What is small and who can wear it?
The word "mala" means "celestial garland", and the beads themselves are used in yoga practice, chakra cleansing, lithotherapy, or as part of a boho-style image. Simply put, they can be worn by anyone who needs a more conscious, relaxed life.
Mala has many names: it is referred to as a rosary for yoga, meditation or prayer, mala necklace, japa mala, yoga necklace, yoga jewelry and so on.
What is a rosary made of?
- 108 beads (stones, seeds or wood beads)
- Counters, or spacer beads at certain numerical intervals
- Knots between beads
- Bead of Guru, Meru or Sumeru
- Brush
- Types of beads used
- The deity and mantra with which the rosary is associated
108 beads
From 108 earthly passions and 108 untruths to 108 energy lines that form the heart chakra, and many astrological connections with this number: 108 - certainly sacred and sacred number, also belonging to the mass of different religions.
Counters and spacer beads
During meditation, the mind may wander because we are concentrated very deeply within (or on an external object, depending on the type of practice), or move away from meditation as such. The counter bead is a reminder, it returns our awareness to the mantra and to the practice: when a finger runs over the counter bead, due to the fact that it is different in size, the practitioner instantly notices it. It can also give a mental picture of where you are in the process of meditation - if you wish to know.
Prayer beads are a popular solution for those who are just starting to meditate. They improve the quality of the practice and almost whisper to us, "Are you still here?" Once you are experienced in meditation and gain control of your mind, you can choose a mala where there are no counter beads.
The intervals at which the counters and spacer beads are located are also important. In the beads of Tibetan culture, spacer beads are usually located after every 27th bead. Other options are also used, and among them there is no right or wrong, but usually these numbers are multiples of nine or 108 is divisible by them without a remainder: 2, 3, 4, 6, 9, 12, 18, 27, 36 and 54.
The more beads-counters there are in the rosary, the more reminders you get during practice.
A thread
By itself, the thread denotes our connection with the universe. It connects the beads together - this is the thread of the universe. Beads come from the universe, just like us. The thread symbolizes the connection of everything with everything: nothing is separate.
Knots between beads
The knots between the beads ensure that they are not touching each other - which means they do not emit distracting sounds during meditation. There is an added benefit: if your rosary ever breaks, you don't have to collect a bunch of beads all over the floor!
There is another reason that a knot is placed in front of each bead. These knots symbolize our connection to the divine universe and help keep all distractions away from ourselves - in the same way that beads on a rosary do not touch each other.
Bead Guru or Meru
The Guru bead, also known as Meru or Sumeru, is the 109th bead. She symbolizes our teacher, deity or God. When practicing meditation, you should never jump over the guru bead - this is an indicator of an extreme degree of disrespect, as if you are stepping over your teacher. Instead, you should turn the mala 180 ° and move in the opposite direction. Since the guru bead is not counted during meditation and is separated from the rest of the mala, this symbolizes that our teacher, God or deity is outside ourselves and our Universe.
Brush
The brush shows our connection with the deity, since it itself is the connection of our meditation beads with the guru-bead, and also connects all the threads and beads together. It also symbolizes the states of enlightenment and turya - between deep sleep, drowsiness and wakefulness.
Types of beads used
Any type of bead, be it a stone, a seed, or a wooden bead, has meaning and meaning. For example:
Tiger's Eye- a powerful amulet stone that encourages active action and decision making. It is known to build determination, willpower, self-control, and personal strength. It is a stone that brings good luck and prosperity to the wearer. It can also help you gain a clear, non-subjective, view of the world, like a tiger. The stone is associated with spiritual growth and the awakening of kundalini energy, stimulates the solar plexus, root and sacral chakras.
Citrine known for helping the wearer gain more monetary wealth and support them. It attracts abundance, prosperity, and success. Citrine boosts creativity and imagination, as well as stimulates thought-driven decision-making. In addition, it attracts love and happiness to the owner's life and works as a protective shield against negative energy... Citrine is associated with the solar plexus and helps the wearer achieve strength while boosting self-confidence.
Pure quartz, or rock crystal - the most powerful healing stone on earth, an excellent amplifier of all energy. This is because this substance is a unique helicoidal and crystalline structure. The stone is also known as a wonderful healer, helps in working with the crown chakra, which is the key to our connection and interaction with the universe outside of ourselves. This is the point where your beliefs, thoughts and spiritual connections are concentrated.
Association with deity and mantra (Sanskrit)
The rosary can also be associated with a specific deity or mantra; for example, Rudraksha seeds symbolize the tears of the god Shiva and bring good health and protection.
Buddhist rosary is used to count mantras, prayers and prostrations recited.
