Description
The Chinese Wooden Fish Muyu Tassel is a beautiful talisman featuring dark stained sandalwood carved into a beautifully stylized Muyu or wooden fish. The body of the fish is engraved with the image of the magnificent dragon twirled around it. A cute mini mallet with which to strike the wooden fish is also attached. The wooden fish is strung on four strings of round sandalwood beads which can be adjusted to lengthen or shorten the tassel. These beads totaling 108 (27 x 4) can conveniently double as prayer beads too. The rich dark brown sandalwood amulet and ends charmingly with a matching tassel with a gold tie.
The wooden fish (Muyu in Chinese, Mu 木 means wood, and Yu éš means fish) is a percussion instrument used in the Mahayana Buddhist tradition – often to start and end a meditation period and for pacing chants and rituals. It is carved from a block of wood into the basic shape of a fish with a wide mouth, and then its interior is hollowed to provide the beautiful resonance when struck. Used by both Buddhist monks and lay Buddhists, it can produce different rhythms to control the pace of the chanting session as well as to keep everybody clear-minded. There are many Buddhist legends and stories that involve the fish and how it became important enough to be the animal carved on a wooden block. One of the reasons could be due to the belief that the fish which always has its eyes open, never sleeps, thus symbolizing wakefulness and awareness – basic tenets of Buddhism.
Whatever its origins, the unmistakable and hypnotic sound and the sight of this simple hollow wooden percussion instrument inspire us to practice Buddha’s simple way of life to dispel negative karma which in turn eliminates sufferings and problems.
Sandalwood has a very ancient history and has long been revered by the Jewish, Buddhist, Hindus, as well as almost every other belief system for its vast diversity in attributes. Many Asian temples and religious accessories such as rosaries and staffs are made from sandalwood. This aromatic wood, with its delicate, soft woody scent, relaxes the muscles, clears the mind, and has a generally soothing and uplifting influence. Its healing fragrance is popularly used to clear space of negative energy and stimulate the flow of good chi.
The Sandalwood Chinese Wooden Fish Talisman, besides being a charming accessory, is a handy Feng Shui amulet with all the protection and blessings associated with the Wooden Fish symbol and sandalwood. Hang it in your home or car, or pop it in your bag to enjoy peace of mind and prepare to welcome greater prosperity, improved health, and better luck into your life!
Check out our wide range of Auspicious Amulets and Buddhism items for protection and blessings.
