Buddhist Japa Mala Beads | Rudraksha Beads
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Buddhist Mala Beads, History, Uses, Symbolic Meanings..
Almost every religion has its own kind of prayer beads. Used for counting or staying in touch with prayers. Commonly Buddhist mala beads are used to enhance goodness in a person as well as that of the whole world. More specific, they are used in mantra meditation.
Made from rudraksha seeds, bodhi seeds, several types of mostly fragrant woods like rosewood and sandalwood and also semi-precious stone and bone.
Mala beads can be worn as a necklace or wrapped around your wrist and worn as a bracelet when you are not using it.
The bead on the picture is made of seeds of the Rudraksha tree..
photo by Palaphrasperdidas under license of Wikimedia Commons
Mala Beads
Mala - Meditative tool consisting of a string with 108 beads used to assist with counting mantras, prayers and chants. Used both in Buddhism and Hinduism. Also known as japa mala.
Historically Mala beads were used in Hinduism and Tibetan Buddhism. Their function was to ward off evil and to fill the user of the Mala and all other beings with peace, happiness, joy, love and serenity.
Historically Mala beads were used in Hinduism and Tibetan Buddhism. Their function was to ward off evil and to fill the user of the Mala and all other beings with peace, happiness, joy, love and serenity.
Lotus Seed Prayer Beads Mala- 108 Beads and a Copyrighted Tibetan Mantra Buddha Eye Magnet, Om Hemp Bag
Amazon Price: $14.99 (as of 02/14/2012)
History of Buddhist Prayer Beads
A Buddhist legend about the origin of the mala beads goes as follows:
The origin of the mala lays in Hinduism. They were worn by the saints and yogis of India. Around approximately 500 BC, to Buddhism converted Hindu's introduced the use of the meditative tool and thus it was adopted by Buddhism.
"Sakyamuni, the founder of Buddhism paid a visit to King Vaidunya. He taught the king to thread 108 seeds of the Bodhi tree on a string and while passing them between his fingers to repeat 'Hail to the Buddha, the law, and the congregation' (2,000) times a day". (Dubin)
The origin of the mala lays in Hinduism. They were worn by the saints and yogis of India. Around approximately 500 BC, to Buddhism converted Hindu's introduced the use of the meditative tool and thus it was adopted by Buddhism.
Types of Mala Beads
seeds, wood, bone
Traditionally, Buddhist mala beads have been made from the wood or seeds. For example seeds and wood of the sacred Bodhi tree and wood from the Sandalwood tree.
Later on, when Buddhism got adopted by other regions and countries other materials such as semi-precious stones, amber and bone were used. Also yak bone was used commonly.
Later on, when Buddhism got adopted by other regions and countries other materials such as semi-precious stones, amber and bone were used. Also yak bone was used commonly.
Rudraksha Beads
seeds from the Rudraksha tree
Rudraksha beads come from seeds of the Rudraksha tree which grows to a maximum height of 200 feet. This evergreen broad-leaved tree (E. ganitrus) is native to Nepal, parts of the Himalayas, Indonesia, New Guinea, Hawaii and Australia. According the Shiva Purana (Hindu religious text) the rudraksha tree should be planted in the northern direction as the god Rudra (Shiva) lives in the North or in the Himalayas.
The seeds of this tree, also referred to as blueberry beads because of their blue color when ripe and dried, are used as mala beads. That's why both the seeds as well as the beads of a mala necklace are called Rudraksha beads. These mala necklaces, typically 108 beads on a string, are used all over the world to count repetitive mantras and aid concentration. Japa means repetitive prayer hence the name japa mala beads.
Explanations of the symbolic meaning of the term Rudraksha differ slightly. One interpretation is that it means the eyes of Lord Shiva or Rudra. Another notion mentions the third-eye or tears of Shiva. It is also said that it symbolizes the five faces of Shiva. There is consensus about the fact that the word Rudraksha is derived from Rudra (Shiva-the Hindu God of all living creatures) and aksha (eyes). Rudraksha beads are highly valued by Buddhists for their proclaimed mystical powers. Hence the denomination "miracle beads".