Buddhist rosary most often consists of 108 beads. The minimum number of beads on a Buddhist rosary for counting the recited mantras is 21, and the maximum is 111. For counting prostrations, a rosary with 21 beads is convenient.
Buddhist rosary must be made in a certain way. There are texts with instructions on what material they should be made of. Correctly made rosary helps in Buddhist practice, increases the effect of chanting mantras. For example, in the instructions of Guru Padmasambhava it is said that a rosary made of iron doubles the benefit from reciting a mantra, from rudraksha twenty million times, from pearls a hundred times, from silver one hundred thousand times, and from ruby one billion times.
The most valuable in Buddhism are the beads made from the seeds of the putranjiva tree, or bodhi. It is believed that the benefit of reciting on a rosary made from bodhi seeds increases endlessly. It is better if the material from which the rosary is made corresponds to the family of the deity whose practice is being performed. However, Buddhist bodhi beads are suitable for any mantra and practice. Lotus seed rosary is ideal for practicing the lotus family to which Buddha Amitabha, Avalokiteshvara, Hayagriva, Guru Padmasambhava, Tara and others belong.
It is believed that it is good to use precious and semi-precious stones for making rosary.
Good materials for making Buddhist rosary are agate, pearls, kahalong, carnelian and other semi-precious and precious stones. Used in Buddhism beads made of Dzi beads (Zi stones). At the same time, a rosary made of Dzi and agate beads is good for any Buddhist practice. Dzi beads (Zi stones) are considered precious in Tibet and represent agate or chalcedony with a natural or etched pattern.
Rhinestone and kahalong rosaries are good for practicing peaceful deities. Jadeite is suitable for the practice of Green Tara.
Precious materials are used to make both rosary beads and dividing rings that decorate rosary and counters. Counters are used to count hundreds and thousands of repetitions of mantras. For counters of the Buddhist rosary of the Tibetan tradition, gold, silver or copper are often used. Counters are often adorned with miniature deity attributes such as a bell and vajra. For separators use silver rings and larger beads of turquoise, coral, jadeite, carnelian. You can use as a separator and larger beads from the material from which the rosary itself is made, for example, bodhi or lotus seeds. Dzi beads (Zi stones) are also very good to use as a spacer. The movable counters for Buddhist rosary can be made in the form of symbols of the buddha families, such as: jewel, vajra, dharmachakra and lotus. These counters are made of silver and are often decorated with coral and turquoise.
The cord on which the rosary beads are strung is also important. There are instructions on how many threads should be twisted for a Buddhist rosary. Most often, a cord twisted from three or nine threads is used for Buddhist rosary. The end of the rosary is often decorated with intricate protective knots.
In our store you can buy Buddhist rosary made with strict adherence to tradition.
This is not the first time we are talking about this, in order to answer all at once, I decided to write in LJ about the rosary. Everything I can:These materials were collected by me mainly at the seminar of Dr. Nid Chenegtsang in June 2000 and at own experience... “Since when working with mantras we recite mantras in three levels- body, speech and mind, there are three ways to work with mantras at these levels. At the level of speech, this is pronouncing aloud or in a whisper, at the level of the mind - visualization, at the level of the body - we sort out the rosary. Prayer beads are responsible for the correct functioning of the mantra energy at the level of the body, therefore they are very important. ( Approx. cats. - Chogyal Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche (hereinafter - CNNR) said that at the level of the mind, beads are not particularly important, since the implementation is important, not the number of mantras. Therefore, in His words, the rosary is “only a calculating instrument”.) Since the power of the mantras is stored in the beads, different beads are used for different mantras. Usually Buddhist rosary is called "MALA" and has 108 beads (12 months multiplied by 9 mengue). But there are other options as well. For example, 108 beads are used for healing, 108 beads for gaining wisdom, 54 (half of 108) for power, and 21 for angry practices. For especially strong mantras that cannot be repeated a lot - 7 beads. There is a very important part in the mala - the "head of the rosary", i.e. two head beads (sometimes there are three - approx. cats). This double bead is similar to the main deity in the mandala. Two beads symbolize a deity in union (yab-yum), that is, the non-dualism of compassion and emptiness. 108 beads - symbolize 108 deities, this is the full aspect of Buddha activity, that is, everything possible actions buddha. Also in the thanatras it is said that there is one main sound and all the others (108 sounds) come from it. The ding circle mala involves all sounds and all kinds of buddha activities. If there are fewer beads, then the power of the mantras is concentrated.
