How To Utilize Tibetan Prayer Beads. What Are Malas Specifically?
Mala is Sanskrit's original term to refer to prayer beads. They are used to be used to count mantra recitations. All Tibetan Buddhist communities have many malas. They can be worn around wrists, or dangled from the fingers. They are called trengwa when they are Tibetan. Because a major element of Tibetan Buddhist practice is repeating (mentally or out loud) specific mantras thousands or many times, it's beneficial to use the Rosary to count off the number of times you pray, as a sort of spiritual abacus. Even if you're not counting, the repetition of the mantra bead-by-bead through the mala can help to relax and focus the mind. The most well-known type of mala is a string of 108 beads, made of precious or semi-precious stones, wood, seeds or even bone. If you are able to finish 100 mantra recitations walking around the mala, by reciting the mantra for each bead of it, you are considered accomplished. It is possible to use the eight extra beads as "spares" to help cover any errors or miscounts that you could make. There is another head bead, one that is bigger than all the other beads and is also called"guru bead. "guru bead." Some believe that this bead has a special significance because it is a symbol of one's guru for example, but very practically, this bead is the point of entry for the circuit and it is not included in the 108 total. Malas may contain additional precious stones in various intervals. They could contain turquoise or coral. These extra stones can sometimes be added in intervals which you are able to count, like after 27 beads. This lets you know that you're just 1/4 of the circuit. These additional counter beads indicate that your total number of beads would be 111, instead of the usual 108. Also, there is a smaller, wrist-sized mala made of 27 beads for example which is commonly used to perform prostrations. The smaller mala size is wrapped around your wrist, and then repeated four times. You can also make other arrangements such as 21 or 22 for instance but that's not a problem, as long as you can use your mala for counting.

Types of Malas
There are many varieties and styles of malas. They vary from bone and ivory to sandalwood, lapis-lazuli and crystal. There are many theories out there about which kind of mala is best for what kind of prayer. But we don't think it matters what kind you choose to use. We think that the majority of other Tibetans don't have any major distinctions about types of malas, either. Monks and nuns will use inexpensive malas that are simple and simple to keep like wooden malas. Every mala is a good choice. It is better to focus on the spiritual practice of praying and reciting mantras rather than on the looks or value of the mala. See the top Tibetan Bracelet for more.

How To Hold And Count With Your Malas
As is often the case in Tibetan culture, we want to emphasize that there aren't any rules regarding malas or how to count mantras. Every person is different. While there are a variety of methods to follow however, it is as much as the way you pray and what your motives are. If you're praying with your heart and using your mala, then you are doing a great job! Some sources recommend holding the mala using your left hand. But some Tibetans hold it in their right hand. If you are holding a prayer rod in one hand, while holding your mala and mala on the other, it is more comfortable to carry the mala using your left hand, while holding the prayer rod is held in the right. Start with the "guru" bead, and work your way down. Place the mala in your thumb (or index finger) and place it in the middle. Recite the mantra slowly or loudly. Through a rolling motion of the thumb, move to the next bead. When you've completed the mantra, repeat it again. When you have reached the next guru beads, you will have completed 100 mantras. Most Tibetans don't abandon the guru's message at this moment. Instead, they reverse their direction and then turn the mala around to begin a fresh circuit with 100 mantras, returning to the original path. Truthfully, we aren't sure what the reason is. It's more a matter of habit than anything else.

Caring for your Mala
Your mala will be given a greater spiritual meaning if you utilize it to perform mantra recitations. You can also bring it to teachings or have it blessed and blessed by your guru. Although it's not holy in its own right, we must treat it with respect. It is not to be thrown, placed on the ground or covered with everyday objects. Tibetans put their malas around their necks and wrists even whenever they're not in use. (Although be aware that they're not used as a necklace, but to show off, or with self pride, to demonstrate that one is spiritual.) Hang it high up, near your altar, if it isn't in use for long or when you are sleeping. It's kept in a bookcase under our altar. It's up to you to decide what you do with it.