How To Utilize Tibetan Prayer Beads. What Are Malas
Mala, the Sanskrit word for the first prayer beads that are used to count mantra recitations, is also referred to as mala. Tibetan Buddhist communities throughout the world are awash with malas. They are placed on wrists or hanging from their fingers. They are also referred to as trengwa by Tibetans. You can use your rosary to count the number of prayers. Even if it isn't necessary to count, the mantra could be repeated as you move beads by pieces through the mala. This helps to calm your mind and keep it focused. The string is composed of 108 beads that is composed of precious, semi-precious and/or seed stones, wood or seeds, is the most popular type of mala. You're counted as having completed 100 mantra recitations each time you move around the mala. To make up any mistakes or miscounts, an additional 8 beads are utilized as "spare". There are also head bead, which is larger than the others. This is to compensate for any mistakes or miscounts that you made in the course. Certain malas could have additional precious stones, like turquoise or coral that are added at various intervals. Sometimes, these stones are added at intervals where can be counted, for instance, after 27 beads. It would result in the number of beads 111 instead of 108, if you were to add these counter beads. Another smaller mala is suitable for wrist use that has 27 beads. It's utilized to make prostrations. This is where the smaller size is wrapped around the hand, and repeated four times. You can make other combinations (21 or 22 for example) and it is nothing to worry about so long as your mala is able to count.
Types of Malas
There are numerous types that you can choose from, including ivory and bone, sandalwood and lazis liii or crystal. While there are many theories on the type of mala that is the best for each type of prayer however, we don't think it is a big deal. We also think that Tibetans don't have a lot of choice in the kinds of malas they use. Monks, nuns, and others tend to use basic and basic malas such as wooden ones. Any mala can be used. It is important to remain concentrated on the practice of spirituality and the mantras you repeat rather than how the mala looks or the price it will cost you. See the top
Bodhi Tree Seeds for examples.
How To Hold And Count Using Your Malas
We'd like to make it clear, as Tibetan culture is well-known, that there aren't any strict rules about malas, or the process of counting your mantras. Everyone does it in a different way. There are a few common practices, but they do not affect your intention or your way of praying. If you are praying in your heart and using your mala, then you are doing a great job! Some sources recommend holding the mala using the left hand. However, some Tibetans hold it in their right hand. If you've got the prayer wheel on one hand, and a mala in the other one, it is common to carry the mala with the left hand, and the prayer wheel in the right. Begin with the one closest to the "guru" and then use your mala the way you normally would. Place the bead between your index finger and thumb, and repeat your mantra out loud or silently. Through a rolling motion of the thumb, you can move on to the next bead. Once you have completed your mantra, repeat it again. Once you reach the guru bead , you have completed 100 mantras and don't need to count them all. The majority of Tibetans are not going to abandon the beads that are gurus at this moment. They instead turn the mala in the opposite direction, and start a new circuit and 100 mantras. Since we don't know why it is, we just do it out of habit and not for any particular reason.
Caring for your Mala
In general, your mala will grow in spiritual significance when you utilize it for mantra recitations. You can also bring it to teachings and possibly be blessed by your Guru. Although it's not as sacred as the Buddhist statue or piece of scripture, it is something we usually treat with respect. That means you should not set it in the dirt, set things that are commonplace on top of or throw it away. Tibetans keep their malas wrapped around their wrists or on their necks when they are not using them. It is not recommended to wear them as necklaces. It is best to hang it up high, in front of the altar if you aren't using it for long periods of time or when you are sleeping. It's kept in a bookcase under our altar. It's your responsibility to care for it and keep your eyes open.