For treatment, white or yellow malas are used. Crystal and glass are also useful, ( approx. cats. - such a mala can also be used in the divination of Mo). They show purity and clarity. Red and black rosary beads are suitable for angry practices and energy control. Often, on a small of 108 beads, the counted 21 beads are marked, highlighting their size and shape or relief. These can be Rudraksha nuts (for angry ones) or large agate beads "with an eye". These agate beads are called "Buddha's eye" and symbolize wisdom and clarity. If there is a “buddha's eye” on the beads, then such beads also have a special function - a connection with “interdependent origins”. This type of rosary with "eyes" is universal and can be used for any practice, that is, "for 4 types of activities." At first they are whitish and suitable for peaceful practices of purification, then they turn yellow and are suitable for the practice of multiplication and health, then they turn red and are suitable for subduing actions, then they turn black (become dark red) and are suitable for angry actions. Indian yogis use mala from rudraksha. These are good beads, but they are usually used by the nagpas (magicians) for healing and gaining power. Such malas are like a wild horse, their energy is indomitable and sharp. In order to use them, you must have the ability to tame wild horses... If there is no such tendency, then such a rosary is not very good. The rosary given to you by the teacher is NOT used for reciting mantras. They must be carefully stored and worn well on the body.
The string of the rosary is also very important - its color should preferably match the color of the beads ( it happens that the color of the thread is made dark red, symbolizing fire, or a five-color thread is woven, symbolizing the five primary elements - approx. cats.). In peaceful rosary the preferred white woolen thread - it brings feelings of calm and softness. The holes in the beads should be the same and smooth, the beads should not get stuck when sliding along the thread, as this symbolizes the movement of energy. There is an expression about the thread mala "chin-va" (?), Which means "row, line". This means that the thread symbolizes the connection with the Teacher, with deities and Buddhas, the movement of energy in the body. If the beads get stuck while moving, then all this is blocked. The length of the thread is also very important. The rosary should be comfortable to touch. If the thread is too long, it will cause the beads to slow down. If the thread is short, the practice blocks the energy in the body. If the hole is too wide, then the beads dangle on the thread and this creates a lot of obstacles. The distance between the beads should be individual - about a finger wide. It's not good to mix different materials in some it is mala - the beads then become beads. Malas cannot be worn for show, as an adornment, it is better to keep them on the body, away from prying eyes... If the thread is frayed, then this is enough bad sign, it is better not to use such a rosary, but to burn or distribute a bead to friends. If a bead is broken, it is very harmful, it must be replaced immediately with a new one. A mala with a broken bead cannot be used.
It is advisable to start a new rosary, not old and, of course, not strangers. You never know what you read on them? You never know what harmful energies you will receive along with them?
Also - there are countable metal parts for small ones. If they are, then these "counters" should be made of white metal, preferably with the image of a vajra and a bell.
Malas should not be placed on the ground, or touched by dogs and cats, as they may lose strength. New malas are blessed with a special mantra, reciting it 21 times and imagining that the deity of the mandala with his retinue dissolves in beads.
When reciting mantras, use right hand, but in practices with visualization - only the left one. ( Almost always - approx. cats.).
When reciting mantras, it is important correct position fingers. Most mantras are chanted with the left hand, holding the mala between the large and forefinger, sorting out the beads "inside the palm". The thumb collects the beads inward, and the other direction dissipates the energy. Having reached the "small head", the direction is changed so as not to dissipate the energy. ( Also, because "jumping" over the "small head" is impolite - approx. cats.)
1). Peaceful mantras are recited at the level of the heart.
2). Mantras for multiplying strength, mind and wealth - the rosary is fingered at the level of the navel through middle finger... These are the mantras of Manjushri, Dzambala, Amitayus, etc.
3). The wrathful mantras of subduing activity are through the ring finger at the level of the genital center. These are mantras - Garuda, Hayagriva, Guru Dragpo, etc.
4). Intimidating mantras - through the little finger at the level of the left knee. These are the mantras of Vajrakilaya, Vajrakumara, Lionheaded Dakini. Right there - you can touch it with your right hand through the ring finger at the level of the right knee.
Often, several mantras are used in mantra healing. After reciting the required number of mantras, the mala must be folded between the palms, rubbed and “blowing a mantra into them”. Then the power of the mantra remains in the rosary. ( approx. cats. - just as often "blowing a mantra" on water, incense or medicine.) After that, the rolled mala is touched to the head, bowing to the bead deity and receiving his blessing. ( Often the mala is simply placed on the head and left to lie there for a while, sitting in meditation - approx. cats.)
In relation to the malas used for the practice of deities, there are special samaya, vows:
1). Wear them on yourself, so that the little ones touch the skin or store in a special bag.
