How to Make a Kwan Yin Necklace

This Kwan Yin necklace is made from a red agate pendant and garnet, onyx and rose quartz beads.

Kwan Yin--sometimes known as Guan Yin or Quan Yin--has been called the "female Buddha." Kwan Yin is an important religious icon in the Buddhist faith, as well as a popular folk heroine among the Chinese and many other Asian nations. She is known as the Goddess of Compassion, whose name translates roughly to "She who hears the cries of the world." Even if you're not a Buddhist, wearing a Kwan Yin necklace can remind you to have the positive qualities this goddess was said to have possessed.

Things You'll Need

• Kwan Yin pendant
• Sterling silver bale
• Beads in assorted colors, including: red, black, pink, blue, pearl, white and brown
• Thin leather or faux leather beading string
• Necklace clasp (optional)

Instructions

1. Choose a pendant that represents Kwan Yin. EBay has a huge variety of Kwan Yin pendants, mostly from China and Tibet; some are sold for a few pennies, plus shipping. Kwan Yin pendants are also available at any Chinese store that sells jewelry. Many Kwan Yin pendants are made of jade or agate, but they are available in every imaginable medium, including Yak bone, turquoise and crystal. Many come with an attached bale (a metal clip or ring that goes through a hole at the top of the pendant, so it can hang from a string), or you can purchase and add a silver bale.

2. Cut a length of beading string and thread it through the pendant bale, which places the Kwan Yin pendant in the center of the string.

3. Tie a knot on either side of the pendant. Begin adding beads on either side, tying a knot between each bead.

4. Add beads in any of the following colors: red, considered the most lucky color to the Chinese; black, which represents wisdom and honor; pink, for her compassion to all living things; pearl, a reference to the "Pearl of Light" in a folk tale that showed Kwan Yin's generosity; and blue, to represent her position as the goddess who watches over sailors and anyone in danger. As you place the beads, meditate on the qualities they represent: confidence in good fortune, wisdom, compassion to all living things, generosity and protectiveness.

5. Add other beads if you like, to fill out the string. White or brown beads to represent Kwan Yin as the goddess in charge of rice (and therefore abundance) would be appropriate. Try the necklace on to measure the appropriate length you want it to be, and then either add a clasp or simply tie the ends of the string in a strong double knot (if the necklace is long enough to be slipped over your head).

Tips & Warnings

• If you're a talented beader, use beading wire to make your Kwan Yin necklace.

• Kwan Yin is considered the protector of women and children; a Kwan Yin necklace makes an excellent gift for any woman.

• Wear your Kwan Yin necklace when you need extra courage or in times of difficulty.

• Display your Kwan Yin necklace by hanging it near your bed or mirror.

• Never give beaded necklaces to young children.