11-29-2022, 09:38 AM
How Do You Use Tibetan Prayer Beads. What Are Malas And What Do They Do?
Mala is Sanskrit's original term to refer to prayer beads. They are used to make mantra recitations count. Within Tibetan Buddhist communities across the globe, malas are everywhere. They can be hung around wrists, and then dangled from fingers. In Tibetan they are referred to as trengwa. Since Tibetan Buddhist practice often involves repeating certain mantras out loud or in a mental way, thousands or perhaps hundreds of thousands times, it's beneficial to record the number of times you pray by using your rosary as a kind of spiritual calculator. Even if the mantra isn't being recited, it can be used to calm the mind and help focus. The string with 108 beads is by far the most popular type of mala. It is made from semi-precious stones or precious stones as well as seeds, wood, or bone. After you've finished 100 mantra recitations, every time you move around the mala, and repeat the mantra for each of the beads, you're believed to be fully. The eight additional beads are designed to be "spare" to be used in the event you do make mistakes or miss count on the way. A head bead may also be found, and it is larger than all other beads and is commonly known as "guru bead". It is used as the starting point in the circuit, and is not included among the total 108. Malas may contain additional precious stones added at different intervals, like some coral or turquoise, for instance. Sometimes, these are added at intervals that you could use for counting, like after 27 beads, for instance to ensure that you're about 1/4 of the total distance through a circuit. These extra counter beads mean that the total number of beads will be 111 rather than 108. Another smaller mala is suitable for wrist use, with 27 beads. It is utilized to make prostrations. This is where the smaller size is wrapped around one's hand and repeated 4 times. You can make other combinations (21 or 22 for instance) and there is no problem for as long as the mala you are using can count.
Types of Malas
There are numerous kinds of malas, ranging from bone and ivory to sandalwood and lapis lazuli or crystal, or "Bodhi seed" (actually made out of Rudraksha seed) or "lotus seed" (actually made of the seed of rattan). While there exist a variety of theories on the best mala for each type of prayer, we do not believe that it is important. We believe that the majority of other Tibetans don't have any major distinctions between different types of malas, neither do we. Monks and nuns typically prefer cheap, simple malas, such as wooden ones. Malas of any kind can be used. It is best to concentrate on the spiritual practice of prayer and reciting mantras instead of looking at the design or the value of the mala. Have a look at the top Phoenix Eye Bodhi Seed for recommendations.
![[Image: Buddhist_mala_beads_in_nun_s_hand_600x.j...1553258840]](http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1022/9687/articles/Buddhist_mala_beads_in_nun_s_hand_600x.jpg?v\u003d1553258840)
How To Keep Your Malas And Count
We'd like to remind you that, as Tibetan culture usually does, that there is no standard for malas and counting mantras. Everyone is different. There are several ways can be done, but they're not as crucial as what you intend to ask for. If you are praying in your center and using the mala, then you are doing a great job! Some sources recommend holding the mala with your left hand. But some Tibetans use it with their right hand. If you hold a prayer wheels in one and mala, it's more common to have your mala held in the left and the prayer wheel to the right. Begin with the one close to the "guru", and use the mala in the same way you would. The bead can be held between your index and thumb, and repeat your mantra loudly or slowly. Then, you can move onto the next bead by moving your thumb in a slow manner. Next, repeat your mantra. When you have reached the next guru bead you will have completed 100 mantras. The majority of Tibetans are not going to abandon the guru beads at this point. They simply change the mala to the opposite direction, and begin a new one that includes 100 mantras. This is something we do because of habit, not because it is an exceptional reason.
Caring for your Mala
When you use your mala for mantra recitations or mantras, bring it to teachings, or be blessed by your guru, it will gain spiritual significance. While it's not as sacred as a Buddha statue or scripture but it's still something we respect. It is not to be thrown or tossed on the ground or covered with mundane objects. Tibetans keep their malas wrapped on their wrists or on their necks when they are not wearing them. The malas are not designed to be used as necklaces. It is best to hang it up high, near your altar, even if you aren't using it for a long time or when you are sleeping. We keep it on the form of a bookcase beneath our altar. It's entirely up to you and your desire to handle it with love and respect while maintaining an empathetic, practical attitude.