2). You cannot use them for fortune telling ( for fortune telling, they generally use separate malas - approx. cats.)
3). They should not be given to strangers, so that the power does not mix. ( This can be harmful not only for the practitioner, but also for the "stranger's uncle" - approx. cats.)
4). It is better to protect the mala from prying eyes, they are often sorted right in the bag. ( We often see how the Hare Krishnas do it: they give everyone an example worthy of imitation - approx. cats.)
In the direction from themselves, they recite mantras with "dog-pa". You should not get carried away with this, as the energy comes from the heart and dissipates.
Bone mala is rarely used for special practices, often for treatment. Horny - do not, this is bad, since the horn is very aggressive. In any case, it is better to use natural materials.
Now about the size of the beads:
1). Peaceful and for treatment - with a cherry bone (from the nail of the little finger)
2). Angry - with a big toe nail.
On the same beads, you can recite different mantras, especially on the "ocellated" or with a "triangle", but often different malas are given for different mantras. Thus, a practitioner can have at least two malas - for the angry and peaceful, and often - and a whole bunch of malas for each mantra separately, in a separate bag.
When practicing mantra on mala, there are vows for conserving energy:
1). You cannot talk, lie and swear. You cannot create problems with speech. Otherwise, speech energy is damaged.
2). Don't eat - onions, garlic, radishes, ginger, wine, meat, salted food; no smoking.
3). If you happen to eat oversalted, read the corresponding line of Skt. 21 times. alphabet (ali-kali) - Ka-Kkha-Ga-Gkha-NgA
- from onions and garlic - Tsa-Tskha-Dza-Dzkha-Nya
- from radishes - Ta-TkhA-Da-DkhA-Na
- and from meat and wine - the message of ali-kali 21 times.
(of course, they do not need to have transmission, otherwise the ali-kali mantras will not have power - approx. cats.)
4). There should be no dogs or cats in the mantra area.
5). While reciting a mantra, one should not be interrupted by conversations.
6). If you happen to hiccup-sneeze-fart-blow your nose-yawn-cough in the circle of mantras - then this circle is not counted, the energy flew away.
7). You cannot eat the tongues of animals.
eight). The voice when reciting peaceful mantras should not be loud. For multipliers - a little louder. For the subordinates - even louder, and for the angry - screaming. ( Approx. cats. - The People's Republic of China recommends that you read the peaceful ones barely audibly, and the angry ones mentally, so as not to create obstacles for yourself.).
nine). The speed is moderate, clearly pronounce all syllables.
ten). Straight back!
eleven). Mantras for treatment - facing east; increases to the south; subordinating to the west; angry - to the north. But: the mantras of Padmasambhava - to the southwest, and the mantras of Z. Tara - to the north. "
Recorded on Dakini Day of the Waterbird Month of the Wood Rooster Year by me, a cat dog. May it be favorable!
Buddhist rosary. "Golden abode of Buddha Shakyamuni"
Buddhist rosary - a necklace with grains strung on it, used for counting prayers. The most common Buddhist rosary has 108 grains (the sacredness of this number goes back to ancient Indian magic practice).
A rosary with a red thread and a tassel is intended for the practice of Tantra.
Rosary beads have special names and contain a hidden esoteric meaning, revealed only to those initiated into the Teaching. Rosary beads can be made from precious stones- lapis lazuli, coral, opal; wood - red, black, yellow sandalwood and fruit seeds; from the bones of a person, an elephant or a camel, as well as from glass.
White rosary were dedicated to the deity of mercy and compassion Avalokiteshvara, red - to Idam Hayagriva, Padmasambhava, yellow - to Guru Tszonhava.
Top(the beginning of the rosary) consists of grains of three sizes (large, medium, small), which symbolize the Body, Speech and Mind of the Buddha. When counting mantras, you cannot step over them, you need to start counting in the opposite direction.
It is necessary to store the rosary in a clean place. Tantric rosary is kept away from the eyes, used only in the practice of the deity-idam.
Dzogchen Kenpo Choga Rinpoche, a follower of the Dzogchen tradition of Tibetan Buddhism, was born in Eastern Tibet in 1966 and attended the Dzogchen Shri Singha University, one of the most famous monastic educational institutions in Tibet. Currently he lives in Nepal, in the Kanying Shedrab Ling monastery, travels a lot, is known for his lively and direct manner of transmitting Buddhist teachings.
Based on the materials of the journal "Path to Me". Conversation with Lama Kenpo Choga Rinpoche. The moderator was Lidia Bogdanova.
Rosary from good hands
Lydia Bogdanova: Kenpola, as you know, in the tradition of Tibetan Buddhism, various ritual accessories are actively used. What is their purpose?
