Mala
is a Sanskrit word, and it is made up of beads used for counting
mantras and offering prayers. People often use Malas to count mantras
and these prayer beads are very popular in Tibetan Buddhist
communities. Wrapped around the wrists or worn as necklaces, BuddhistMalas hold a special place in the lives
of many people.
Let's
understand the meaning of Malas...
Mala, a
Sanskrit word, and often come with 108 prayer beads that are used to
count the number of times a mantra is recited by the practitioner.
Buddhist prayer beads, also known as 'Japa Malas', are similar to
other forms of prayer beads as the purpose in same that is to offer
prayers. In Tibetan Buddhism, 108 beads are used while some
practitioners also use 21 or 28 beads for doing meditation.
The main
use of religious Malas is to count mantras and these can be recited
for different purposes such as for peace of mind, to improve
concentration, and more. These beads can be made from the Bodhi
beads, Rudraksha, or from the wood of Bodhi tree. Lotus root or
rattan seeds are also used to make some general-purpose Malas.
Let's
understand how to use Malas...
A Buddhist Mala usually contains the 108 prayer beads, counter,
spacer, bum counter, marker, Guru bead, amulet and tassel. The number
of beads represent 108 times of the mantra words and the spacers
divide the Mala into four parts. When using it, pass a bead by left
hand and recite the prayer words one time, then go to the next bead.
When you pass the space beads, you need not to recite mantra as they
are meant to know how many beads you passed.
Counting all the beads means you have done with reciting mantra words
108 times and then you can continue with doing it again. Keep moving
the bum counter bead and finish moving it 108 times, which means you
have completed the mantra words 108,000 times. A blessed Mala is more
powerful as compared to a general-purpose Mala.
Blessed prayer beads are believed to protect the practitioners, calm
heart, and keep away all the evils and negativity. The main purpose
of such religious ornaments is to drive away evil and bring peace and
bliss. If you wish to buy these ornaments, you can buy them from
online stores at a reasonable price.
Make sure that you always keep religious Malas at a clean place and
do not wash them with any chemical liquid.
