Tibetan Calligraphy Copyright© 2010 Tashi Mannox
Above we can see a wonderful calligraphy by the very talented Tashi Mannox. You can also view his blog here. This piece was used in my recent dZi bead article for Sacred Hoop Magazine. In this piece we can see the word dZi (shown in the Horyig seal script in red). This word is also cleverly incorporated into the design of the black and white dZi bead. The white text at the base of the piece translates as 'Blaze with Majestic Brilliance'.
We all know that Tibetans highly value dZi beads as amulets. They are seen as a safe guard against illness and misfortune and they are even believed to protect the wearer from harmful spirits. In Tibetan society, heirloom beads are often worn during festivals and special occasions. This is seen as an opportunity to showcase prized beads that may have been in a family for many generations. The Tibetan word for confidence is ziji, which is made up of zi meaning shine and ji meaning splendour, radiance or dignity. I personally feel that when we connect the word ziji to dZi beads, it reflects the underlying attitude and intent of the Tibetans who wear them. As the Tibetan Buddhist master, Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche says: “A person with ziji has dignity, the radiant power of a mind that has relaxed into its own inherent strength”.
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