Lama Kenpo: I can ask an answer question: why, from your point of view, does a person need clothes? Or, for that matter, the body itself? A person cannot imagine himself without physical body... We have eyes, which means we must see, there are ears, which means we must hear. We have been given hands, which means that there will be something to which we will touch and feel the touch. This is how it works. From this we can conclude: since we need teaching, we need such things related to teaching. It's like pen and paper. Both are necessary. If there is no paper, we will write with a pen in the air (laughs). Ritual accessories play a similar role in the Buddhist tradition. It is difficult for me to answer our question in a different way. Think of what I said yourself. Simply put, ritual accessories are associated with the tasks and goals of Buddhism, its symbolism, and are used to perform various spiritual practices.
LB: Should ritual accessories be considered as sacred? How should they be treated?
Lama Kenpo: What place does spiritual practice take in your life? Imagine a photograph of your beloved child lying on the floor and being trampled underfoot, how will you feel?
LB: It will be very unpleasant for me.
Lama Kenpo: You yourself have answered your own question. If something has for you great importance, then the ratio will be appropriate. For example, you will probably keep a photo of your child in an appropriate place, but a newspaper clipping with a photo of a stranger can be thrown away. On a large scale, there are no special laws or regulations about where to store this or that item. This kind of decision can only depend on you. If you have faith in the teaching, if you are sincerely devoted to it, then you will definitely strive to ensure that images of lamas and deities, sacred texts and the rosary was kept in a "clean" place (for example, on the altar or in a place that you yourself consider "clean"), and also so that they were not stepped on or touched.
The specific nature of the rosary depends on the goals and characteristics of the practice being performed.... There is a division of the rosary by color. For example, white rosary(sandalwood, crystal) are used in the practices of peaceful deities, as well as for cleansing, getting rid of diseases and removing obstacles.
To accumulate merit, are used yellow rosary(for example, amber) as well as for performing the practice of Dtsambala (deities helping to increase wealth).
During initiations, they apply red rosary(coral, sandalwood). They are considered "secret", and their meaning, as a rule, is not fully disclosed to the uninitiated.
Green rosary(for example, from jadeite) are intended for invoking the Protectors of the Dharma, as well as for performing the practices of wrathful deities.
In the practices of wrathful deities, they also use black rosary(sandalwood, coral) and with thorns (from rudraksha).
As for the materials themselves, they are again determined by the tasks of a specific practice. For example, crystal and gold rosary very favorable for the practice of making offerings, but only if the person is not attached to things. Bodhi tree seed beads are used to take bodhisattva vows, develop bodhicitta, compassion. Coral rosary- when performing the practice of increasing activity (the practice of such deities as Kurukulla and Chenrezik). Many people like rosary made of bone yak. I think this is only due to the fact that people consider bone to be a valuable material.
LB: What can you say about the number of bones on a rosary? Should there be a certain number of them?
Lama Kenpo: Traditionally, there should be 100 seeds, because many mantras (for example, mantras for removing obstacles) are recited a hundred times. But since we can be wrong, capturing two bones instead of one, we added 8 more (laughs). In fact, the number 108 is associated with astrology, a tradition that came to Tibet from China. In general, the number 8 is of great importance in the tradition of Tibetan Buddhism (Eightfold path, eight bodhisattvas, eight good emblems). There are rosary beads of other sizes, for example, for reciting the mantra of Avalokiteshvara (OM MANI PADME HUM) it is good to have a rosary of 6 seeds, for the practice of the goddess Singhamukhi - from 14 seeds. As for the small rosary used in prostrations, there can be any number of bones, as long as it is convenient for you.
LB: How should a rosary be worn?
Lama Kenpo: There are no special rules... Usually practitioners wear them under their clothes. But if your rosary is richly decorated and you want to show it to others, you can wear it over your dress or on your wrist (laughs).
LB: Why is the rosary being consecrated?
Lama Kenpo: You are probably aware of the existence of good and bad energies. All phenomena and objects have their own vibrations. Certain waves also emanate from human thought. Most people know this from their own experience. It happens that you meet a stranger, and a pleasant feeling arises. It may be because you feel a joyful mood in his mind. Or if we wear clothes bad person, then it is likely we will get sick. All of this is related to subtle energies. Why are rosary beads blessed by lamas? If a lama has reached a high stage of development and is in a state of awakening, then touching the rosary, blowing on them, he transfers his good energy to them. At the same time, it is important to recite auspicious mantras by them (I want to highlight the word “favorable” here, because not everyone knows that there are also bad mantras used, for example, to kill a person). At the same time, if the bad person touches the rosary or you put it in the wrong place, then the blessing energy will go away. True, if the master who conducted the consecration reached the state of primordial wisdom, then his blessing will never leave the rosary.
