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1. Analysis of the core structure
1. **Returned old yak bone beads**
- **Material characteristics**:
- Plateau yak leg bones (high density) are selected, and after decades of butter soaking, they are dark beeswax color
- Natural weathering patterns ("cow hair patterns") and "keyhole" wear formed by chanting coexist
- **Engraving content**:
- Common six-character mantras, vajra, and Padmasambhava mantra wheel
- Tibetan carving techniques: deep and steep intaglio lines, and knife marks are retained at the bottom
2. **Tibetan agate accessories system**
| **Accessory types** | **Religious meaning** | **Material characteristics** |
|--------------|--------------------------|------------------------------|
| Counter | Counting the amount of mantras used for 100,000 times | Red agate + silver vajra |
| Clip | Marking the progress of chanting | Gilded bronze Capricorn fish shape |
| Three-way Buddha head | Symbolizing the Three Treasures of Buddha, Dharma and Sangha | Nine-eyed shale/inlaid etched agate |
| Separator beads | 27 counting segments | Medicine Buddha agate (with natural eye pattern) |
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II. Religious and cultural connotations
1. **Practice function**
- Yak bones symbolize "impermanence", 108 beads correspond to 108 samadhi states
- Agate is believed to enhance the power of mantras in the "Crystal Bead Materia Medica"
2. **Protective system**
- Old bones are believed to absorb the spiritual energy of the plateau heaven and earth
- Nine-eyed agate separator beads can block the five disasters of "earth, water, fire, wind, and space"
3. **Symbol of status**
- Fine carvings are mostly customized for living Buddhas
- The number of counters reflects the level of practitioners
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III. Recitation and maintenance
1. **Religious rituals**
- Purification with barley smoke is required for the first use
- The agate counter should be turned by the right hand when reciting
2. **Daily maintenance**
- Yak bones: Use yak oil for maintenance every month (avoid water)
- Old agate: Avoid collision, demagnetize with salt water regularly
3. **Taboo for wearing**
- Do not cross over scriptures/Buddha statues
- If broken, wrap with yellow cloth and then handle