11-29-2022, 05:57 AM
How Do You Utilize Tibetan Prayer Beads. What Are Malas And How Do They Function?
Mala, the Sanskrit term for the original prayer beads that are used to count mantra and recitations is also referred to as mala. Malas are commonplace throughout Tibetan Buddhist communities all over all over the world, tied around wrists or hanging from fingers, accompanied by repetition of mantras in a humming manner, such as om mani padme hum, Om tare tuttare, ture soha or om mun maha muniye saha. They are referred to as trengwa in Tibetan. Since a common part of Tibetan Buddhist practice is repeating (mentally or out loud) specific mantras thousands or even hundreds of thousands of times, it's important to use your Rosary to count off the number of prayers like a spiritual abacus. Even when you're not counting, the repetition of the mantra bead-by-bead through the mala can help to relax and concentrate the mind. The string with 108 beads is by far the most popular type of mala. It can be constructed from semi-precious stones or precious stones as well as seeds, wood, or even bone. If you can perform 100 mantra recitations walking around the mala by saying the mantra for every bead then you're considered accomplished. There are 8 additional beads to compensate for any miscounts and mistakes made during the process. Additionally, you will find head beads, which are larger than the others. The head beads are used to compensate for any mistakes or miscounts you make during the course. Malas may contain additional precious stones that are placed at different intervals. They could contain turquoise or coral. These are sometimes added at intervals that you could use to count, for instance, after 27 beads, for example, so that you know you are one-quarter of the total distance through a circuit. These additional counter beads indicate that the total count of beads would be 111, rather than the usual 108. A smaller mala that has 27 beads, which is worn around the wrist could also be used for prostrations. The smaller mala size is wrapped around your wrist and then repeated four times. Different configurations are possible such as 22 or 21 and 22. However, this isn't a problem as long your mala is able to count.
Types of Malas
There are many different types of malas. Some are made of bone or ivory, while others are made of lapis-lazuli or sandalwood. While we've read a lot of theories about what kind of mala is best for this or that kind of prayer, we don't believe it is important so much which kind of mala you use. And we think that most other Tibetans do not make any big distinctions between different mala types, too. Monks and nuns use malas that are easy and simple to keep including wooden ones. Every mala is a good choice. It is better to focus on your spiritual practice of prayer and reciting mantras instead of on the appearance or worth of your mala. Check out the recommended Authentic Bodhi Seed Mala for info.
![[Image: NIS37h-tibetan-mala.jpg]](https://www.ethnicadornment.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/NIS37h-tibetan-mala.jpg)
How To Hold Your Malas And Count
As is often the case in Tibetan tradition, we would like to emphasize that there aren't any rules regarding malas or how to count mantras. Everyone does it in a different way. There are common methods of doing things, however these are not nearly so much as your intention and your way of praying. If you're meditating with your heart and using your mala to pray and meditate, then you're doing the right thing! While some sources suggest that you should hold the mala with your left hand, other sources recommend using it on your right. But there are many Tibetans prefer to hold the mala with their right hand. It is possible to have an instrument for prayer in one hand, and mala in the second. It is recommended to hold the mala in your left hand, and the prayer tool on your right. Your mala can be used by beginning by placing the bead closest to the "guru". Keep the mala between your thumb (or index finger) and hold it there. Repeat the mantra silently or loudly. Then, you can move to the next bead and recite your mantra once more. After you reach the next guru bead , you will have completed 100 mantras. At this point, the majority of Tibetans do not cross the guru's message, but instead reverse direction by turning the mala around and starting a new circuit of 100 before returning the direction they came. In truth, we don't know why this is. It's more of a habit than anything.
Caring for your Mala
Your mala will have a greater spiritual meaning if you make use of it to recite mantras. You may also take it to a class or have it blessed and blessed by your Guru. It's not holy in and of its own, but it's something that we take care of with respect. It is therefore not recommended to place it on the floor, pile mundane objects on it or throw it. Tibetans tie their malas around their necks and wrists even when they are not in use. They should not be worn as a necklace. It is able to be hung on a wall , or the right height for you to see it from your altar , if you don't really need it. Ours is kept on a specific bookcase beneath our altar. It is entirely up to you to show it love and care and keep a sensible non-extremist, non-confrontational attitude.