LB: How should you get a rosary? Can I accept them as a gift?
Lama Kenpo: It depends on you. The main thing is that they come to you from good hands.
Lama Kenpo Choga Rinpoche. Rosary from good hands.
[Interview with Lama Kenpo Choga Rinpoche / Vela L. Bogdanova] // Path to yourself. - 2006. - No. 6. - P.10-11.
The rosary is used by followers of almost all religious systems to count the number of prayers and mantras recited, rituals and bows performed. However, in Buddhism, the rosary also plays the role of an object in which information related to the main philosophical and practical aspects of the Buddha's Teachings is codified.
Buddhist rosary (in Sanskrit: mala; in Tibetan: prenwa) is made of wood, bone, stone or metal. In this case, the material is often chosen in connection with one or another of its energetic or mystical influence per person or environment.
For example, juniper rosary have the ability to scare away evil spirits and eliminate harmful influences; rosary beads made of red coral and dark blue lapis lazuli have the same properties.
Rosary of sandalwood, rock crystal in pearls serve to calm down, remove obstacles and diseases.
Gold, silver, copper, amber, made from lotus seeds or bodhi tree- increase life expectancy, contribute to the development of wisdom and increase in spiritual merit.
Prayer beads made of crystal, sandalwood, lotus seeds or bodhi seeds are also recommended when carrying out the practice of offering-puja to all benign (peaceful) yidam (aspects of Enlightenment) and Guru-yoga.
For mystical practices, especially those associated with angry yidams, they use a rosary made of juniper, ebony or mahogany, bone, black crystal, agate, black coral.
In the past, warrior monks often wore metal (bronze, iron or silver) rosary, using them, if necessary, as an improvised weapon.
There are also beads made of knots tied in a special way. Moreover, each knot is tied with the recitation of certain mantras, prayers and the performance of special contemplations.
The followers of the Buddhist tradition of the Vajrayana ("Diamond" or Secret Chariot) are especially appreciated by the rosary made of the bone of the frontal part of the human skull. 108 skulls are used to make such a rosary, which is possible only in Tibet, where traditionally the corpses of the dead are not buried in the ground (due to the absence of such in the mountains) and are not burned (due to the absence of a tree), but are left in special places where the corpses are quickly pecked open by the mountains. vultures, after which only the skull and bones remain of the corpse. Since such a rosary - very rare, then more often there are simply bone rosaries (made of human or animal bones), each bead of which is made in the form of a miniature skull.
The classical number of beads in a Buddhist rosary is 108. However, there are also rosaries with a different number of beads. In any case, the number of beads codifies certain provisions of the Teaching. So, for example, 108 classic rosary beads symbolizes 108 kinds of desires (Skt .: tanha) that darken the human spirit:
A) desires associated with the six senses: vision, touch, smell, taste, hearing and mind (6);
b) in relation to objects of the past, present and future (3);
c) to internal and external objects (2);
d) three ways of manifestation: in thoughts, in words and in actions (3).
Hence - the canonical numbers of Buddhism:
- 6x3 = 18;
- 18x2 = 36;
- 36x3 = 108.
There are other decryptions of the number 108, however, this is the most common. The rosary is divided by an additional larger bead (109th), which is crowned with a cone-shaped or cylindrical bead. The large bead symbolizes the Prajna Wisdom, and the cone the Upaya Method. Most often, the 36th and 72nd beads are also made in a slightly larger size or in a different shape. From a cylindrical bead comes a "tail" of threads, the color of which is often associated with the vows taken in the tradition of one or another Buddhist School. So, for example, black can mean taking worldly vows ( Skt .: upasaka, tab .: genen), red - initial monastic vows, hearing ( Skt .: shramanera, Tib .: getzul), yellow - full vows of monasticism ( Skt .: bhikshu, Tib .: gelong). The "tail" can be double - in this case, one of its parts symbolizes the Practice of Merit, and the other - the Practice of Wisdom; or they can symbolize, respectively, the state of Clarity - shamatha and Insight - vipashyana. The fact that both parts come out of one bead symbolizes their unity-non-duality.
The rosary used by the Vajrayana adepts is often much more complex both in its symbolism and in the manufacturing process. Often such beads also play the role of a kind identification mark for initiates, indicating the level and type of spiritual practice of the owner of the rosary.
