11-29-2022, 09:47 AM
How To Use Tibetan Prayer Beads. What Are Malas And How Do They Work?
Mala is Sanskrit's original term for prayer beads. They are used to be used to count mantra recitations. Tibetan Buddhist communities throughout the world have an abundance of malas. These beads are placed on wrists or hanging from the fingers of people. They are called trengwa when they're Tibetan. Since a common element of Tibetan Buddhist practice is repeating (mentally or loudly) certain mantras thousands or many times, it's beneficial to use the rosary to count the number of prayers as a sort of spiritual abacus. Even when the mantra isn't said, it could be used to quiet the mind and aid in focusing. The most common kind of mala is a string made of 108 beads, made of precious or semi-precious stones wood, seeds or even bone. It is believed that you have completed 100 mantras time you move through the mala. You have 8 extra beads to cover any mistakes or miscounts made throughout the course. A head bead that is bigger than other beads, is available. Sometimes, it is referred to as"guru beads "guru beads" and is used to make up for any miscounts or mistakes that you might have made on the route. Sometimes, malas will have some extra precious stones added at various intervals, for example, coral or turquoise, for instance. These stones are usually placed at intervals that are used to count. For instance, after 27 beads, you'll know you've completed a quarter of the circuit. The counter beads are an additional meaning that your total count is 111 instead of 108. It is also possible to make use of a smaller mala for prostrations, which is comprised of 27 beads. The smaller size is wrapped around the wrist and repeated four times. It is possible to use different combinations (e.g. 22 or 21). As long as you are able make use of your mala to count and count, you're good.
Types of Malas
There are many kinds and designs of malas. They range from ivory and bones to sandalwood, lapis lazuli and crystal. We don't think that the kind of mala you choose to use is crucial for the type or type of prayer you are using. We believe that Tibetans aren't very picky about the types of malas they use. Monks or nuns usually use simple, cheap malas such as wooden malas. You are able to make use of any mala that you want. It is best to focus your attention on the spiritual practice which includes chanting and praying instead of the beauty or significance of your mala. See the most popular Tibetan Bracelet for info.
![[Image: malabeadsmala-collective-585.jpg]](https://www.yogajournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/malabeadsmala-collective-585.jpg)
How To Hold And Count Your Malas
We would like to state that, as is the case in Tibetan tradition, that there are no absolute rules with regard to malas and how to count your mantras. Each person does it in a different way. There are many common methods of doing things but they're not as important as your intent and mindset when you pray. If you are praying from your heart with your mala, it is a good thing. Although some sources recommend holding the mala with your left hand however, some Tibetans also hold them in the right hand. If you're holding a prayer rod with one hand, while holding the mala and your mala on the other hand, it's easier to hold the mala in the left hand , while the prayer rod is held in the right. To use your mala, begin by placing the first bead that is located next to the "guru" bead. Now, hold the mala between the thumb and index fingers. Repeat your mantra a few times loudly or slowly. After that, move on to the next bead , and repeat your mantra a second time. Once you are at the next guru bead , you will have completed 100 mantras. Most Tibetans have stopped at this point and then reverse their course. They turn the mala round and begin a new circuit of 100. We're not sure what the reason happens, and yet we practice it out of habit rather than due to any reason.
Caring for your Mala
Your mala will become more significant spiritually as you use to recite mantras, bring it along to sessions, and get it blessed, perhaps by your guru. Even though it's not sacred in and of itself, we should give it respect. It is not to be thrown around, placed on the ground or covered with objects of everyday use. Tibetans make use of malas to wrap around their wrists or on their necks. They're not intended to be used as necklaces or for self-deprecation, instead, it is a method to show the spirituality. It can be hung in a prominent spot such as close to your altar or on the wall if you don't use it for long. Ours is actually kept on a special bookshelf beneath our altar. It's your responsibility to care for it, and keep your eyes open.
![[Image: IMG_7311__44303.1408944308.400.400_large...1411132052]](http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0655/2887/products/IMG_7311__44303.1408944308.400.400_large.jpg?v\u003d1411132052)
Mala is Sanskrit's original term for prayer beads. They are used to be used to count mantra recitations. Tibetan Buddhist communities throughout the world have an abundance of malas. These beads are placed on wrists or hanging from the fingers of people. They are called trengwa when they're Tibetan. Since a common element of Tibetan Buddhist practice is repeating (mentally or loudly) certain mantras thousands or many times, it's beneficial to use the rosary to count the number of prayers as a sort of spiritual abacus. Even when the mantra isn't said, it could be used to quiet the mind and aid in focusing. The most common kind of mala is a string made of 108 beads, made of precious or semi-precious stones wood, seeds or even bone. It is believed that you have completed 100 mantras time you move through the mala. You have 8 extra beads to cover any mistakes or miscounts made throughout the course. A head bead that is bigger than other beads, is available. Sometimes, it is referred to as"guru beads "guru beads" and is used to make up for any miscounts or mistakes that you might have made on the route. Sometimes, malas will have some extra precious stones added at various intervals, for example, coral or turquoise, for instance. These stones are usually placed at intervals that are used to count. For instance, after 27 beads, you'll know you've completed a quarter of the circuit. The counter beads are an additional meaning that your total count is 111 instead of 108. It is also possible to make use of a smaller mala for prostrations, which is comprised of 27 beads. The smaller size is wrapped around the wrist and repeated four times. It is possible to use different combinations (e.g. 22 or 21). As long as you are able make use of your mala to count and count, you're good.
Types of Malas
There are many kinds and designs of malas. They range from ivory and bones to sandalwood, lapis lazuli and crystal. We don't think that the kind of mala you choose to use is crucial for the type or type of prayer you are using. We believe that Tibetans aren't very picky about the types of malas they use. Monks or nuns usually use simple, cheap malas such as wooden malas. You are able to make use of any mala that you want. It is best to focus your attention on the spiritual practice which includes chanting and praying instead of the beauty or significance of your mala. See the most popular Tibetan Bracelet for info.
How To Hold And Count Your Malas
We would like to state that, as is the case in Tibetan tradition, that there are no absolute rules with regard to malas and how to count your mantras. Each person does it in a different way. There are many common methods of doing things but they're not as important as your intent and mindset when you pray. If you are praying from your heart with your mala, it is a good thing. Although some sources recommend holding the mala with your left hand however, some Tibetans also hold them in the right hand. If you're holding a prayer rod with one hand, while holding the mala and your mala on the other hand, it's easier to hold the mala in the left hand , while the prayer rod is held in the right. To use your mala, begin by placing the first bead that is located next to the "guru" bead. Now, hold the mala between the thumb and index fingers. Repeat your mantra a few times loudly or slowly. After that, move on to the next bead , and repeat your mantra a second time. Once you are at the next guru bead , you will have completed 100 mantras. Most Tibetans have stopped at this point and then reverse their course. They turn the mala round and begin a new circuit of 100. We're not sure what the reason happens, and yet we practice it out of habit rather than due to any reason.
Caring for your Mala
Your mala will become more significant spiritually as you use to recite mantras, bring it along to sessions, and get it blessed, perhaps by your guru. Even though it's not sacred in and of itself, we should give it respect. It is not to be thrown around, placed on the ground or covered with objects of everyday use. Tibetans make use of malas to wrap around their wrists or on their necks. They're not intended to be used as necklaces or for self-deprecation, instead, it is a method to show the spirituality. It can be hung in a prominent spot such as close to your altar or on the wall if you don't use it for long. Ours is actually kept on a special bookshelf beneath our altar. It's your responsibility to care for it, and keep your eyes open.