发表于 2022-11-29 17:53:35
来源：http://www.bbs22.cn
Great Tibetan Mala Bead Blog
[B]How Do You Use Tibetan Prayer Beads. What Are Malas[/B]
Mala is the Sanskrit name of the original prayer beads, which are used to count mantra and recitations. Every Tibetan Buddhist communities have many malas. They can be worn on the wrists or hang from the fingers. They are also referred to as trengwa by Tibetans. You can use your rosary to count the number of prayers. Even if you're not counting, the repeated mantra beads-by-bead throughout the mala can help to relax and keep the mind focused. The string is composed of 108 beads that are made from precious, semi-precious, and/or seeds, such as wood or seeds, is the most popular kind of mala. You are counted as having completed 100 mantra recitations each time you move around the mala. The additional eight beads are "spare" to compensate for any miscounts or mistakes you may make along the way. There's another head bead, one that is bigger than the others and is commonly called"guru bead. "guru bead." Some believe this bead has a special significance as it represents one's guru for example, but very practically it is actually the beginning point for the entire circuit, and it is not included in the 108 total. The malas could also have additional precious stones in various intervals. They may include coral or turquoise. These can sometimes be added at intervals that can be counted, for instance, after 27 beads. Counter beads are added and your total count would be 111 rather than 108. There's also smaller wrist-sized mala, made of 27 beads for example and is employed when performing prostrations. The smaller size is wrapped around your hand and repeat the process four times. There are a variety of other arrangements which can be created like 21 or 22. This is fine in the sense that you can count with your mala.
Types of Malas
There are many types and designs of malas. They differ from bone and ivory to sandalwood, lapis lazuli and crystal. We don't believe that the kind of mala that you use is important for what kind or style of prayer. We also think that Tibetans aren't particularly picky about the kind of mala they choose to use. Monks and nuns are likely to use cheap malas that are easy and simple to keep, such wooden ones. Any mala can be used. It is best to put your focus on the spiritual practice which involves praying and reciting mantras than on the aesthetics or the value of your mala. Check out the recommended Bodhi Beads for info.
How Do You Hold And Count Using Your Malas
We want to say that, as is the case in Tibetan culture that there aren't absolute rules with regard to malas or the method to determine your mantras. Every person is different. There are a variety of ways of doing things however, these don't matter in the same way as your intention and your attitude to prayer. If you're praying with your heart using the mala, then you are doing what is right! Although some sources recommend using the mala with your left hand however, certain Tibetans also carry them in the right hand. It is typical to keep your mala in one hand, and your prayer wheel in the other. It is possible to use the mala by beginning with the first beads near the "guru". The bead should be held between your index finger and thumb. Repeat your mantra in a loud or quiet manner. After that, move on to the next bead , and repeat the mantra again. It will be 100 mantras, without having to count them all. Most Tibetans are not going to abandon the beads of the guru at this moment. They simply move the mala in the opposite direction, and then begin a new cycle that includes 100 mantras. Because we do not know the reason this is happening, we do it out of habit instead of having a specific motive.
Caring for your Mala
When you use your mala to perform mantra recitations, take it to teachings or be blessed by your Guru, it will acquire spiritual significance. Even though it's not sacred by itself, we still take it seriously. That means you should not place it on the ground, place things that are commonplace on top of or throw it away. Tibetans put their malas around their necks and wrists even whenever they're not in use. They're not designed to be worn as necklaces or to express self-deprecation instead, they are a means to show faith. It is able to be hung on a wall or a place high enough for you to see it from your altar if you don't really need it. Ours is actually kept on the form of a bookcase under our altar. It's up to you to decide what you do with it.
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