Buddhist Prayer Beads (Mala)
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- čas přidán 10. 07. 2024
- One of the most visual aspects of Buddhism are Buddhist Beads! These long (or short) beads are actually a religious tool used to aid with counting recitations (mantras, name of Buddha, etc.) so one can focus on the actual recitation. Learn more in my video! Read my article here: alanpeto.com/buddhism/mala-bu...
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Your work contributes to the dissemination, spread, and survival of the Dharma in the world. Respect and gratitude to you, Mr. Peto.
Thank you! 🙏
At times I use an 18 bead wrist mala in my practice at home. I went for Refuge in the Triple Gem and Five Precepts at a Khmer Krom Theravada Buddhist temple here in Canada. During my times in Cambodia and Thailand I spend much time at Theravada temples. Namo Buddhaya.... ☸️ 🙏🏼 🙏🏼 🙏🏼
That’s great! Thank you for sharing that Robert 🙏
I'm new to Buddhism so this was interesting to hear your perspective on Mala Beads. Towards the end you mention that you are extra careful with them as they are an instrument. While I don't disagree - I love wearing mine as much as possible. Around my neck during normal activities, around my wrist when doing things like yard work. If I shower or go swimming I take them off and leave them at my towel. I wear them around my wrist when I sleep. The beads remind me to be mindful. The beads remind me that life is impermanent. The beads often remind me to recite Sutras in my head while doing random tasks (like dishes). They help keep Buddha's teachings in my mind and heart all day, every day.
Thank you for sharing how you use your mala!
I myself being European/Germanic pagan, I've looked to Hindu practices for guidance on what practices likely would have looked like and been like, since both the Proto Indo Europeans came from the Vedic peoples, just like Hindus. I personally have found that meditating like this with the beads reciting Allfathers names or the names of the Gods, or a chant for my ancestors in old norse/old german is very impactful to me, and I love learning how to reconstruct what my faith originally had. Thank you!!
Thank you for you knowledge and sharing.
This reminds me a lot of the chotki/komboskini system deployed by Christian monastics (and some laity). Very inspiring. I love investigating the variety of cultural traditions of the world.
Thank you Alan! This is a wonderfully detailed video that is very helpful & informational. Blessings to you
Your videos and podcasts have been so helpful, thank you for making them!
Thank you, Michael!
Thank you very much for sharing this time with wisdom
Very much appreciate these teachings 🙏
I have been a Tibetan Buddhist for most of my adult life and have had many Mala’s or as it is called in Tibetan a Threngwa, I have kept these in bags and boxes on alters and around statues of Buddha. But I have always found I return to wearing them around my neck. It is just the right place but that’s a personal preference.
Thank you so much 🙏
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This is such a helpful video. Your channel is so amazing. With Metta.
Thank you so much!
Great video
Thanks!
Hi Alan, I find your content very informative but I'd love your direction on how I can properly get started with Buddhism. I read some books and they provide practical advice, I'd like to know the backstory in buddhism and the prayers needed. Thank you for your content!
Hi, Federica! I will give you some suggestions in this comment while trying to keep it short. Let me know if any questions!
1) For an overview of Buddhism, I have a free eBook I wrote with a Buddhist monk. You can get it here: alanpeto.gumroad.com/l/Buddhism10Steps and here is my intro article: alanpeto.com/buddhism/buddhism-quick-intro/
2) For practicing Buddhism, I also have another book on that (eBook or on Amazon as a paperback): alanpeto.com/books/daily-buddhist-practice-guide/ Although you can also read my free article here which can start you off nicely: alanpeto.com/buddhism/daily-buddhist-practice/
3) Here are a variety of books written by Buddhist monastics and others that you might find helpful (some free, others have a cost): alanpeto.com/buddhism/top-buddhist-books/
For prayers, there are *many* different Buddhist traditions with their own practices, chanting, recitation, prayers, etc. So, it's hard to narrow it down for you. Typically in Buddhism chanting sutras/suttas (sermons of the Buddha, etc.) are popular. But there is also reciting the name of a Buddha (especially popular in Mahayana). In Mahayana one of the most popular sutras to recite (and a short one) is the Heart Sutra. Might not exactly touch on your question, but there is many different takes out there on what one may do as a Buddhist to give you a simple answer.