In addition to common symbolism classical rosary, Vajrayan rosary, especially among those initiated into the practice of angry yidams, are often performed in the form of skulls, which symbolizes the transience of this world or the Practice of transience. All beads and only dividing beads can be in the shape of skulls - the 36th, 72nd and 109th. It can be made in the form of a triple skull and only one large, 109th, bead. In these cases, the three skulls also denote three main obscurations - "poison" of consciousness: passion, anger and ignorance.
The base of the rosary (in the area of the "tail" or instead of it) is often decorated with one of the tantric symbols of iron, bronze, silver or gold. By this symbol, you can roughly determine the type of tantras that the owner of the rosary is practicing. The most common vajra as such a symbol is common symbol Vajrayana or dharmachakra - as a symbol of the Buddha's Teachings in general. Gridug is often worn by lamas (as a symbol of cutting off any defilement) and initiated into the practice of angry yidams; metal mirror - practices of the Dzogchen system; purbu - initiates into the practice of Vajrakilaya yidam, etc.
Vajrayan rosary is strung on a cord woven from 5 multi-colored threads: white, blue, yellow, red and green. These threads symbolize the five aspects of Enlightenment expressed by the figures of the five Enlightened Tathagatas: Vairochana, Akshobhya, Ratnasambhava, Amitabha and Amoghasiddha. During the weaving of the cord, biji syllables are read and a special visualization of these Tathagatas is performed. Thus, the cord is, as it were, charged with their energy. Five threads can be connected with the practice-mandala of one or another yidam - in this case, accordingly, mantras and visualizations change. Sometimes the cord consists of 9 threads - in this case, they symbolize the Yidam Vajradhara and the eight main bodhisattvas.
In addition to the central "tail", the Vajrayan rosary has two more - after the 36th and 72nd beads (in this case, these beads do not differ from others either in shape or size). Each of these "tails" is threaded through five small beads or discs. The two "tails" symbolize the Practice of Merit and the Practice of Wisdom, and the small beads symbolize the ten Perfection-paramitas, the first five of which refer to Merits, and the next five to Wisdom. Another option is often found, when all ten small beads are strung on the main "tail".
After making the rosary, it is consecrated by the Teacher-Lama or by the adept himself by conducting a special ceremony. Such beads acquire special magical and energetic properties that protect their owner and contribute to his tantric practices. These rosary beads must not be passed on to strangers, treated with negligence or disrespect. If the rosary becomes unusable (beads or a cord are erased), then they are re-consecrated during repairs, or they are burned with the recitation of mantras. Often, pilgrims leave their rosary on which they recited 108,000 or more mantras in holy places. It is believed that in this case the fruits of the performed practices increase, which is understandable, given the connection that is established between the rosary and their owner as a result of systematic practices.
The rosary beads of the great Teacher-lamas, famous for their holiness and spiritual powers, are walled up in stupas or foundations of temples during their construction, put into statues of Buddha and yidams, and placed on altars as relics. Prayer beads are often passed from teacher to student from generation to generation as a sign of spiritual continuity.
Supplement from the site of Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche sangha (http://rangjungyeshe.ru/):
Guru Rinpoche said:
“The best type of mala is considered to be a mala made of jewelry (rinchen).
The mediocre type of mala is made from the seeds of a tree or fruit, and the inferior type is made from wood, earth, stone or medicine. "
A mala made from shells, earth, wood, tree seeds or fruit is used to perform peaceful sadhanas.
A mala made from bodhi seeds completes all dharmas.
Bodhi tree mala carries out pacifying activities
Mulberry mala carries out subduing activity.
Mahogany mala is used for wrathful practices.
The elephant tusk malas will carry out any caring activity.
Small beads made of stone are good for enhancing practices.
Beads made from medicine are good for wrathful practices.
White color is associated with the eastern direction (?), Which in turn has a calming effect.
Yellow small, for example made from prunus seeds, gold, apricot seeds - increases energy, is used to increase wealth, success and consciousness.
Keep on the middle finger at the level of the navel while sitting facing south.
Amber mala is very good for treating eyes.
Mala can be red, for example from coral or red sandal - red is the color of control over others. We hold at the level of the genitals on the ring finger while sitting facing west.
Black, metallic, turquoise- are used when it is necessary to apply destructive activity (I think that the conversation in to a greater extent talking about the iron mala). We sit facing north, holding the mala on the little finger in our right hand, the brush rests on the knee.
There is an option that a steel mala increases virtue.
Bone mala- very powerful and requires a practitioner high level abilities.
Blue mala associated with space.
It is best to use small gemstones. They are used when performing any karmic activities that you perform.
Mala from rudraksha seeds- common among Hindu sadhus. Such a small is considered dangerous because it possesses tremendous power and the practitioner who uses it should have high abilities... For comparison - to use such a small horse is all the same - that to go around a wild stallion ... In order to appreciate the qualities of a wild horse, you have to be a good rider.
