Material: Cinnabar

Size : 2.6 cm

Narrative:

Cinnabar is a naturally occurring mercury sulfide mineral that is bright red in color, has a long history, and has important symbolic significance in many cultures. In Chinese and Tibetan Buddhism, cinnabar is not only a pigment and medicinal material, but also a sacred substance with spiritual and evil-repelling properties.

**Origin of cinnabar**

The use of cinnabar dates back to ancient civilizations:

- **Ancient China**: Cinnabar is regarded as a symbol of Yang in Taoism and alchemy. The ancients believed that it could ward off evil and avoid disasters, and used it to make elixirs in order to achieve immortality.

- **Tibetan Buddhism**: Cinnabar is considered a sacred mineral in Tibet and is often used in painting thangkas, making amulets and offerings in religious ceremonies.

**The symbolic meaning of cinnabar in Tibetan Buddhism**

In Tibetan Buddhism, cinnabar mainly represents:

1. **Waiting away evil spirits and protecting the Dharma**: Cinnabar is believed to have a strong yang energy that can dispel negative energy and protect practitioners from interference from evil spirits.

2. **Wisdom and blessing**: Cinnabar is often used to write scriptures and make ritual instruments, symbolizing the wisdom and blessing of Buddhism.

3. **Offerings and Practice**: In some Tantric rituals, cinnabar is used as an offering, symbolizing pure offerings and the achievement of practice.

Cinnabar has a wide range of applications in Tibetan Buddhism, from the making of ritual instruments to rituals, demonstrating its unique spiritual value.