Buddhist Prayer Beads : Malas

Buddhist prayer mala beads is a set of prayer beads that are used in Tibet, It has 108 strands of beads. The beads have many shapes, sizes and meaning. But its purpose is the same, to aid the worshipper to keep track of the number of times he recited a prayer, incantations or mantra. For the Buddhist the Buddhist prayer mala beads symbolize the impurities, or sins a worshipper must surpass in order to achieve Nirvana.

The origin of the number of beads is associated to the twelve astrological houses, which is the zodiac signs and multiplied by the 9 planets of our solar system. This numbers are of major importance because it signifies the mental state of the worshipper in order to reach nirvana. Buddhist monks wear 108 beads, whereas an ordinary worshipper may only wear 30 to 40 bead strands.

Buddhist prayer malas are made of woods from Bodhi tree. Or it may contain semi-precious stones; the most valued beads are made up of bones of the lamas or holy men. Three large beads divide the beads itself. The end piece is called “djore” which means thunderbolt and “drilbu” the bell. These three Jewels represent Buddha, the doctrine and the community. Though each design and appearance may differ among worshippers who use the mala beads, the general purpose is to create a sense of inner peace and calm for the individual and for the whole community as well. By reciting the incantations, the purification process begins and toxins will leave, and therefore a sense of peace will come in making the worshipper closer in achieving his goal of enlightened nirvana.

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