BRAND STORY
Mahamani was founded by Michelle Zhu, a devoted lay Buddhist. The inception of the brand stems from a moment of profound empathy. One sweltering summer day, witnessing a homeless individual seeking sustenance from a refuse bin struck Michelle to her core. That encounter ignited a pivotal vow within her: to harness her own capabilities to alleviate suffering and help more beings. From this compassionate resolve, Mahamani was born — not merely as a brand, but as a vessel for wisdom, kindness, and connection.
Rooted in Dharma and Tradition
Michelle’s journey is deeply anchored in a lifelong immersion in Eastern wisdom. From a young age, she has studied the intricate systems of traditional Chinese metaphysics, including Qi Zheng Si Yu (Ancient Chinese Astrology)，Bazi (Eight Characters), Feng Shuiand the I Ching (Book of Changes)，among others.
Through this exploration, she discovered that the Dharma embodies the supreme wisdom, offering the path to genuine and enduring happiness. This realization shaped her personal life into one of simple devotion: upholding the Five Precepts, practicing the Ten Virtues, maintaining a vegetarian diet, and dedicating herself to the study of Buddhist scriptures . She founded Mahamani with a heartfelt wish: to create a bridge, allowing others to connect with this transformative wisdom of the Buddha.
Every Mahamani piece begins as an inspiration from this inner world. Michelle’s designs are channeled through personal meditation, dreams, and the rich tapestry of Buddhist cultural heritage. She seamlessly integrates her understanding of Eastern philosophy into each creation, transforming profound concepts into unique aesthetic expressions.
Therefore, a Mahamani jewel is conceived with a dual purpose: to be an object of visual beauty and a carrier of auspicious meaning. Each piece is mindfully impressed with the sacred “Om” character, symbolizing this intentional connection and serving as a subtle reminder of the wisdom it represents.
Michelle Zhu
The Vision
At Mahamani, the proceeds from every order are allocated with intention: a portion is offered to the Triple Gem (Buddha, Dharma, Sangha) to support the Dharma, while another portion is dedicated to charitable acts that aid all sentient beings.
Looking forward, Michelle holds a visionary dream: to one day establish an ashram—a place dedicated to meditation and study of the Dharma. In this envisioned community, all necessities for practice and daily life will be freely provided, removing worldly obstacles so that individuals may wholeheartedly cultivate wisdom and compassion together. It is a hope to collectively realize Bodhi, echoing the foundational vow that started it all: to help, to connect, and to awaken.