Star and Moon Bodhi seeds, derived from the seeds of the tropical plant Jasminum sambac, are primarily found in central India, the Malay Archipelago, Papua New Guinea, and southern China. The name "Star and Moon Bodhi" comes from the seed's unique appearance. After being polished and shaped into beads, a circular hole forms in the center of each seed, where the embryo once was. Surrounding the hole are dark spots that resemble stars, creating the impression of "a multitude of stars surrounding the moon." This gives the seed its name. Each Bodhi seed mala has only one "moon," which is the central hole. If it’s off-center, it’s called a "crescent moon," and therefore Star and Moon Bodhi seed mala can be categorized into three types: the "full moon" (best quality), the "waning moon" (slightly inferior), and the "no moon" (the least desirable).
With prolonged use and handling, the surface of the seed may crack, resulting in what is commonly referred to as "cracking" or "opening up." This is one of the typical features of Star and Moon Bodhi seed mala. Star and Moon Bodhi bead mala are not only a symbol of spiritual attainment, but they also possess protective qualities, promoting wisdom and eliminating worries.
Types of Star and Moon Bodhi Seed Mala
Star and Moon Bodhi seed mala are categorized in several ways, including by the type of Bodhi seed they come from:
- Yuanbao Seed: This variety is made from red vine seeds, and its Star and Moon Bodhi are typically white or near-white, with small star eyes. Yuanbao seeds have a dense structure, and the star eyes are evenly distributed, making them the best choice for bead stringing.
- Golden Toad Seed: This type produces Star and Moon Bodhi with larger star eyes arranged in a linear pattern. The seeds are usually pale yellow and have lower density compared to Yuanbao seeds, but their hardness is higher, placing them in the mid-range category in terms of density.
- Moni Seed: Also known as "Ice Flower Bodhi," this variety produces Star and Moon Bodhi seeds with large seeds and small star eyes. The color is yellow, and the density is poor, making the seeds prone to breakage. The advantage of Moni seeds lies in their large size, which allows for the creation of bigger beads than Yuanbao seeds, but due to the lower density, they are typically not used for prayer beads.
In terms of color, Star and Moon Bodhi seeds can be classified into:
- White Star and Moon Bodhi: This is the most common type, usually lighter in color with clear and visible star and moon patterns. The surface is smooth, and the color is delicate with clear textures.
- Black Star and Moon Bodhi: This type has a darker surface, usually deep brown or black, with star and moon-like spots, similar to the white variety but with a more dramatic color contrast.
- Red Star and Moon Bodhi: Red Star and Moon Bodhi are more vivid in color compared to the white and black varieties, ranging from red to deep red and orange-red tones.
- Natural Star and Moon Bodhi: These are the unprocessed, naturally colored seeds, typically showing a yellowish or wood-like color, and have not undergone any dyeing or artificial treatments.
Identifying Density
The density of Star and Moon Bodhi seeds is crucial for their longevity and the aesthetic effect they achieve over time. A higher-density seed will not only last longer but also develop a beautiful patina and detailed cracking patterns as it is played with over the years. A high-density Star and Moon Bodhi bead, after years of handling, will take on a jade-like texture with visually stunning and finely detailed cracks.
To identify the density, there are four key methods, which can be summarized as "Two Looks, Two Touches":
- Look at the Stars: The density of the seed is not determined by how many stars are present, but by whether the stars are concave. If many stars are sunken, it suggests poor density. Not all seeds will have perfect star shapes, as they are natural products, but a uniform concave star pattern is a sign of low quality.
- Look at the Empty Spaces: Observe the structural integrity of the spaces between the stars. If the spaces are loose or uneven, it indicates low density. A dense seed will have a more solid structure.
- Listen to the Sound: Hold the beads in your hand and gently tap them together. High-density beads produce a clear, crisp sound, similar to the sound of ceramic or jade beads. Beads with low density will produce a dull, muffled sound.
- Feel the Weight: Pick up the beads and feel their weight. High-density beads should feel heavy and substantial, while lower-density beads will feel lighter. This requires experience because larger beads generally feel heavier, but a comparison between similarly sized beads with different densities will help you recognize the "heaviness" of higher-density beads.
Appreciation Methods
- Scent: The most basic way to assess is by smelling. When examining a Star and Moon Bodhi bead, smell it to check if there’s an oily scent, which can help you determine if it has been fried or boiled in oil.
- Color: Naturally worn Star and Moon Bodhi beads often have some color variation. Beads of average quality tend to have a more uniform color but beware of cases where older beads are mixed with artificially aged ones to create a deliberate contrast.
- Sound: Naturally worn Star and Moon Bodhi beads, when struck together, produce a crisp, jade-like sound due to their strong patina. Lower-quality beads often produce a muffled sound.
- Texture: Star and Moon Bodhi beads are natural seeds, and their surfaces tend to be rough if unpolished. Even after polishing, due to their natural growth, the surface may retain slight pits or irregularities. When selecting Star and Moon Bodhi beads, touch them to feel if the surface is rough or uneven.
- Pattern: Every natural Star and Moon Bodhi bead has a unique pattern, especially the “stars” or tiny dots. The spacing and arrangement of these dots vary, whereas plastic imitations tend to look identical.
- Quality: Star and Moon Bodhi beads are seeds, known for their hardness and stable structure. With time and use, they develop a glossy patina. Genuine Star and Moon Bodhi beads may crack, peel, or discolor if exposed to water, drying, or heat, unlike synthetic versions, which don’t undergo these changes.
The Unique Qualities of Star and Moon Bodhi Seed Mala
The charm of Star and Moon Bodhi lies in how, over time, its color shifts from yellow to red, and the surface develops intricate cracking patterns. As the beads are handled repeatedly, they take on a rich, translucent, amber-like appearance, adding to their high aesthetic value. These beads are suitable for people of all ages and genders, and with each passing year of use, they become more personal and imbued with the wearer's energy, making them not only a piece of spiritual equipment but also a cherished, meaningful possession.
