What is a Rudraksha Beads
Rudraksha is a natural seed, found within the vibrant blue fruit of the evergreen Elaeocarpus ganitrus, it is indigenous to the Himalayas across India and Nepal. It also flourishes in other areas of Southeast Asia, where the volcanic soil is conducive to its growth.
Rudraksha literally means “the tears of Shiva”. It is said, while contemplating Man’s suffering, Shiva — the great Mahadeva, the Supreme God and divine gift-giver — unexpectedly began to cry tears of compassion. As his tears fell, he guided them towards Earth and transformed them into divine seeds for the benefit of those seeking freedom from suffering and union with the Divine. The varieties of Rudraksham range from 1-36 faces (mukhis). The most common of these beads is the 5-faced Mukhi bead. The greater the number of faces, the rarer the bead.
Article posted by Anson Bingham for www.ansonbinghamyoga.com
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