How To Utilize Tibetan Prayer Beads. What Exactly Are Malas Specifically?
Mala is the Sanskrit name for the original prayer beads that are used to make a count of mantra repetitions. Within Tibetan Buddhist communities across the world, malas can be found in every corner. They can be hung around wrists or suspended off fingers. They are known as trengwa Tibetan. Since Tibetan Buddhist practice often involves repetition of certain mantras loudly or mentally, thousands, or perhaps hundreds of thousands times, it is beneficial to keep track of the number of prayers by using your rosary as a kind of spiritual Abacus. Even when the mantra isn't said, it could be used to relax your mind and assist in keeping it focused. The string is composed of 108 beads that is made of semi-precious, precious, or seeds, such as wood or seeds, is the most commonly used type of mala. When you've completed 100 mantra recitations, every time you move around the mala and say an appropriate mantra for each one of its beads, you're considered to be fully. The eight additional beads are designed to be "spare" in the event that you do make mistakes or miss count during the course. There's another head bead, one that is larger than the others, and it is often called a "guru bead." Some believe this particular bead is of special significance, as representing one's guru for example, but very practically this is the point of entry for the circuit and is not counted among the 108 total. Sometimes, malas will contain additional precious stones added at various intervals, like some turquoise or coral for example. These stones are often added at intervals which are used to count. For example at the end of 27 beads, you'll know that you've completed a quarter of a circuit. Counter beads are added, and your total number of beads will be 111, not 108. Also, you can make use of a smaller mala for prostrations that is made of 27 beads. It is wrapped around the hand and repeated four times. You can also make other arrangements, of 22 or 21, for example but that's not a problem as long as you have your mala for counting.
Types of Malas
There are numerous kinds of malas, from ivory and bone to sandalwood and lapis lazuli or crystal, or "Bodhi seed" (actually created from Rudraksha seeds) or "lotus seed" (actually made of the seed of rattan). We've read and seen numerous theories about what kind of mala is suitable for this or that type of prayer, we do not believe that it's important as much what kind of mala you pick. We believe that the majority of other Tibetans don't have any major distinctions in the kinds of malas neither do we. Monks and nuns typically make use of simple and cheap malas, such as wooden ones. It is possible to make use of any mala that you want. It is recommended to stay concentrated on the practice of spirituality and the mantras that you recite rather than the appearance of the mala or the price it will cost you. Have a look at the best
Authentic Bodhi Seed Mala for more.
How To Handle And Count Your Malas
Like is the norm in Tibetan culture, we want to emphasize that there aren't any rules concerning malas, or how to count mantras. Every person approaches it in a different manner. While there are many ways to pray but they aren't as important much as the way you pray and what your motives are. If you're praying with your heart, while still using your mala to pray and meditate, then you're doing the right thing! Certain sources suggest holding the mala with the left hand. But some Tibetans use it with their right hand. If you have prayer wheels in one and mala, it's more typical to have your mala held in the left and the prayer wheel to the right. It is possible to use your mala by beginning with the first bead near the "guru". Now, hold the mala between the thumb and index fingers. Repeat your mantra once at a time, either slowly or loudly. By rolling the thumb, move onto the next bead. When you've finished your mantra, repeat it again. After you reach the next guru bead , you are done with 100 mantras. Most Tibetans do not leave the guru's bead at this moment. Instead, they reverse their direction and then turn the mala around to begin a new journey by chanting 100 mantras before returning to the original route. We're not sure the reason why this is so, and we do this out of habit, rather than for any special reason.
Caring for your Mala
Your mala will have a higher spiritual meaning if utilize it to perform mantra recitations. You can also bring it to a class or have it blessed and blessed by your Guru. Although it's not as sacred as a Buddhist scripture or statue but it's still something we respect. That means you should not put it on the ground, set ordinary objects on top of or throw it away. Tibetans wear their malas on their wrists or on their necks when they are not in use. They're not intended to be used as necklaces or for self-deprecation, but rather as a way to show spirituality. If you're not using it for a few minutes, or are asleep at night, you can put it up in a tidy or high-up spot, perhaps close to your altar. The bookcase we have under the altar is where ours is kept. It's your responsibility to look after it and to keep your eyes open.
