Beautiful Lapis

Posted in Antiques on 05/21/2009 08:16 am by admin

Somebody bought me a beautiful pyramid made from the stone Lapis Lazuli?

I do have some Buddhist things although I'm atheist. Blue is my favorite colour too so I'm really pleased with this.

I just wondered what this represents in Buddhism.
It's a very nice ornament. Blue with gold and white coulours running through it. She noticed I liked Buddhist things but don't know much about this stone.

Lapis is indeed a beautiful stone. During the Middle Ages, European painters would grind it into powder, suspend it in linseed oil, and use it in their paintings when they wanted a beautiful brilliant blue. An expensive way to paint!

I have been studying Tibetan Buddhism with a monk from the Dalai Lama's monastery for over 10 years ... and not once has he said anything about gemstones. Therefore, I can only conclude that if there is any "meaning" for lapis, it must not be considered very important.

I was raised in the practice of Raja Yoga (my mother had been a direct student of a Swami named Paramahansa Yogananda), and from that tradition (basically, Hinduism), Lapis Lazuli is considered to give off spiritual vibrations, helping in your meditation. It is considered very beneficial to wear Lapis, especially if it is worn in such a way that it actually touches your skin.