Traditionally worn by monks and yogis, these beads are thought to provide heightened concentration, tranquility which boosted the ability to meditate for prolonged periods of time.Furthermore Rudraksha beads are said to ensure protection, gain self-empowerment and maintain health.
The seeds have been used for centuries in Ayurveda (traditional Indian medicine) to heal various ailments thus their name vedic beads of power.
Photo seeds by Krishnaprasadkkp . Photo rudraksha tree, flowers, and seeds by Mirahorian | Wikimedia Commons.
The Legend of Rudraksha
how the tears of Shiva became the origin of the Rudraksha tree
According to ancient religious texts there was a demon called Maya. This had had divine energy and power. At one moment he became arrogant and started battleing the deities. Thanks to his immense powers he soon built three indestroyable towns called Tripur. Soon he was feared under the name Tripurasur. Different attempts of the gods to conquer Tripurasur failed.
The gods decided they needed the help of gods god Shiva. With their unified force the gods Bramha, Vishnu, Indra and other gods as well as Shiva, finally managed to defeat Tripurasur. After their victory thy want to the Himalayas to rest.
Lord Shiva closed his eyes and meditated thousands of years for the welfare of all beings. When he opened his eyes he saw the sufferings of the earthly inhabitants and out of compassion lotus shaped tears fell from his face on the earth. After a while those tears grew out to rudraksha trees.
Wooden Mala Beads
Sandalwood, Rosewood and Bodhi wood
Various materials are used to create the mala japa beads. The most common material is wood. Especially the fragrant sandalwood and sacred wood from the Bodhi tree are highly valued.Sandalwood beads are known for their characteristic scent. This odor is thought to have healing properties and has been used since the dawn of mankind in folklore medicine. This type of wood is said to have sedative, antidepressant and antiseptic qualities.
Buddhists believe the scent of fragrant wood types transforms one's desires and maintains a person's alertness while in meditation. When used the beads release their typical scent.
Source photo of rosewood: Wikimedia Commons
Bodhi Seeds Mala Beads
Bodhi seeds come from the Bodhi tree (Ficus religiosa). Buddha Shakyamuni found enlightenment when sitting under this tree. Bodhi seeds are considered the most authentic prayer mala beads material.
more bodhi seeds mala beads
Bodhi Seeds Mala Beads
the Sacred Fig
The Bodhi tree is a sub specimen of the renowned Sacred Fig (Bo-Tree). The tree is considered sacred by the followers of Buddhism and Hinduism. Hence the name Sacred Fig.According to the traditional stories, Siddhartha Gautama had been sitting under a Bo-Tree until he was enlightened (Bodhi), and awakened (Buddha).
This is why the Bo-Tree still today is a well-known symbol for good luck, happiness, prosperity and longevity. More info on bodhi seeds can be found here
Photo by miheco (licensed under Wikimedia Commons)
Did you know...
- In Japanese Soto Zen mala beads are called 'Juzu'. The Japanese word juzu means 'counting the beads'.
Buddhist Prayer Necklace
The Buddhist prayer necklace or mala is used traditionally for counting mantra's. One mala corresponds with chanting a certain mantra 100 times (there are eight extra to cover errors). The purpose of reciting mantra's when looked at from a meditation perspective is to attain peace of mind by focusing concentration on the words, sounds and rhythm. This kind of meditation offers relief because you are not able to think negative, worrying thoughts.Apart from this it is also said that reciting mantras has a detoxifying effect which will benefit the journey one has to make in order to reach nirvana. Thus the recitation with use of the Mala is a helpful tool on the path to enlightenment.
Photo by Wonderlane (under Creative Commons license)
The common 108 beads are divided by 3 large beads. These large beads represent the Three Jewels, or Buddha, Dharma and Sangha. The symbol of enlightenment, the teachings and the community.
