If you are looking for more information on buddhist prayer beads then, you’ve come to the right place.
A Guide To Buddhist Prayer Beads
Tibetan Wooden Buddha Prayer Beads
Buddhist prayer beads are an important part of prayer rituals and religious practices within the religion of Buddhism. Simply put, they are a counting tool that are used to keep track of the number of times the user recites the mantra (a type of religious chant) during meditation. They have much in common with prayer beads that are used in a number of other religions across the world.
These prayer beads are referred to as the ‘japamalas’. The concept of ‘japa mala’ is found conventionally in Hinduism and Tibetan Buddhism where the user relies on the prayer beads to count mantra recitations. One uses these prayer beads by passing one prayer bead over with the finger for every recitation.
Different Types Of Malas Made From Buddhist Prayer Beads
Tibetan Buddhist Yellow Jade Prayer Beads Mala
While prayer beads look the same to those who are new to the concept, those in the know will be aware that there are different types of malas that are made using Buddhist prayer beads. The first type is the Full Mala which is made using 108 beads. These beads are dividing using markers which are placed after every 27 beads and there is also a main guru bead. The Hand Mala is the next variety and it is made using 27 beads. It is spaced with 2 markers and also has a guru bead. The third variety is known as Jappa and it is made using 36 beads. It has the guru bead but it does not have any marker beads. The last type is known as the Wrist Mala. It is made using 18 beads and it does not have a guru bead or any markers. The beads are generally arranged on a wire which can be adjusted by way of a Chinese slip knot.
Description Of The Prayer Beads
Tibetan Buddhist Amber Prayer Beads Mala 108
The beads are made using a variety of materials, depending upon the kind of purpose the mala is expected to serve. The general malas that are used for a variety of chanting purposes can be made using wood taken from the Bodhi tree. The seeds of the Rudraksha tree are also used for making the beads. Another popular type of bead is made using seeds the source of which has not been identified as yet. These beads are often call the ‘Moon and Stars’ by the Tibetan people. The seeds are very dense and extremely strong and are ivory in color. These seeds can be identified by minuscule black dots on the surface (known as the ‘stars’) and tiny white holes (call the ‘moons’).
Different Beads, Different Uses
Bodhi Seed And Turquoise Mala 108 Beads
It is important to know that the description of the prayer beads might signify the purpose they serve. For example, white colored beads are used to make JapaMalas that are used for reciting pacifying mantras. These beads are usually made from mother of pearl, crystal and pearl. These are said to remove toxic thoughts and feeling from the mind and get rid of ill luck, mental tensions and unfortunate karma.
Red Jade Wrist Mala
Beads made of lotus seed, elm word, peach wood, sandalwood, rosewood and saffron are used for mantras that are intended to magnetize. The strongest and most powerful beads in this category are said to be made from Mediterranean oxblood coral. However, ever since Mediterranean oxblood coral has been restricted with a harvesting ban these beads have become extremely uncommon and hence costly.
