Sufism is described as ‘the inner, mystical dimension of Islam’. It is probably no coincidence that, some years ago, I acquired my first ‘Eye Stone’ at a small shop selling all kinds of souvenirs just outside the shrine of a Sufi saint.
In many eastern traditions, the third eye is recognised as ‘the gate that leads to inner realms’. Inner realms of self knowledge and enlightenment.
In Hinduism, it is known as gyananakashu, and is often represented by a dot on the forehead between the seeing eyes.
Mystics also set great store by Chakra Stones, attributing great powers to various semi precious stones that can ward off various forms of evil.
The carefully crafted stone eyes, that use stratification in the quartz to form the elements of the eye are presumably an advanced form of a Chakra Stone, or perhaps simply a charm to ward off evil.
Intriguing, anyway, they certainly are, and in this intriguing country of Bangladesh, somehow, their discovery is no great surprise. Though I am not sure that this mystery has yet been entirely unlocked.
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