Sandalwood Mala Beads
Sandalwood Mala Bracelets
The first mala bracelet shown here was handmade in Nepal. It has Buddhas and fortune symbols carved onto each bead. The second bracelet was made in China and has beads with Chinese calligraphy written on them.
Did you know...
- Tibettan mala beads are commonly made of precious stones. Especially highly valued are beads from bones of holy men or lamas.
Wrist Malas
Wrist mala's or mala bracelets commonly consist of of 9, 18, 21 or 27 beads or multiples of these amounts. Also 12 beads with the Lotus bead occurs.
I read this post on a forum recently and since I really liked this view I thought it was worth mentioning.
I read this post on a forum recently and since I really liked this view I thought it was worth mentioning.
"I wear a mala bracelet every day. I like it, and it reminds me that I carry my Buddhism with me everywhere I go. It's a bit of a "secret sign" also. Most people just think it's a bracelet, but once, in an elevator, an Asian guy pointed at my mala and said, "Hey, are you Buddhist?" and I said "yes," and he said, "me too, sort of" and the door opened and we went our separate ways."
Wrist Mala Beads
Wrist Mala Beads
Agate, amethyst, coral and red jade mala wrist beaded bracelets
Mala Beads & Stress Relief
Practicing meditation regularly e.g. by mantra chanting will offer stress relief. Even better, repeated mantra chanting will boost your resilience regarding distressing situations.
The fact that there are so much nerve endings on the human finger tips adds to the effectiveness of mala beads as a meditation tool.
The twirling of the beads in combination with the monotonous, hypnotic rhythms of the chant have a powerful soothing and relaxing effect. All this together make this type of meditation an experience one can really lose oneself in.
There are two main Buddhist meditation types; Vipassana (mindfulness) which comes down to a perception of the things as they really are and Samatha which goal is to enhance sustained attention which leads to the creation of positive emotions.
Copyright photo by HaPe_Gera
Mantra Meditation
Amazon Price: $15.00 (as of 02/14/2012)
List Price: $19.95
Meditation and Mantras
Mantra - word or series of words chanted aloud or silently to invoke spiritual processes and qualities.
By focusing on a certain formula very deeply the practitioner can become detached of his/her thinking process and a submerge to a highly relaxed state.
The Sanskrit word mantra comes from the word man: "to think" (also in manas "mind")
and the word: tra meaning, tool, hence a literal translation would be "instrument of thought".
It is also said that tra means "protection".
And that tra comes from trayoti (as with Tantra) which means "liberation". Thus a mantra would be an instrument that provides liberation of/ from the mind.
Lotus Seed Mala Beads
Tibetan Buddhist Chanting
Om Mani Padme Hum
Short but positive and powerful video. The smile of the monk at the end of the vid says it all.
curated content from YouTube
The Number 108
The sacred number 108 corresponds with the number of sinful desires one must overcome to reach enlightenment
Another explanation of the origin of the 108 beads is an astrological one. It refers to the 12 astrological houses, multiplied by the 9 planets in our solar system.
The Sanskrit alphabet has 54 letters. Each has masculine (shiva) and feminine (shakti) version. 54 times 2 is 108.
The diameter of the sun is apparently 108 times the diameter of the Earth.
in Tibetan Buddhism 108 is the number of sins (earthly temptations) one has to overcome to become enlightened (achieve nirvana).
Zen priests wear juzu (a ring of "prayer beads") around their wrists, which consists of 108 beads.
Many Buddhist temples have 108 steps.
There are 108 pressure points in the body, where consciousness and flesh intersect to give life to the living being. More on the number 108 on wikipedia
Another explanation of the origin of the 108 beads is an astrological one. It refers to the 12 astrological houses, multiplied by the 9 planets in our solar system.
The Sanskrit alphabet has 54 letters. Each has masculine (shiva) and feminine (shakti) version. 54 times 2 is 108.
