Mongolia
Date unknown
Mongolia
Date unknown
The short garnet strand with jade separators and a guru bead is cleverly divided so that the 21 garnet beads can be used to count special mantras that require 21 recitations, while the total number of beads, 25, can be used for other mantras and larger numbers of recitation accumulations. A single silver counter with a curved knife stopper, favored by Mongolian Buddhists, also suggests that this set’s owner may have been a practitioner of Highest Yoga Tantra.
In Buddhism merit is accumulated through engaging in positive actions that lead to positive results, such as better rebirths. Buddhists gain merit by making offerings, donating to those in need, reciting mantras, and other good deeds.
A religious movement that originated in India around the fifth to seventh century with sacred writings and esoteric teachings and practices transmitted from teacher to student through initiation. These remain an important part of Hinduism and Buddhism today.
A contemplative practice in which a person uses concentration and visualization to achieve aims such as transforming the mind and generating feelings of compassion. Techniques include focusing on breathing or visualizing oneself as a deity.
Mongolians have been widely active in the Tibetan Buddhist world, playing a key role in Tibetan culture, politics, and relations with China. In the 13th century, the Mongol Empire—the largest contiguous empire in world history—facilitated the spread of Tibetan visual culture.
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