Dragon Pendant - Guardian of the Dharma

Dragon Pendant - Guardian of the Dharma
Exceptional, collectible, handcrafted piece.

This rare dragon pendant is composed of:
925 silver
Copper
Natural turquoise from Hubei province
Authentic agate called "nan hong" from Yunnan province.
Genuine Lapis Lazuli from Afghanistan
As a gemologist graduated from the National Institute of Gemology, all our stones and materials are authenticated and certified.

Dimensions of this extraordinary dragon pendant: 55 mm high by 35 mm wide by 30 mm thick.
Weight 88 grams.

This dragon pendant comes with an adjustable cord to any size embellished with 925 silver and copper.

At the front, the dragon's head comes off using a push button located at the top of this dragon pendant, revealing a half-Buddha/half-demon representation representing duality, the very essence of the teachings of the Dharma.

At the back of the pendant, a compartment covered by a lid representing Pixiu, son of the dragon, can be used to store sutras or anything sacred to its wearer.

The Dragon: Guardian of the Dharma in Buddhism

The dragon, a universal legendary creature, occupies a significant place within several Buddhist schools, symbolizing the richness of the spiritual tradition. Although its role as guardian of the Dharma is not universal, some schools attribute a special significance to the dragon, thus reinforcing the protection of the sacred teachings of the Buddha.

1. Chan (Zen) School : Within the Chan tradition, the dragon is seen as a symbol of awakened nature. Its power and grace represent the strength needed to overcome obstacles on the path to enlightenment. The representation of the dragon thus becomes a source of inspiration, propagating perseverance in meditation and spiritual quest.
2. Pure Land School: The Pure Land school, devoted to Amitabha Buddha, frequently uses symbols such as the lotus and the dragon. Here, the dragon is seen as the guardian protecting the Pure Land, a spiritual realm devoid of suffering where followers aspire to be reborn.
3. Shingon School: Shingon Buddhism, a Japanese esoteric school, celebrates complex rituals involving deities and spiritual forces. In these practices, the dragon is invoked as the protector of esoteric teachings, thus ensuring the preservation and correct transmission of spiritual secrets.
4. Tendai School: The Tendai school, embracing a wide range of teachings, integrates the idea of ​​the dragon as guardian of the Dharma within the symbolism of protective deities. Powerful and respected, the dragon embodies the protection of the teachings leading to awakening.
5. Nyingma School (Tibetan Buddhism): In Tibetan Buddhism, particularly the Nyingma school, nagas, often depicted as dragons, are considered guardians of sacred teachings. Rituals associated with nagas are intended to provide protection from negative influences and promote spiritual prosperity.
6. Kagyu School: Emphasizing meditation and direct experience, the Kagyu school incorporates purification rituals related to the naga. The dragon is invoked to ensure mental clarity and provide spiritual protection.
7. Sakya School: Known for its esoteric teachings, the Sakya school incorporates protective rituals involving the dragon. These practices often aim to pacify negative energies and establish spiritual harmony.
8. Gelug School: Founded by Tsongkhapa, the Gelug school incorporates the dragon into protective rituals in certain practices, thus reinforcing the preservation of the Buddha's teachings.

Thus, across these various schools, the dragon emerges as a symbolic guardian of the Dharma, testifying to the uniqueness and diversity of interpretations within Buddhism.

Half-Buddha/half-demon representation: Essence and symbol of the Dharma teachings:

1. Duality of Existence: The half-Buddha, half-demon depiction reflects the inherent duality of existence. In Buddhist philosophy, life is often characterized by dualities such as good and evil, light and darkness, which are an integral part of the spiritual journey.
2. Transient Nature of Reality: In Buddhism, the illusion of reality is often emphasized. The half-Buddha, half-demon representation symbolizes the ephemeral and changing nature of reality, inviting us to transcend superficial appearances to reach a deeper understanding of reality, cutting through the illusion that imprisons us.
3. Transformation and Transcendence: The Buddha represents enlightenment and transcendence, while the demon symbolizes the negative aspects or obstacles one encounters in life. The half-Buddha, half-demon representation illustrates the process of personal transformation, where one transcends the negative aspects to reach a state of higher understanding.
4. Balance: The half-Buddha, half-demon representation also symbolizes the balance between opposing forces. Recalling the need to find a balance between opposites to achieve harmony and enlightenment.
5. The Conquest of Passions: In Buddhist tradition, the Buddha is often associated with the conquest of passions and desires. The half-Buddha, half-demon representation represents the inner struggle to overcome negative impulses and achieve a state of inner peace.
6. Allegory of Awakening: The juxtaposition of the Buddha and the demon is an allegory of spiritual awakening. It suggests that even in the midst of life's challenges and dark aspects, awakening is possible and that the light of wisdom can shine through all darkness.

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