The diameter of the sun is apparently 108 times the diameter of the Earth.
in Tibetan Buddhism 108 is the number of sins (earthly temptations) one has to overcome to become enlightened (achieve nirvana).
Zen priests wear juzu (a ring of "prayer beads") around their wrists, which consists of 108 beads.
Many Buddhist temples have 108 steps.
There are 108 pressure points in the body, where consciousness and flesh intersect to give life to the living being. More on the number 108 on wikipedia
Mala Skull Beads
memento mori
Sometimes angry and condemnatory gods and goddesses are depicted with mala's with skull beads. The most well known deities wearing skull beaded malas are Siva and Kali. The symbolic meaning of skull beads very briefly summarized is; memento mori which means 'remember you must die'. Especially in India and neighboring countries the skull has a strong religious connotation.
When meditating the user of a skull mala can contemplate on mortality, death and the fact that death is part of life. Accepting the fact that we will all die and thus embracing death is the general meaning behind the skull beads. By accepting and actually embracing death and mortality we are able to live with more love and compassion.
While writing this it made me think about the Tyler Durden quote in Fight Club stating: "First you have to give up. First you have to know, not fear, but know that you are going to die."
When meditating the user of a skull mala can contemplate on mortality, death and the fact that death is part of life. Accepting the fact that we will all die and thus embracing death is the general meaning behind the skull beads. By accepting and actually embracing death and mortality we are able to live with more love and compassion.
While writing this it made me think about the Tyler Durden quote in Fight Club stating: "First you have to give up. First you have to know, not fear, but know that you are going to die."
Skull Bead Malas
Skull Bead Wrist Malas
Did you know...
- The skull also functions as a symbol of rebirth and especially in pre-Columbus America as a sign of religion, protection, and good luck.
The Guru Bead, Slipknot,
The mala's 109th bead is called the Guru bead (also known as sumeru, stupa or bindu)
Ebony Wood Mala Beads
Did you know...
- Chanting mantras is also practiced in yoga where is a way of emphasizing the connection with the universe.
Bodhi Seed Mala Bead Necklaces
How To Use Buddhist Mala Beads
In Buddhisms the right hand represents the religious world we walk in. The left hand represents the Buddha's pure world. That's why it is said the wrist mala should be worn on right hand when walking and on the left hand when sitting.
The mala can be used in two ways. It is traditionally held in the right hand and beads are moved towards the user one by one synchronized with each mantra recital.
In one method, the mala is hanging between the thumb and the ring (third) finger. The middle (second) finger is used to rotate the mala by
The mala beads are hanging between the thumb and the ring finger and the middle finger is used to rotate the mala.The other way to use the mala is to let it hang on the middle finger, with the thumb used to move the beads. (the index finger is never used to touch the beads)
The mala can be used in two ways. It is traditionally held in the right hand and beads are moved towards the user one by one synchronized with each mantra recital.
In one method, the mala is hanging between the thumb and the ring (third) finger. The middle (second) finger is used to rotate the mala by
The mala beads are hanging between the thumb and the ring finger and the middle finger is used to rotate the mala.The other way to use the mala is to let it hang on the middle finger, with the thumb used to move the beads. (the index finger is never used to touch the beads)
Conch Shell Mala Beads with Red Coral and Brass
Conch shell prayer bead mala inlaid with red coral and brass. Futher adorned with brass counters ( bell and dorje ) . 108 beads per mala. Click here for more info on this wonderful hand made bead necklace.
Dharma Wheel Pendant Necklace
Dharma Wheel Pendant Collectible Medallion Necklace Accessory Jewelry
Amazon Price: $8.90 (as of 02/14/2012)
Mantra Meditation Video
This video's beautiful scenery and music create a truly relaxing effect.
curated content from YouTube
Steven Seagal wearing Tibetan Mala Beads
in the movie Glimmer Man
Quote from the movie:
Jack Cole: It's called a mala. Tibetan pray beads.
