Hidden Secrets and Meaning of Buddhist Malas Beads

In our previous blogs, we discussed the significance of Buddhist malas in Tibetan culture, different types, and their properties. Now, we'll discuss the main element that makes these malas worth using: the mala beads.

These beads are similar to another form of beads but hold a special spiritual significance in the lives of people due to their unique properties and power. They are meant to make you aware and stay focused during meditation.

Let's have a look at some interesting facts about Buddhist mala beads and why they are unique from other forms of beads…

1. On a mala or strand, there are generally 108 beads to count mantras and there are many stories associated with this number. Some say there are 108 stages on the journey of life while others believe that there are 108 energy lines connecting to the heart and reciting mantras that many times purify our body and soul.

2. Amber, Agate, Black Obsidian, Amethyst, Black Onyx, Coral, Swarovski Crystal, Nephrite Jade, Fresh Water Pearl, River Stone, Sodalite, and Turquoise are some popular natural gemstones used as a mala bead. Some of these stones are known to improve self-worth while others to keep away the negative energies.

3. The basic function of beads is to understand the meaning of the mantra while reciting it many times. In simple words, one who recite mantras using a mala can concentrate more on counting repetitions and dig into the actual meaning of mantras before moving to the next bead. It means beads are meant to make mantras clearer by improving concentration.

4. Our of 108 beads, 8 are considered as extra while doing a practice of counting the number of mantras. These 8 beads are meant to cover any omissions or errors whereas only 100 are counted as completed. Some people believe that the extra 8 beads are meant to offer prayers to one's Guru.

5. Many people believe that Buddhist mala beads are blessed to drive away evil and fill one's life with happiness and peace. Use of strands is linked with improved concentration, happiness and serenity that comes with meditation. This material object is a source to gain insight into the motive behind one's life.

Buddhist malas beads are mainly used to gain insight of the true path to enlightenment and this is why people also wear spiritual ornaments...
 

Significance of Ganesh Pendant and Buddhist Malas in Tibetan Culture

There are variety of symbols and ornaments used in Tibetan culture and each has a unique significance. Some popular symbols include Ganesh pendant, Buddhist malas, Buddhist bracelets, prayer boxes, gemstones, Om symbol and much more. These ornaments are well known for their rich historical antecedents and usefulness in the spiritual world. There are some facts that make these ornaments everyone's favorite and popular items of Buddhism.

Ganesh Pendant: Ganesh is known as the 'Remover of Obstacles' and also the Lord of Good fortune and because of many attributes, he is widely worshiped by many people. People wear Ganesh jewelry to express their devotion and as a symbol of good luck. The symbolism of elephant-headed God primarily lies with patience, honor, stability, and strength.

Why People Wear Ganesh Ornaments?

From the Hindu and Buddhism mythology, Ganesh is the God of luck, fortune, wisdom, power and protection. Ganesh jewelry have been popular from decades and it is said that wearing these ornaments is like a blessing on whatever you do. Some also use spiritual pendants as amulets or protection charms as they believe that wearing such kind of ornaments protect them from evil spirits and all negativities. A pendant is normally worn around the neck so that it can protect the heart and the entire body. Ganesh is portrayed in different ways such as standing, crawling, dancing, or seated and you can choose any image to wear as a pendant.

Buddhist Malas: A mala, also known as Threngwa or trenwa, is a very sacred object for Tibetan Buddhists as well as Hindus. Since ancient times malas have been used to chant mantras during deity yoga and offer prayers. It is believed that these strands get charged with the energy of mantras and, therefore, treated with great care and devotion. These prayer beads have great significance in Tibetan communities all over the world.

Why People Use Buddhist Malas?

Since chanting mantras and meditation are a common part of Buddhism, the Buddhists need something to stay focused. Therefore, Buddhist use malas to recite mantras and stay focused while they perform Yoga or meditation. The most common type of mala people use to count mantras is a string of 108 beads, and made of either precious or semi-precious stones. Reciting a mantra on each bead means they have completed 100 mantra recitations. It is believed that using malas to meditate  boosts concentration power and, therefore, a lot of students also use them to focus more on their studies. There are many types of strings, from crystal and bone to sandalwood or made from Rudraksha seed.

