Bead of power

A strangely shaped bead offers the hope of harmony.

VASTHU SASTRA
By T. SELVA

The relatively rare one-faced Rudraksha bead bestows happiness and prosperity.

This is a question asked frequently by many readers, especially those who believe in using beads, gemstones and other products to harmonise themselves.  

One of the most powerful beads that can change negative energies into positive is the Rudraksha, better known as the “divine bead”. It can be used by anyone seeking spiritual enlightenment, mystical powers and liberation.  

According to Hindu scriptures the bead was created from tears shed by Lord Shiva (an important deity of Vedic age) when the world was facing destruction. The legend says that tears from his eyes dropped onto the ground in different places on earth and produced Rudraksha trees.  

Today, the bead is widely used by spiritual leaders and those seeking the spiritual path because it is said to have electromagnetic power, which affects both the physical and mystical aspects of the wearer. The bead’s scientific name is Elaeocarpus ganitrus (Roxb) and it comes in an irregular oval shape with clefts on its surface called “faces”. Most of the Rudraksha’s powers are associated with the number of faces it has. This can vary from one to 21, though four-, five- and six-faceted beads are the most common. Each type has its own characteristics. 

The beads are mainly found in Nepal, India and Indonesia. I was educated on the use and powers of the bead by Rudraksha expert Dr Suresh Basnet, whose family operates a huge Rudraksha farm in Nepal. Favourable weather and soil conditions in Nepal ensure that the top quality beads come only from trees in this country.  

Each seasonal harvest of Rudrakshas usually yields plenty of the two- to 16-faceted beads but only one or two of the ones with more faces, with the 21-faceted bead being particularly rare.  

According to Dr Suresh, Rudraksha regulates and formulates an individual’s consciousness and sub-consciousness and body, and shapes his or her overall personality.  

Rudraksha is like a transmitter that can tap into the energy fields in a way that helps the wearer to compensate for any energy depletion by increasing energy levels. 

From left: The 10-, nine-, one- and five-faced Rudrakshas; all can generally change negative energies into positive but each has other specific benefits, as outlined in the table below.

Modern day researchers have proven that the bead has powerful electromagnetic, paramagnetic and inductive properties that vary according to the different faces. It creates specific electric impulses that are sent to the brain stimulating certain centres that then transfer information to the neurophysiology. This is the main way in which the bead has an impact on the human body. 

These electromagnetic impulses can affect the heartbeat, blood pressure, stress levels and hypertension on a physical level. On the mental level, the bead’s impulses can relieve anxiety, depression, mood disorders and neurotic conditions, while on the spiritual level, it promotes meditation and enlightenment.  

Choosing a Rudraksha 

Basically, the lighter the bead, the better; the Rudraksha from Nepal that has a natural hole and is brown in colour is highly recommended. The beads produced in India are called Bhadrakshas and they do not have natural holes while the ones from Indonesia are called Indrakshas; these beads do not have easily visible lines. 

The lines on the face of the Rudraksha should be clean and without any breaks. 

The bead should be worn around the neck on a gold or silver chain or on a cotton tread. It should hang as low as the chest. The best time to first start wearing it is either on a new or full moon day; once you do put it on, do not let anyone else touch it. Keep it in a safe place when not in use.  

Astrologers say the bead has enormous power to mitigate the negative period in an individual’s horoscope; they will usually recommend an appropriate bead to ease adverse planetary effects. 

Vasthu talks 

The columnist will present a talk on Vasthu Sastra for health, prosperity and peace on March 3 at 6pm at Sungai Petani Inn, Sungai Petani, Kedah. Admission is by contribution of RM10 to the Tantra Education Centre. To register, contact Muthu at 017-502 7435. 

A similar talk will be held on April 8 at 2.30pm at Tropical Inn Hotel in Johor Baru. Admission in by contribution of RM10 to the Nyana Yutham Foundation. To register, contact Arumugam at 016-789 8303. 

Faces of Rudraksha and their benefits

Two-faced: A source of fertility; it also enhances marital relationships. 

Three-faced: Improves memory, concentration and creativity.  

Four-faced: Enhances meditation and regulates logical and concrete structural thinking. 

Five-faced: Useful in maintaining health and general well being. 

Six-faced: Brings comforts and attraction. 

Seven-faced: Represents pleasure, peace, success, cheerfulness, simplicity, easiness, and happiness. 

Eight-faced: It has the energies for success and can destroy negative forces and obstacles. 

Nine-faced: It improves physical strength, increases will power and invokes fearlessness and dynamism that will lead to a balanced, healthy life. 

10-faced: Calms the nerves and relieves depression. 

11-faced: Helps fulfill wishes. 

12-faced: Improves leadership qualities and puts the wearer in the forefront. 

13-faced: Helps to attract opportunities when searching for the right partner and then helps maintain relationships. 

14-faced: This is considered the most precious Rudraksha as it invokes compassionate qualities, maintains good health and increases prosperity and knowledge. 

15-faced: Improves intuitive, abstract and lateral thinking. 

16-faced: Used for multi-dimensional purposes and to provide positive energy, ensure harmonious body function, peace of mind and prosperity. 

17-faced: Removes negativity and attracts success in life. 

18-faced: This rare bead provides spiritual as well as material energies related to protection, strength, success and the removal of fear. 

19-faced: Protects the wearer from adversity.  

20-faced: Bestows continuous progress in discovering faith and spiritual knowledge. 

21-faced: One of the rarest of beads, it improves the wearer's financial position, removes hurdles and improves family cooperation. Owing to the powerful energies this bead emits, it is advisable to keep it on the altar.