![[Image: il_570xN.1918245262_5bcy.jpg]](https://i.etsystatic.com/18901886/r/il/eda32f/1918245262/il_570xN.1918245262_5bcy.jpg)
Mala is Sanskrit's original term to refer to prayer beads. They are used to make mantra recitations count. Within Tibetan Buddhist communities across the globe, malas are everywhere. They can be hung around wrists, and then dangled from fingers. In Tibetan they are referred to as trengwa. Since Tibetan Buddhist practice often involves repeating certain mantras out loud or in a mental way, thousands or perhaps hundreds of thousands times, it's beneficial to record the number of times you pray by using your rosary as a kind of spiritual calculator. Even if the mantra isn't being recited, it can be used to calm the mind and help focus. The string with 108 beads is by far the most popular type of mala. It is made from semi-precious stones or precious stones as well as seeds, wood, or bone. After you've finished 100 mantra recitations, every time you move around the mala, and repeat the mantra for each of the beads, you're believed to be fully. The eight additional beads are designed to be "spare" to be used in the event you do make mistakes or miss count on the way. A head bead may also be found, and it is larger than all other beads and is commonly known as "guru bead". It is used as the starting point in the circuit, and is not included among the total 108. Malas may contain additional precious stones added at different intervals, like some coral or turquoise, for instance. Sometimes, these are added at intervals that you could use for counting, like after 27 beads, for instance to ensure that you're about 1/4 of the total distance through a circuit. These extra counter beads mean that the total number of beads will be 111 rather than 108. Another smaller mala is suitable for wrist use, with 27 beads. It is utilized to make prostrations. This is where the smaller size is wrapped around one's hand and repeated 4 times. You can make other combinations (21 or 22 for instance) and there is no problem for as long as the mala you are using can count.
Types of Malas
There are numerous kinds of malas, ranging from bone and ivory to sandalwood and lapis lazuli or crystal, or "Bodhi seed" (actually made out of Rudraksha seed) or "lotus seed" (actually made of the seed of rattan). While there exist a variety of theories on the best mala for each type of prayer, we do not believe that it is important. We believe that the majority of other Tibetans don't have any major distinctions between different types of malas, neither do we. Monks and nuns typically prefer cheap, simple malas, such as wooden ones. Malas of any kind can be used. It is best to concentrate on the spiritual practice of prayer and reciting mantras instead of looking at the design or the value of the mala. Have a look at the top Phoenix Eye Bodhi Seed for recommendations.
How To Keep Your Malas And Count
We'd like to remind you that, as Tibetan culture usually does, that there is no standard for malas and counting mantras. Everyone is different. There are several ways can be done, but they're not as crucial as what you intend to ask for. If you are praying in your center and using the mala, then you are doing a great job! Some sources recommend holding the mala with your left hand. But some Tibetans use it with their right hand. If you hold a prayer wheels in one and mala, it's more common to have your mala held in the left and the prayer wheel to the right. Begin with the one close to the "guru", and use the mala in the same way you would. The bead can be held between your index and thumb, and repeat your mantra loudly or slowly. Then, you can move onto the next bead by moving your thumb in a slow manner. Next, repeat your mantra. When you have reached the next guru bead you will have completed 100 mantras. The majority of Tibetans are not going to abandon the guru beads at this point. They simply change the mala to the opposite direction, and begin a new one that includes 100 mantras. This is something we do because of habit, not because it is an exceptional reason.
Caring for your Mala
When you use your mala for mantra recitations or mantras, bring it to teachings, or be blessed by your guru, it will gain spiritual significance. While it's not as sacred as a Buddha statue or scripture but it's still something we respect. It is not to be thrown or tossed on the ground or covered with mundane objects. Tibetans keep their malas wrapped on their wrists or on their necks when they are not wearing them. The malas are not designed to be used as necklaces. It is best to hang it up high, near your altar, even if you aren't using it for a long time or when you are sleeping. We keep it on the form of a bookcase beneath our altar. It's entirely up to you and your desire to handle it with love and respect while maintaining an empathetic, practical attitude.