How To Use Tibetan Prayer Beads. What Are Malas, Exactly?
Mala is the Sanskrit term used to describe the first prayer beads that are used to be used to count mantra repetitions. The ubiquitous mala is widely used throughout Tibetan Buddhist communities around the globe, either wrapped around the wrists or hanging from the fingers. They are often coupled with the humming of mantra recitations such as Om mani padme, Om tuttare, ture soha or om mun maha-muniye. They are called trengwa in Tibetan. It is possible to use the rosary to count the number prayers. Even if you are not actively counting, the constant recitation of the mantra while proceeding bead by bead through the mala serves to concentrate and soothe the mind. A string of 108 beads is most common. These are made of precious and semi-precious stones as well as seeds, wood bone, wood, or other materials. If you are able to make 100 mantra recitations as you go, then you'll be deemed to have completed the mala. The 8 additional beads are intended to serve as "spare" in the event that you have a mishap or make a mistake on the way. The head bead is also bigger than the others and is often called"guru" beads. However, it is crucial to the circuit's starting point and not included in the total of 108 beads. Sometimes, malas will contain additional precious stones added at various intervals, for example, coral or turquoise for instance. These stones may be added in intervals you use to count, for instance, after 27 beads. This lets you know that you are just 1/4 of the circuit. The counter beads add another count to your overall bead count, which would result in 111 instead of 108. A smaller mala that has 27 beads, which is worn on the wrist, could also be used for prostitution. The smaller size is wrapped around the hand and then repeated 4 times. There are a variety of other arrangements which can be created including 21, 22 or 23. This is acceptable as long you can count with your mala.
Types of Malas
There are numerous types that you can choose from, including ivory and bone, sandalwood and lazis liii or crystal. There are a myriad of theories there about which kind of mala is best for what type of prayer. But we don't think it is important which kind you use. We don't believe Tibetans are very particular about kinds of malas. Monks and nuns generally prefer simple, cheap malas such as wooden malas. Any mala can be used. It is recommended to stay focused on the spiritual practice and the mantras you recite rather than the appearance of the mala or the price it will cost you. Have a look at the top rated
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How To Hold And Count Your Malas
We'd like to point out it is a common occurrence in Tibetan tradition that there aren't strict rules when it comes to malas or the method to determine your mantras. Every person approaches it in a different way. While there are a variety of ways to do it however, it is as much as the way you pray and what your motives are. If you're meditating with your heart, while still using your mala to pray and meditate, then you're doing the right thing! Although some sources suggest you hold the mala in your left arm, others suggest using it in your right. However there are many Tibetans prefer holding the mala with their right hand. If you are holding a prayer wheels in one and mala, it's more typical to have your mala held in the left and the prayer wheel towards the right. Start by holding the "guru" bead, and work your way down. It is possible to hold the bead between your index finger and thumb and repeat the mantra either loudly or quietly. Move on to the next beads by rolling your thumb. Recite the mantra once more before repeating. When you get to the guru bead, you will be able to complete 100 mantras. Most Tibetans are at this point not forget the guru instead, they reverse the direction by rotating their mala, starting a new circuit that is 100 and going back to where they started from. Since we don't know why this is happening, we do it as a habit instead of having a specific motive.
Caring for your Mala
Your mala will grow in spiritual significance as you use it and teach it and maybe even be blessed by your Guru. Although it's not holy in its own right, we must give it respect. It's not meant to be thrown around, placed on the ground, or covered with mundane objects. Tibetans make use of malas to wrap their wrists around or on their necks. They're not designed to be used as necklaces or for self-deprecation, instead, it is a method to display the spirituality. If you aren't using it for some time or you are asleep, you can hang yours in a clean, high spot close to your altar. The bookshelf we keep under the altar is where ours are kept. It's your responsibility to look after it and keep an open mind.
