11-29-2022, 11:11:24
How To Use Tibetan Prayer Beads. What Exactly Are Malas And How Do They Work?
Mala is the primary Sanskrit term for prayer beads that are used to count mantra and recitations. Malas are commonplace in Tibetan Buddhist communities all over the world, wrapped around wrists or hanging from the fingers, along with repetition of mantras in a humming manner, such as Om mani padme, Om tare tuttare, ture soha or om mun maha muniye saha. They are also known as trengwa in Tibetan. They are also called trengwa in Tibetan. Even when you're not counting, the repetition of the mantra bead-by-bead through the mala is a great way to quiet and concentrate the mind. A string of 108 beads that are made from precious, semi-precious and/or seed stones, wood , or seeds, is the most frequently used type of mala. If you can finish 100 mantra recitations moving through the mala by saying a mantra each for every single bead you will be considered to have achieved. The 8 extra beads to serve as "spares" to help cover any errors or miscounts that you may make. The head bead, which is larger than other beads, is available. It is sometimes called a "guru beads" and is utilized to compensate for any miscounts or mistakes that you might have made on the route. Some malas might include additional precious stones such as turquoise or coral, added at different intervals. These stones may be added in intervals you are able to count, like after 27 beads. This will let you know that you are only 1/4 of the circuit. These extra counter beads mean that your total number of beads would be 111, instead of the usual 108. A smaller mala that has 27 beads, which is worn around the wrist is also a great option to make prostitution. The smaller size mala is wrapped around the hand and then repeated four times. It is possible to create various configurations (e.g. 22 or 21). So long as you are able use your mala to count and count, you're good.
Types of Malas
There are numerous kinds of malas, ranging from ivory and bone to lapis-lazuli, sandalwood or crystal, or "Bodhi seed" (actually created from Rudraksha seeds) or "lotus seed" (actually made from Rattan seeds). While there are many theories on what kind of mala is the best for each kind of prayer however, we don't think it is a big deal. And we think that most other Tibetans don't make big distinctions about types of malas, neither do we. Monks or nuns usually make use of simple malas such as wooden ones. You can choose any kind of mala. It is better to focus on your spiritual practice of praying and reciting mantras rather than looking at the design or the value of your mala. See the recommended Bodhi Beads Mala for more.
![[Image: Monk-Beads-Necklace-Category.jpg]](https://monkmala.com/wp-content/uploads/Monk-Beads-Necklace-Category.jpg)
How To Keep Your Malas And Count
We want to state that, as Tibetan tradition is widely known that there aren't specific rules regarding malas, or the way of counting your mantras. Everybody does it slightly differently. There are many methods of doing things, however these are not nearly so much as the intention of your heart and the way of praying. You are doing the right thing if you pray in your heart and use your mala. While some sources suggest that you place the mala on your left hand, other sources recommend using it in your right. But, many Tibetans prefer holding the mala in their right hand. It is normal to hold the mala in one hand, with your prayer wheel on another. The mala can be used by beginning with the one closest to the "guru". You can hold the bead between your thumb and index finger and repeat your mantra, either quietly or loudly. Then, move on to the next beads by rolling your thumb. Recite the mantra once more, and then repeat. By the time you reach the Guru bead, you'll have completed 100 mantras. Most Tibetans do not stop using the beads that are gurus at this point. They instead turn the mala in the opposite direction, and start a new circuit and 100 mantras. We don't know what the reason is the case, but we do it out of habit rather than due to any reason.
Caring for your Mala
The mala you choose to use will gain spiritual significance as you use and teach it and maybe even have it blessed by your Guru. While it's not in itself as sacred as an idol or a fragment of Buddhist text, it is something is usually treated with respect. This means you would not place it on the ground, place ordinary objects on top of or throw it away. Tibetans wear their malas on their necks and wrists when not using them. Malas aren't worn as necklaces, although they are a great way to embellish the neck or to show spirituality. If you aren't using it for some time or you are asleep, you can hang yours in a high, clean location close to your altar. We keep ours on a bookcase beneath our altar. It is entirely your responsibility to give it the love and respect with a practical and non-extremist mindset.