@@AlanPeto very helpful and I understand that it would be difficult for you to narrow it down. One question: it's true each "place" kind of have their own version of Buddhism but are the gods the same? Thank you for these sources and your time! I appreciate it, Alan.
Thank you for all the info Alan! I have a question: what is traditionally done when a mala bead breaks? I don't mean the entire string, but when a single bead cracks or or a chunk comes off. Is it considered inauspicious to use it?
Good question. In one way, look at these as a tool - a religious tool. They are something we use as part of our Buddhist practice. As with such a tool that gets heavily used, they won't last forever. I can't speak for all the traditions that use Malas, but if a Mala no longer is viable to use, it can be disposed of. This can be done respecfully, of course, but I'm not personally aware of any specific disposal method (some traditions may have you return it to temple, perhaps, for a proper disposal - but I haven't personally heard about that). If it is broken like you mentioned, but still viable to use, I would think that would be OK. In one aspect, you can think of a wood mala is going to get worn down in many spots over it's life. But it still serves it's purpose. When it no longer works for you due to it's condition, it's time to replace. As with everything Buddhism teaches us, malas are a 'conditioned' thing and are impermanent. You may find other ways for it to return gracefully to the elments.
Thanks so much,stumbling thru the Dharma,Atisha lit a lamp,sure footed,moved forward.My daughter gifted me mala beads,thank-you brother on how to use them,the Path sure footed and tread.Can you suggest a mala mantra for the 3 jewels?
That’s great! Unfortunately I don’t know of a mantra like that (I’m sure it must exist though). If you just want to recite the triple gem (I take refuge in the Buddha, the dharma, and the sangha) for each bead you can do that. Often it’s reciting a Buddha or bodhisattvas name or other Dharanis.
I've seen digital "prayer bead" counters doing the rounds online. These don't feel entirely appropriate to me, but if the function of prayer beads is to act as a counter, then technically they cover it. Do you have any thoughts on this?
Great question! I’ve seen those also and have tried to find one I like. For me, I do like the tactile feel to actual beads for counting. There are some physical counters you can buy online. In certain traditions, the number of recitations is part of the practice, and a large number are emphasized. I think that’s more of the focus for those types of apps. But overall, it just didn’t work out well for me because I had to focus too much on the screen/app rather than my practice.
I have seen some Japanese buddies loop there mala beads around there hand and rub there hands together and slap there hands together say a pray did you cover this? i think there are from the Tendai school of Buddhism. I have only seen them online doing this in videos
I wonder if you are talking about Nichiren Buddhism? There are many types of 'beads' used throughout the traditions, and you do see some variations especially in Japan. The Malas shown here are typical ones throughout, but Japan does have some other ones. For example, there are ones in Nichiren Buddhism that essentially resemble a 'human' that have many components off the main 'loop'. From what I understand, the Tendai Buddhist sect ones are more of a traditional loop and are wrapped around the hands while praying.
I would like to take refuge in the triple gem. However, there isn't a Vihara or temple near grand forks ND. What could i do?
You can use our video to take it virtually, if desired: czcams.com/video/fuJ8FRKSGIg/video.html However it is always best to do it at a temple and with a teacher you want to follow, even if that means travelling.
Hi, I'm not sure about wrist (small) mala, as far as I know there is 27 elements (beads) usually, 18 it's rather unusual. Maybe it depends on tradition? 🤔
Ps. There is 27 because 27*4=108. This way, during meditation you are able to count repetitions easily.
Hi Adam, you're right! For the 18 one, 18*6=108. I missed adding in the other variations on the slide (wish I could update!). I do mention the 27 in my article, though. Overall, I prefer the 108 mala just because it's more straightforward to know when you hit 108 ;) There is a variety out there, and I didn't even touch on the ones that Nichiren Buddhism uses. Which do you use?
@@AlanPeto actually 108, but before, during my Ngöndro prostrations practice period (Tibetan Buddhism Karma Kagyu) I used 27 for a long time. It's much easier to count repetitions on wrist mala during this practice. As far as I know this is common among all Tibetan buddhist.
