Garuda or Khyung Thokcha 29 mm x 27 mm

A lotus seed mala turned dark from years of use, with an old turquoise guru bead.

A very large ancient Chong dZi with a nicely contrasted single stripe or equatorial zone. Displays genuine medicinal digs. The end shavings allow one to see the original colour of the stone before it received colour enhancement. 58 mm x 18 mm

Imitation banded agate beads made from plastic. 

Sourced in Nepal. approx 12 mm x 10 mm

A pair of ancient two eyed dZi beads.

Above: Togden Shakya Shri (1853-1919). A master of Mahamudra and Dzogchen

The great Tibetan Yogi and luminary of the 19th century Rime movement, Ju Mipham Rinpoche (1846-1912), was very close to the renowned Dzogchen master, Togden Shakya Shri. When he heard that Shaya Shri was sick he sent him a letter with the following items and tells him:

" As an offering for your protection I have sent you pills made with the substances of a red cow and three round Zi gems. With best wishes for your good health and the hope to meet you in the future."

Elio Guarisco, the translator of this Namthar mentions in his notes the following:

"Zi (gzi) gem: a patterned stone unique to Tibet, similar to a carnelian. According to some, the gem was used in Shang Shung (zhang zhung) kingdom as money. Its divine origin is one of the many legends surrounding this expensive stone."

Togden Shakya Shri ~ The Life and Liberation of a Tibetan Yogin by Kathog Situ Chokyi Gyatso (translated from the Tibetan by Elio Guarisco).

Newly created oval Tiger dZi and oval Lotus dZi. Sourced in Nepal. Largest 22 mm x 20 mm Smallest 20 mm x 17 mm.

Ancient banded agate bead. 33 mm x 15 mm