Detective Jim Campbell: What do you use 'em for?
Jack Cole: I use 'em to calm my mind and to purify my thoughts.
Detective Jim Campbell: Yeah, I use Jack Daniels!
Jack Cole: See now, we're trying to go to same place. We're just using different technique.
Detective Jim Campbell: Except I don't wear the bottle around my neck!
Jack Cole: That's because you'd lose your job if you did...
Mala Beads on Twitter
Healing Powers of Rudraksha Beads
Baghwan Ram and Indira Ghandi wore rudraksha beads necklaces. Many people around the world value these beads for their appearance but especially for their symbolic meaning. Rudraksha beads are also thought to have electromagnetic properties. They should have healing powers, soothe the nerves, and help lower high blood pressure and this is said to be scientifically proven. Several scientific experiments have been conducted but none has shown magnetic or electromagnetic powers.
drawn from the book The Myth Buster
On the other hand, there certainly are benefits of wearing, not only rudraksha beads, but spiritual or religious symbols in general. A study has been done by prof. Richard Wiseman and scholars from the Hertfordshire University, England. Their findings; "we have found corrected destiny of people after wearing these symbols."
The use of religious symbols increases positive thinking. People become optimistic about their future. The wearer of these symbols gets rid of disappointment and develops self-confidence. This inspiration leads to working hard and gaining success.
drawn from the book Good Health
drawn from the book The Myth Buster
On the other hand, there certainly are benefits of wearing, not only rudraksha beads, but spiritual or religious symbols in general. A study has been done by prof. Richard Wiseman and scholars from the Hertfordshire University, England. Their findings; "we have found corrected destiny of people after wearing these symbols."
The use of religious symbols increases positive thinking. People become optimistic about their future. The wearer of these symbols gets rid of disappointment and develops self-confidence. This inspiration leads to working hard and gaining success.
drawn from the book Good Health
Other Celebrity Buddhists
wearing mala beads
Other Hollywood stars known for being Buddhist are Tina Turner, Goldie Hawn, and Jennifer Lopez. Uma Thurman is said to be Buddhist because she grew up in a Buddhist environment. Her father, Robert Thurman was the first westerner to become a Tibetan Buddhist monk. Uma was named after the Hindu goddess. According Uma: "just because her father is Buddhist doesn't mean that she is as well."
Buddhist Mala Beads Video
explains terms like, japa mala, the meaning of mantra, chanting
curated content from YouTube
Like This Lens?
Do you wear or use Buddhist mala beads?
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sanjeevkumaaar
Jan 27, 2012 @ 7:03 am | delete
- It's really Very good lens on rudraksha beads and other rudraksha related information, I also love to write about rudraksha beads and other divide beads.
Please check that once and give your feedback.
Thanks!
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Asinka
Aug 8, 2011 @ 11:28 pm | delete
- A lens so well done that it exudes care :)
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destinationom Jul 2, 2011 @ 8:45 pm | delete
- I make malas and some interesting facts arise all the time about them. Two tidbits: Mala means "garland" and my teacher says that we are all a big family in this world - each of us like a bead strung on the same thread of love. Beautiful.
Also, the mala predates the rosary and when the missionaries were in India around what is thought to be the 13th century they saw Indians using mala beads made of crushed rose petals and thought it was such a great idea that they brought them back to Europe, called them rosaries, and began the tradition of "the rosary" as we know it today.
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TheLeftFitz
Mar 8, 2011 @ 1:11 pm | delete
- Thanks for the lovely photos of beads & helping me complete the Mardi Gras quest!
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MikLint
Mar 9, 2011 @ 2:52 pm | delete
- You're welcome. Don't know how exactly I helped you with your quest but glad I could be of some help.
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by MikLint
MikLint
Hi all, I am Mik and I love history and nature. That's why I am, for example, interested in Maori artefacts. But I have many more interests. I hope I... more »
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