![[Image: X45a.JPG]](https://www.truebalticamber.com/images/detailed/101/X45a.JPG)
Mala, the Sanskrit term for the original prayer beads that are used to count mantra and recitations is also referred to as mala. Malas are commonplace throughout Tibetan Buddhist communities all over all over the world, tied around wrists or hanging from fingers, accompanied by repetition of mantras in a humming manner, such as om mani padme hum, Om tare tuttare, ture soha or om mun maha muniye saha. They are referred to as trengwa in Tibetan. Since a common part of Tibetan Buddhist practice is repeating (mentally or out loud) specific mantras thousands or even hundreds of thousands of times, it's important to use your Rosary to count off the number of prayers like a spiritual abacus. Even when you're not counting, the repetition of the mantra bead-by-bead through the mala can help to relax and concentrate the mind. The string with 108 beads is by far the most popular type of mala. It can be constructed from semi-precious stones or precious stones as well as seeds, wood, or even bone. If you can perform 100 mantra recitations walking around the mala by saying the mantra for every bead then you're considered accomplished. There are 8 additional beads to compensate for any miscounts and mistakes made during the process. Additionally, you will find head beads, which are larger than the others. The head beads are used to compensate for any mistakes or miscounts you make during the course. Malas may contain additional precious stones that are placed at different intervals. They could contain turquoise or coral. These are sometimes added at intervals that you could use to count, for instance, after 27 beads, for example, so that you know you are one-quarter of the total distance through a circuit. These additional counter beads indicate that the total count of beads would be 111, rather than the usual 108. A smaller mala that has 27 beads, which is worn around the wrist could also be used for prostrations. The smaller mala size is wrapped around your wrist and then repeated four times. Different configurations are possible such as 22 or 21 and 22. However, this isn't a problem as long your mala is able to count.
Types of Malas
There are many different types of malas. Some are made of bone or ivory, while others are made of lapis-lazuli or sandalwood. While we've read a lot of theories about what kind of mala is best for this or that kind of prayer, we don't believe it is important so much which kind of mala you use. And we think that most other Tibetans do not make any big distinctions between different mala types, too. Monks and nuns use malas that are easy and simple to keep including wooden ones. Every mala is a good choice. It is better to focus on your spiritual practice of prayer and reciting mantras instead of on the appearance or worth of your mala. Check out the recommended Authentic Bodhi Seed Mala for info.
How To Hold Your Malas And Count
As is often the case in Tibetan tradition, we would like to emphasize that there aren't any rules regarding malas or how to count mantras. Everyone does it in a different way. There are common methods of doing things, however these are not nearly so much as your intention and your way of praying. If you're meditating with your heart and using your mala to pray and meditate, then you're doing the right thing! While some sources suggest that you should hold the mala with your left hand, other sources recommend using it on your right. But there are many Tibetans prefer to hold the mala with their right hand. It is possible to have an instrument for prayer in one hand, and mala in the second. It is recommended to hold the mala in your left hand, and the prayer tool on your right. Your mala can be used by beginning by placing the bead closest to the "guru". Keep the mala between your thumb (or index finger) and hold it there. Repeat the mantra silently or loudly. Then, you can move to the next bead and recite your mantra once more. After you reach the next guru bead , you will have completed 100 mantras. At this point, the majority of Tibetans do not cross the guru's message, but instead reverse direction by turning the mala around and starting a new circuit of 100 before returning the direction they came. In truth, we don't know why this is. It's more of a habit than anything.
Caring for your Mala
Your mala will have a greater spiritual meaning if you make use of it to recite mantras. You may also take it to a class or have it blessed and blessed by your Guru. It's not holy in and of its own, but it's something that we take care of with respect. It is therefore not recommended to place it on the floor, pile mundane objects on it or throw it. Tibetans tie their malas around their necks and wrists even when they are not in use. They should not be worn as a necklace. It is able to be hung on a wall , or the right height for you to see it from your altar , if you don't really need it. Ours is kept on a specific bookcase beneath our altar. It is entirely up to you to show it love and care and keep a sensible non-extremist, non-confrontational attitude.