Nice! Thanks for sharing Adam. I always say it’s up to your tradition and individual preferences what type works best for you.
You say to use them between the thumb and first finger. I was told that the first finger represents fire and you should use them between the thumb and middle finger. Point the index finger away from the mala. Which is correct or does it not matter?
How you use malas depends on the tradition. There are many traditions in Buddhism. What’s shown here is very common, but you should follow the instructions for whatever tradition you’re following.
If I do bead counting for Dorje Shugden, which side of hands should I be holding? I mean left or right. Thank you.
Hi, Hok! I'm not entirely familiar with how that tradition in Buddhism practices with their mala beads. If that is the tradition you are following, I'd highly recommend reaching out to them so you get the right answer. Without being specific to that particular tradition, holding your beads in the left or right hand is [generally] fine. Depending on the tradition, they may emphasize (or require) using one hand in particular.
@@AlanPeto ok thanks
How do you use mala if reciting the whole sutra? Thanks!
Hi, Martina! The short answer is that can be challenging. Often, Malas are used for recitation of a Buddha's name, mantra, meditative (counting breath, etc.). That would be the best way to start. Some sutras are...very lengthy. Whereas others, such as the Heart Sutra, are short. You could technically use it for a short sutra if you were doing a focused religious event such as reciting a sutra numerous times (in some traditions, we have this for special events, observance days, etc.) to track. For lengthy sutras (if you were keeping track), it would be easier just to notate it. But, again, starting off - Buddha name recitation, mantras, or meditative use, would be the most popular and easiest ways to use them.
Hi Alan, my question is: Why 108 beads?. What is the meaning of the number 108 and not other number? Thank you.
It has many auspicious and other meanings within Buddhism, and throughout history. You can find a list of some of them on my related article: alanpeto.com/buddhism/mala-buddha-beads
@@AlanPeto Thank you so much for all the teachings.🙏🌺🌸
@@sheilastudio1 There's any number of reasons that you'll find from people, some seemingly more arbitrary than others. However I did the math on paper, and on average the distance between the Earth and the Moon is 108x the diameter of the Moon, and the distance between the Earth and the Sun is 108x the diameter of the Sun. Also, the diameter of the Sun is about 108x that of the Earth. There's also 9 Navagrahas (that is, planets) in Vedic astrology, so multiply that by the 12 signs of the Zodiac and you get 108. So in this way you could see the 108 beads of the mala as the universe and the Guru bead as the axis mundi, and when you do japa imagine that you're traversing the universe while circumambulating Mt Kailash--this allows you to do parikrama wherever you go 🖤
Hi I just received my mala wrist beads but mine has 22 beads on it how would I use it ? There is one in the middle that is a different stone and color.
Hi! It sounds like maybe you have a 'wrist' mala? I suppose you could do five rounds of it, but that would bring you to 110 (a little over 108). That's fine. Wrist malas can be worn by Buddhists mostly for identification as a "Buddhist", and used for practice in a pinch when you don't have a longer mala. alanpeto.com/buddhism/mala-buddha-beads/
@@AlanPeto o ok thank you for replying and help.
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Hi Alan, I heard that you are not supposed to use your pointer finger as it represents the ego and burns out the mala. Have you heard of this? Im just wondering becauce I would like to use my mala beads in my practice. Thank you for all your videos.
Thanks for the comment! I’ve replied to other comments about this also. It’s perfectly fine and done this way in many traditions. Some traditions do as you mentioned. Follow the practice of the tradition you’re in. The use of Malas are not something the Buddha taught or mandated, so, follow how your tradition teaches.
@AlanPeto thanks for your reply. I follow your daily practice video almost everyday and it helps to keep me grounded.
I wish he used a mic on his person so to be able to better hear him,,,I have audio up to 100% & still straining with all his videos.
Thanks for your feedback! I do use a microphone, but sometimes that might not be enough. I'll review during editing in future videos and manually increase for CZcams. There used to be a way that CZcams allowed us to adjust the volume after posting, but they removed that feature. If it helps, the sound is loud/fine when using a computer (PC or Mac) or a phone with headphones. Maybe a little lower, but I compared against some other videos on CZcams and comparable. I've noticed that some phones and the CZcams app seem to reduce volume overall - not sure why.
