Malas/Prayer Beads
Buddhist prayer malas/beads are used for counting sacred mantras (prayers). The main idea of using mala beads is to drive away the evil and fill you and all beings with peace and harmony. The most common use of Buddhist prayer mala beads is for the recitation of a mantra; like “Om Mani Padme Hum”. I use that as well as the “Hare Krishna Chant” just for a change of pace. Use these prayer beads with the intention to bring greater happiness, joy, loving-kindness and serenity into the world. One interpretation of this prayer is ‘om mani padme hum.’ During recitation, this phrase is repeated over and over again according to how many beads are on a person’s strand of mala beads. Traditionally, there are 108 beads on a strand of mala beads. The origin of is the sacred number related astrologically to the 12 astrological houses, multiplied by the 9 planets in our solar system. Monks usually have mala beads with 108 beads, where as a lay person may have a strand numbering in 30 or 40 beads.
Typically, monks’ mala beads are made of wood from the Bodhi tree. In Tibet, mala strands often contain parts of semi-precious stones. In this culture, the most valued strands are made of bones of holy men or lamas.
One can also use wrist malas. The wrist Mala was created out of necessity make it easy to use for prostrations, and for convenience when traveling. A wrist Mala can be safely held in the hand while doing a period of prostration’s. You can imagine how a long necklace or Mala would flop around during prostrating, so wrist Malas are a natural solution to this dilemma.
HOW TO USE BUDDHIST MALA BEADS
You use the mala by moving it through your fingers beginning at the first bead after the Guru bead. Each time you recite one compete mantra you then cross to the next bead. Once you have gone one round across the Mala and reach the Guru bead you reverse directions. Many people believe that you do not cross over the Guru bead as a sign of respect or good attitude of mind towards a spiritual teacher.
Keep your mala off of the ground, as it true with all sacred objects, including books and other ritual instruments of spiritual practice. If the Mala falls on the ground, you are supposed to touch the crown of your head while reciting, Om Ah Hum, three times. It really is not necessary, just gently scold yourself for mindlessness. Do not let your mala get wet when bathing or swimming. This may weaken the cording which many Malas are strung with. It is also a good idea not to sleep with it as it may get broken during your slumber. I did this once myself. I find it useful to wear and use to keep my mind always in touch with my practice.
Hello;
Glad to have found your blog
I have a question about not letting mala beads touch the ground. For some reason I didn’t think there would be a problem with that since the earth is, well, the Earth. I can see how carelessness with the beads would be disrespectful, but I don’t understand why contact with the ground/earth would be so bad?
Malas are used by Buddhists among others. They are to be kept on a ‘higher place’. Touching the ground with them is considered disrespectful. Taoists who consider Earth one of the five elements would most likely not be so horrified.