqueness and folk-art appeal. Their large (5mm) holes enable them to be strung on on macrame, jute, hemp, or leather cord with ease. Please see ruler and penny in photo four for further size reference.

Scrolls do not open, but are sealed forever with their magic inside. These beads are varnished, making them water resistant, but not water proof-- meaning I wouldn't go scuba diving with them, but getting caught in a light rainstorm shouldn't hurt them any.

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