I wear mine while doing labor jobs. Nothing to dirty. But I’m alright with my mala breaking. I see a mala as I see meditation. Meditation isn’t something you do periodically or even twice a day. Meditation should go with one throughout the entire day. So I see my mala as a reminder while im at work to stay wholesome and true. Now if I’m working in a car or something that has a high chance of breaking it then I’ll take it off
Thanks for sharing! Many Buddhists, especially with Pure Land, will use their beads constantly throughout the day reciting Amitabha Buddhas name. A form of meditative concentration.
I've always been taught to use right hand and not to use pointer finger????
Good observation! Your tradition will determine which is the correct hand. The right hand is more traditional (based on roots in ancient India), but it is often also held in the left hand. Do what is correct based on how you were taught. It will be your pointer finger, but it can be a little lower towards your knuckle/joint to cradle it. But, again, do what you have been taught is correct. These are tools we use in our practice, and your tradition determines how they are used in practice.
@@AlanPeto Correct sir. I live in India and have many Tibetan Buddhist friends (and teachers) and they typically use left hand and pass the beads between thumb and first finger as you stated. A good example of this is a video easily found here on CZcams of 16th Karmapa Rangjung Rigpe Dorje performing the Black Crown ceremony. After Karmapa puts on Black crown he then begins 108 recitation of six syllable mantra for all sentient beings using a sphatik mala held in his left hand and using thumb and forefinger. Most Tibetan Buddhists from lay persons to monks, lamas and rinpoches can be seen using their malas in this fashion. As you wisely stated one should follow their traditions teachings otherwise if you are practicing alone it becomes personal preference. The whole business of no left hand started here in India because long ago left hand was used for "unclean" activities such as using the bathroom and so right hand was used for "clean" activities and there are various reasons/explanations why Hindus don't use first finger for japa. Very nice vedio, sir. Pranams from Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu. 🙏
My beads have an extra 3+3 little beads - anyone explain those?
Do you mean they are smaller than the other beads? There are many different types of malas out there depending on tradition. It might be simply ornamental, or have a purpose (depending on the tradition for that mala).
Aren’t you not supposed to do it with your first finger only your middle?
The only rules would be that of a tradition that you’re in. It’s widely practiced as shown in this video, but yes, you can also do it with your middle finger and you’ll have traditions that use it that way. Do whatever your tradition specifies.
Where to buy mala
The best place is from a Buddhist temple so you can support that community. But there are also plenty of places online, retailers, etc.
Why can't you chant in English?
You can! See my video here: Quick 5-Minute Daily Buddhist Practice
czcams.com/video/U34u44S9dKw/video.html. It’s just quicker and flows better in Sanskrit, or languages like Chinese, Japanese, etc.
the index finger is considered your "fire" or Ego finger and you don't use that finger to count off beads
Thanks for sharing, Justin. There are many different traditions in Buddhism, not just one, with their own way of practicing. The way you mentioned is indeed one way. The method I showed in the video is commonly used by hundreds of millions of Buddhists and is accepted in those traditions.
@@AlanPeto thanks for the clarification dude. I will abide with this information coming to light. You have awesome videos.
You're a little wrong bro. You are to hold the each bead with your thumb and middle finger and your index finger raised little above your thumb. Or maybe certain cultures do it definitely then others.
I always recommend you follow the method of whatever Buddhist tradition you are following. The method shown here is appropriate and used by a large number of Buddhists (to include monastics). Buddhism is a religion of many traditions, which also include different practices and techniques. Thanks for sharing in your comment the other way to use malas!
This video is incorrect. You are not supposed to use your index finger at all with mala beads. You are supposed to use your middle finger next to the index finger.
I've answered this questions a few times in the comments below. I always recommend you follow the method of whatever Buddhist tradition you are following. The method shown here is appropriate and used by a large number of Buddhists (hundreds of millions, to include monastics). While the method you mentioned is indeed one way to use malas, Buddhism is a religion of many traditions, which also include different practices and techniques.
Not the index finger... that is the ego
I’ve replied to similar comments on this video. There is no single Buddhist tradition or practices, therefore, follow whatever your tradition specifies. What is shown here is normal and widely practiced, however.