Zen Living Episode “Zen Trinkets” Nicole Tomlinson: Some people hand these crystals in their homes and cars, you have seen others wear these beads as necklaces or bracelets, today we will unwrap the mystery behind all these Zen trinkets. Find out what they are all about, luck, healing, or just plain decoration next on Zen Living. This is Toine and he is going to help explain about all of these trinkets, hi Toine Toine: Hello. Nicole Tomlinson: Do these crystals have any special meaning or are they just to look nice? Toine: Just to look nice and also a decorated I am in the home or in the car. Nicole Tomlinson: So these beads are pretty too, what are they for, are they also for decoration? Toine: Malas, they have a lot of in-depth meanings, practically you can use them for practicing chanting or meditating on a mantra or Buddha’s name. Nicole Tomlinson: How would you use them in chanting? Toine: You can do it silently or out loud as you finish per section, you can roll one by one, by one. Nicole Tomlinson: Oh, that is similar to the rosary isn’t it? I see that you have a necklace is that different? Toine: Well that depends if you’re wearing 108 or 21 at a time. You can wear a short one which is more convenient on your wrist, or one on your neck. This is for maybe when you’re sitting down and engaging in a very long session. Nicole Tomlinson: I recognize this symbol which is here on the bracelets in here on this Buddha but I have seen it before as the NAZI symbol, the swastika. Toine: The original sign represents the Buddha but it is the reverse of it that is the swastika. Nicole Tomlinson: This happy man back here is the one that a lot of westerners recognize as the Buddha and is a lock to rub his belly, is that the tradition? Toine: Yes if you believe in it deep enough then yes you may get some luck, it is known as the future happy Buddha. Nicole Tomlinson: So he is known to represent what may go right in our life? Toine: Yes, all the pain and suffering he will endure and deal with it himself so when you rub the ballet is letting go of your pain and sufferings. Nicole Tomlinson: What is the symbolism of the jade pendant? Toine: Well it depends on what it is; if it is a Buddha of course it will bring you luck, compassion, and wisdom. Nicole Tomlinson: Is it true that the longer that you wear it the greener that it becomes? Toine: I hope so, and if it does that is good because it means that one as purified himself into a better stage. If it is rubbing against your skin often enough you can have a chemical reaction and change the color of itself. Nicole Tomlinson: So there can be both a physical and a metaphysical reason for it? Toine: Yes. Nicole Tomlinson: Well thank you Toine for your expertise. Toine: Thank you, no problem So whether it is whimsical or truly healing the object behind attaining these various gifts varies with each individual so go ahead and have some fun with them. I am Nicole Tomlinson and from all of us at Zen Living thank you so much for watching and we will catch you next time, peace.