Caring for Your Spiritual Pendants and Malas
Due to the spiritual significance of Ganesh pendant and Buddhist malas, it is very important to take a good care of these ornaments. When not using your strings, you can hang them on a clean place or keep in a bookshelf. It is all up to you that you treat and respect your spiritual ornaments….

Different Types of Buddhist Malas and Their Unique Properties

Tibetan prayer beads have a broad history and people use them for offering prayers and meditation. In this blog, we'll discuss different types of Buddhist malas and their unique properties in order to have a better understanding of why people use these ornaments to offer prayers.

The term 'mala' indicates a strand which signifies the unity of all things in Buddhism. A normal strand consists of 108 beads while some Tibetan strands also have 111 beads and 27 beads. People use these strands to meditate and get rid of anger, envy and greed and at the same time fill themselves with love, compassion, and peace.

Malas can be worn as a necklace while some prefer wrapping them around their wrist. Here's a list of some different types of strands and why they are special:-

Jade: Jade is also called the stone of heaven and it brings the user a long and prosperous life. It helps with the proper meditation so that once can easily transit to the spiritual world.

Pearl: It is used to enhance integrity and fertility and used by many people across the world. It also signifies purity, innocence, and faith.

Amethyst: It is also called the stone of happiness and spirituality. People use malas made of this stone to balance their emotional, physical, and intellectual bodies.

Granite: This material is used to make strands that represent a balanced relationship and cooperative efforts. It symbolizes wealth and prosperity and allows the person to retain modesty.

Garnet: For creative people, this is the stone that brings out their creativity and help them in their interest. It is also used to bring freshness in life.

Lapis: Those who want to fight depression and boost their creativity, this is the stone that enhances clarity and mental endurance.

Moonstone: It symbolizes balance that helps the user deal with all ups and downs of the life. It helps them balance their life emotionally, physically, and spiritually.

Aquamarine: It symbolizes ocean of love and mercy. People who wear this stone are able to deal with situations from a positive viewpoint.

Black Obsidian: One of the most powerful stone that is used to get an insight into a problem. It works by just gazing into it for a very short time when the user wants to understand something.

The main perspective of Buddhist malas is to drive away evil and fill all beings with peace and happiness.

Meaning Behind Buddhist Malas and Popular Types

Meditation is a popular practice and an important part of Buddhism. Devotees often offer prayers to Lord Buddha by repeating certain mantras using Buddhist malas. The most common type of prayer beads they use is a string of 108 beads and it may be made of a variety of materials like seeds, wood, stones, or even bone. Some people also use wristbands made of 27 beads being easy to carry and use. 

Meaning Behind Buddhist Malas...

Prayer beads are an important part of Buddhism and indeed, both words 'Buddha' and 'Beads' derive from the same name source. They both derive from 'Buddh' a Sanskrit word which means 'self-realization'. It simply indicates that the ultimate goal behind these names is to encourage people to attain a supreme state of bliss in their life.

Mala - a strand of beads can consist of 108, 54, 27, 21 or 19 beads and is often used as a meditation aid since the 10^th century, as discussed by various devotees. According to those who meditate on daily basis using malas believe that it allows them to focus their mind on a single object or task. Therefore, a string is a powerful tool used for improving concentration and wellness.

Devotees believe that chanting with 108 beads mala help them stay focused and reach an interior state of self-realization. Meditating with blessed beads make people realize that that will have to leave behind all the desires and confront the truth of life. According to them, this is the first step towards supreme state of being.

Using Buddhist Malas...

The 108 beads string means 108 times recitation of mantras and usually it is divided into four parts using spacers. Most people prefer using it by their left hand and recite one mantra at one bead and then step to the next and the process continues till 108^th bead. Once all beads are finished with chanting prayers, they move a bead on the right beaded counter to the strand's upper side. The same process continues until the 10^th recitation and now all all moved to the upper side.

The other significance of Buddhist beads is to drive away the entire negativity and fill your inner self with peace and positive thoughts.

There are many stories behind the use of beads to offer sacred mantras that we cannot discuss in a single blog, so till I search and create another piece of information for you – keep reading....