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How To Use Tibetan Prayer Beads. What Is Malas?
Mala is the Sanskrit name for the original prayer beads, which are used to be used to count mantra recitations. In Tibetan Buddhist communities across the world, malas can be found in every corner. They can be wrapped around wrists and suspended off fingers. They are also known as trengwa by Tibetans. They are also referred to as trengwa in Tibetan. Even if the mantra isn't being said, it could be used to relax your mind and assist in keeping it focused. A string of 108 beads comprised of precious or semiprecious stones or wood, seeds, bone, or wood is the most popular kind. If you are able to complete 100 mantra recitations while walking around the mala, by reciting one mantra for each bead of it then you're considered accomplished. The additional 8 beads count as "spare" to compensate for any mistakes or miscalculations you may make in the process. There is an additional head bead one that is larger than the rest and is also known as a "guru bead." Some believe this particular bead is of special significance because it is a symbol of one's guru for example however, in reality it is actually the point of entry for the circuit and it is not included in the total 108. Malas can have extra valuable stones added at different times, like coral or turquoise. These extra stones can sometimes be added in intervals which you can count for instance, after 27 beads. This lets you know that you're only 1/4 of the way through the circuit. These counter beads are extra meaning that your total count is 111 instead of 108. Also, there is a smaller, wrist-sized mala made of 27 beads as an example which is commonly employed when performing prostrations. You wrap the smaller size around your palm and repeat this four times. One can make other configurations that include 21 or 22 for instance but that's not a problem so long as you can use your mala for counting.

Types of Malas
There are numerous kinds and designs of malas. They range from ivory and bones to sandalwood, lapis lazuli and crystal. We've read and seen a lot of theories about what kind of mala is best for this or another type of prayer, we do not believe that it's important as much what type of mala you pick. We think that Tibetans generally don't make major distinctions in the types and uses of malas. Monks and nuns typically make use of simple and cheap malas like wooden malas. Any mala can be used. It is recommended to stay focused on the spiritual practice and the mantras you repeat, rather than on how the mala looks or the price it will cost you. See the top Antique Bodhi Seed Mala for info.

How To Hold And Count Your Malas
We'd like to remind you, like Tibetan culture usually does that there isn't a standard for counting mantras and malas. Each person does this in a unique way. While there are many ways to do it however, it is as much as how you pray and what your intentions are. If you are praying in your heart using the mala, then you are doing the right thing! Although some sources suggest you place the mala on your left hand, other sources recommend using it with your right. However there are many Tibetans prefer holding the mala with their right hands. It is possible to have an instrument for prayer in one hand and mala in the second. It is recommended to keep malas in the left hand and the tool for prayer in your right. It is possible to use your mala to begin by placing the first bead close to the "guru". Place the mala in your thumb (or the index finger) and place it in the middle. Recite the mantra quietly or loudly. Then move on to the next bead with an upward movement of the thumb, repeating the mantra and repeat. Then you will have completed 100 mantras without needing to count them all. The majority of Tibetans have stopped at this point and reverse their direction. They then turn the mala around , and then start a new round of 100. We're not sure, honestly, why this is the case, but we practice it out of habit rather than because of a specific reason.

Caring for your Mala
As you utilize your mala for mantra recitations or mantras, bring it to teachings or even be blessed by your Guru, it will acquire spiritual significance. It's not sacred in and of however, it is something we take care of with respect. It should not be thrown, placed on the ground or covered with mundane objects. When not using their malas, Tibetans wear them on their wrists or wear them around their necks. They should not be worn as necklaces. It can be placed on a wall , or an area that is high enough to be visible from your altar , if you don’t need it. It is actually kept in a specific shelf beneath our altar. It is up you to decide how you will treat it.