How To Choose The Proper Buddhist Mala
There are many symbols used in Buddhist jewelry and many different styles and materials used for prayer beads. I hope the following helps you choose the most powerful Mala for you.
Malas are Buddhist Prayer beads. In How To Choose, Use And Care For Prayer Beads or Mala Christopher Lee May will teach you what a mala is, how to use it, how to take care of it, and also how to choose the right one for you. Malas are great for praying and meditational use. Blessings and Namaste!
thank you
namaste
thnx, nice vid
what are the prayer beads called that are like the size of half your fist??
I have not heard of such things being called prayer beads. Prayer beads are meant to be used by the fingers, meaning they are small.
sorry, but do you know the wooden mala necklaces that have the large beads? Each one is about the size of half your fist?
One of my wooden beads split, can I keep using it? or can it be disrespectful/bad idea to use it?
Hello,
You can simply retring the mala, and add a new bead to it. The purpose of a mala is to rectie mantra for the welfare of yourself and all beings. This is the most important motivation. Do not worry about a broken bead, that is just a reminder about impermanace of all things.
Blessings
Christopher
Is it okay if I make my own mala beads, just out of hemp string and some wooden beads I get from the store?
Will it be the same as a “traditional” set of mala beads?
Yes. Mala beads are just that, beads, on a string. There is no magic to them, they are but a tool for use by the mind. If you are going to make your own, the traditional number of counting beads to have is 108 (there’s a bunch of theories why, and a good chance that most are bullshit
.
goood
Hi I regularly use my mala but a couple of days ago I have noticed that that string has worn out and on the verge of breaking please could you help me repair the mala as it is very important to me.
Om Namah Shivaya!
Great video.
What do you do to clean the malas
just do it yourself with some nice color string. buddha won’t be upset
I like “Om Shanti Shanti Shanti” probably didn’t spell that right, oh well. Mala beads are considered sacred in quite a few of the Buddhist traditions, its best to carry them in a pouch in your pocket, mainly so they don’t wear out as fast. the 108 beads is something to do with multiples, not sure exactly what though. Great vid thanks for posting, I have a wooden set and a carved black bone skull set.
not sure what kind of beas you have but my tigers eye mala has broken at least 3 times finally i found this thread that made of metal from a bead store and it seems to have solved the problem. I pray on each bead blessing it as i string it. Good luck.
The 108 beads represnt one of many things. Chinese Buddhists feel that 9 phases of the month multiplied by the 12 months of the year signifies the 108. Many Buddhist sacred days are in line with the Full Moon. Also in astrology, there are 12 houses and 9 planets. 12 times 9 equals 108.
Technically, yes, Mala are just beads on a string when first bought and certainly to magic in them….. But after reciting thousands…. or millions of mantra over the years, the mala becomes very blessed. That’s why everyone wants a bead from a lama’s mala, because of the blessings.
the number of beads is 108 because, we are supposed to recite our mantra 100 times, 8 beads is to make up for the mistakes we may make.
Most of the mala have 108 beads, but many people like as shown in video may have more mala beads or sometimes less beads. It all depends upon the faith the person follows. these mala beads are very sacred in Buddhist traditions.
The typical mala used by Buddhists and Hindus actually have 109 beads when counting the Guru bead as well. If resting beads are added the mala will be 111.
In speaking to many lamas, they say there could be several reasons for the number of beads. All that really matters is that we use the mala with the intention of helping ourselves and others cultivate greater happiness with good motivation. The rest is all academic.
Christopher
Hello Christopher I recently started looking into/studying buddhism and it’s ways and teachings I was wondering where I might get a set if mala?
Hello,
We have a large selection of malas at Four Gates site. Look under malas.
Contact us if you have any questions.
Best wishes,
Christopher
@declanring – Some folks I know are using fishing line to string their malas, fishing line is incredibly strong.