![[Image: IMG_2528-400x300.JPG]](https://ambermaster.eu/image/cache/catalog/ambermaster/Mala/7-20-M/IMG_2528-400x300.JPG)
Mala is the primary Sanskrit term for prayer beads that are used to count mantra and recitations. Malas are commonplace in Tibetan Buddhist communities all over the world, wrapped around wrists or hanging from the fingers, along with repetition of mantras in a humming manner, such as Om mani padme, Om tare tuttare, ture soha or om mun maha muniye saha. They are also known as trengwa in Tibetan. They are also called trengwa in Tibetan. Even when you're not counting, the repetition of the mantra bead-by-bead through the mala is a great way to quiet and concentrate the mind. A string of 108 beads that are made from precious, semi-precious and/or seed stones, wood , or seeds, is the most frequently used type of mala. If you can finish 100 mantra recitations moving through the mala by saying a mantra each for every single bead you will be considered to have achieved. The 8 extra beads to serve as "spares" to help cover any errors or miscounts that you may make. The head bead, which is larger than other beads, is available. It is sometimes called a "guru beads" and is utilized to compensate for any miscounts or mistakes that you might have made on the route. Some malas might include additional precious stones such as turquoise or coral, added at different intervals. These stones may be added in intervals you are able to count, like after 27 beads. This will let you know that you are only 1/4 of the circuit. These extra counter beads mean that your total number of beads would be 111, instead of the usual 108. A smaller mala that has 27 beads, which is worn around the wrist is also a great option to make prostitution. The smaller size mala is wrapped around the hand and then repeated four times. It is possible to create various configurations (e.g. 22 or 21). So long as you are able use your mala to count and count, you're good.
Types of Malas
There are numerous kinds of malas, ranging from ivory and bone to lapis-lazuli, sandalwood or crystal, or "Bodhi seed" (actually created from Rudraksha seeds) or "lotus seed" (actually made from Rattan seeds). While there are many theories on what kind of mala is the best for each kind of prayer however, we don't think it is a big deal. And we think that most other Tibetans don't make big distinctions about types of malas, neither do we. Monks or nuns usually make use of simple malas such as wooden ones. You can choose any kind of mala. It is better to focus on your spiritual practice of praying and reciting mantras rather than looking at the design or the value of your mala. See the recommended Bodhi Beads Mala for more.
How To Keep Your Malas And Count
We want to state that, as Tibetan tradition is widely known that there aren't specific rules regarding malas, or the way of counting your mantras. Everybody does it slightly differently. There are many methods of doing things, however these are not nearly so much as the intention of your heart and the way of praying. You are doing the right thing if you pray in your heart and use your mala. While some sources suggest that you place the mala on your left hand, other sources recommend using it in your right. But, many Tibetans prefer holding the mala in their right hand. It is normal to hold the mala in one hand, with your prayer wheel on another. The mala can be used by beginning with the one closest to the "guru". You can hold the bead between your thumb and index finger and repeat your mantra, either quietly or loudly. Then, move on to the next beads by rolling your thumb. Recite the mantra once more, and then repeat. By the time you reach the Guru bead, you'll have completed 100 mantras. Most Tibetans do not stop using the beads that are gurus at this point. They instead turn the mala in the opposite direction, and start a new circuit and 100 mantras. We don't know what the reason is the case, but we do it out of habit rather than due to any reason.
Caring for your Mala
The mala you choose to use will gain spiritual significance as you use and teach it and maybe even have it blessed by your Guru. While it's not in itself as sacred as an idol or a fragment of Buddhist text, it is something is usually treated with respect. This means you would not place it on the ground, place ordinary objects on top of or throw it away. Tibetans wear their malas on their necks and wrists when not using them. Malas aren't worn as necklaces, although they are a great way to embellish the neck or to show spirituality. If you aren't using it for some time or you are asleep, you can hang yours in a high, clean location close to your altar. We keep ours on a bookcase beneath our altar. It is entirely your responsibility to give it the love and respect with a practical and non-extremist mindset.