How To Make Use Of Tibetan Prayer Beads. What Do You Mean By Malas?
Mala is Sanskrit's original word to refer to prayer beads. They are used to count mantra recitations. Malas are ubiquitous throughout Tibetan Buddhist communities all over the globe, tucked into wrists or hanging from fingers, accompanied by singing of mantras such as Om mani padme, om tare tuttare ture soha or om maha muniye saha. In Tibetan we refer to them as trengwa. Since a common aspect of Tibetan Buddhist practice is repeating (mentally or loudly) specific mantras thousands, or many times, it is useful to use your rosary to count the number of prayers, as a kind of spiritual abacus. Although it's not necessary to count, the mantra can be recited while moving bead by piece through the mala. This helps calm the mind and keep it focused. The string with 108 beads is by far the most well-known kind of mala. It is made out of semi-precious or precious stone as well as seeds, wood, or even bone. If you are able to make 100 mantra recitations as you go, then you will be considered to have completed the mala. The eight additional beads are meant to be "spare" in case you make mistakes or miscounts on the way. There's another head bead, one that is bigger than all the other beads and is commonly known as a "guru bead." Some believe this particular bead is of special significance because it is a symbol of one's guru for example, but very practically it is actually the beginning point for the circuit, and is not counted among the 108 total. Malas may have some extra precious stones added at various intervals, for example, coral or turquoise for instance. They can be added at intervals where you can count, like after 27 beads. These counter beads are added, so your total number of beads will be 111 and not 108. For prostrations, there's another mala size which can be worn around the wrist. It is made up of 27 beads. The smaller mala is wrapped around the hand and repeated 4 times. You can make other combinations (21 or 22 for example) and it is no problem so long as your mala can count.
Types of Malas
There are a variety of malas. Some are made from ivory or bone, while others are made of lapis-lazuli or sandalwood. There exist a variety of theories as to the type of mala that is best for different types of prayers We don't believe it's a huge factor. We also think that Tibetans don't have a lot of choice in the kinds of malas they use. Monks and nuns generally make use of simple and cheap malas like wooden ones. Any mala is acceptable. It is best to concentrate on the spiritual practice that involves praying and reciting mantras instead of the beauty or significance of your mala. Check out the most popular
Antique Bodhi Seed Mala for more.
How To Hold And Count With Your Malas
We want to say it is a common occurrence in Tibetan tradition there aren't any absolute rules with regard to malas and the way to count your mantras. Each person does it differently. There are many ways to do it, they don't matter as much as how you pray and what your motives are. You are doing the right thing when you pray from your heart and use your mala. While the majority of sources advise you to hold your mala in your lefthand, certain Tibetans prefer to hold them in their right. It is typical to keep your mala on one hand, and your prayer wheel in another. Start by holding the "guru" bead and move down. Then, place the mala between the thumb and the index fingers. You will recite your mantra one time in a loud or slow manner. Continue to the next beads using your thumb. Repeat your mantra and repeat. When you get to the guru bead , you have completed 100 mantras without needing to count each one. In this moment, the majority of Tibetans do not cross the guru's bead, instead, but reverse it by changing the mala beginning a new round of 100, going back the way they came. This is something we do as a matter of habit, and not as an exceptional reason.
Caring for your Mala
Your mala will be given a higher spiritual meaning if utilize it to perform mantra recitations. You may also take it to a class or be blessed and blessed by your Guru. While it may not be as holy as an actual Buddhist statue or a piece of scripture however, it's something we generally treat with reverence. That means you shouldn't place it on the ground or put mundane objects on top of it , or throw it. Tibetans are known to wear malas on their necks, or around the wrists. (Although please note that they are not worn like a necklace, for decoration, or, to show self-esteem, or as a way to show the spirituality of one's.) If you're not using it for some time or are sleeping it is possible to hang it on a high, clean place near your altar. It is actually kept in a special shelf under our altar. It's up to you to take care of it and keep an open mind.