The head is small or stupa - it consists of three beads. The symbol of the union of the three Kai.
The smallest, the top one, is considered the sound source. She of blue color- a symbol of an unchanging mind absolute truth.
The two final ones (the size ascending to the lower bead) represent two types of energy - male and female, thus. it is a symbol of the union of the masculine and feminine principle. They are very important in small things, without them the small will not work.
There is also a version of the interpretation of the stupa beads - the middle bead - red - also a symbol of vajar speech.
The last bead - white, it is considered confidential, because it symbolizes the vajara body.
There should be three, five or nine strings in a mala. Three threads symbolize - three Kayas, five threads symbolize - five Buddhas, nine threads - nine chariots.
For White Tara Practice and the White Mahakala needs a pearl mala.
For the practice of Green Tara- Jadeite.
For the practice of Medicine Buddha- Lapis Lapis or Turquoise.
For the practice of Amitabha- red Jasper.
For Shakyamuni practice- Amber.
Guru Rinpoche's Practice in the form of Padmasambhava - animal bones or beads in the shape of skulls.
Practice of Vajrasattva and Chenrezig- Rock crystal.
When reciting mantras, they use the right hand, but in practices with visualization, only the left.
When reciting mantras, the correct position of the fingers is important. Most of the mantras are recited with the left hand, holding the mala between the thumb and forefinger, fingering the beads "inside the palm". The thumb collects the beads inward, and the other direction dissipates the energy. Having reached the "small head", the direction is changed so as not to dissipate the energy.
1). Peaceful mantras are recited at the level of the heart.
2). Mantras for multiplying strength, mind and wealth - the rosary is fingered at the level of the navel through the middle finger. These are the mantras of Manjushri, Dzambala, Amitayus, etc.
3). The wrathful mantras of subduing activity are through the ring finger at the level of the genital center. These are mantras - Garuda, Hayagriva, Guru Dragpo, etc.
4). Intimidating mantras - through the little finger at the level of the left knee. These are the mantras of Vajrakilaya, Vajrakumara, Lionheaded Dakini. Right there - you can touch it with your right hand through the ring finger at the level of the right knee.
Or else like this:
From the book “Explanations of the Generation Stage according to the Sadhana Practice Called“ The Core of Nondual Clarity, ”by Giltrula Rinpoche:
Further, the text discusses the counting of mantras using the mala. Another quote from the second Buddha, Padmasambhava, says: " Best view A mala, used to increase the number of repetitions, is a mala made from some kind of jewelry (Tib. rinpoche). The mediocre type of mala is made from the seeds of a tree or fruit, and the lower type of mala is made from wood, earth, stone or medicine. "
Mala made from sea shells, earth, tree or tree seed or fruit used to perform peaceful sadhanas and peaceful actions.
Mala made of gold- to perform extensive actions.
Mala of the Red Coral- is best for performing strong sadhanas.
Steel or turquoise small- good for angry activity.
Mala made of "zi" stone or other precious stones, can be used when performing any karmic activities performed by you.
Mala made from apricot seeds, will perform extensive activities.
Mala made of "lot tone"(the tiny, round black seed of the fruit) is very active.
Mala made from Raksha beads, used in angry practices.
Mala made from bodhi seeds, fulfills all dharmas.
Mala made of wood of the bodhi tree, fulfills peaceful karmas.
Mulberry bead mala performs power karmas.
Wood mala mahogany used in wrathful practices.
Malas made from elephant bones and, especially his tusks, will perform all caring activities.
Beads made of stone- good for general practices. Beads made from medicine- good for wrathful practices. Malas with many different types of precious values good for any practice. However, I advise that you do not try to do small things with big amount different beads on them, because if you do not know which combinations are effective, you can get a non-positive result.
Further, the text mentions the different types of benefits that are derived from the use of different types of malas.
Iron or steel are small multiply the virtue that accumulates with each repetition in the usual way. Copper Mala multiplies each repetition by four times. Mala Raksha multiplies each repetition by 20 million, and pearl mala multiplies 100 million times. Silver mala multiplies by 100000, and ruby mala 100 million times. Bodhi Seed Mala manifests limitless benefits for any form of practice, be it peaceful, extensive, strong, or angry.
You should know everything about the meaning of small and about the best way linking them. There can be three, five or nine strings in your mala, no other number. Three strings symbolize three kayas, five strings symbolize five Buddhas, and nine strings symbolize nine chariots.
Main guru bead may consist of three beads, symbolizing the three vajra states of the being, three kaya. The smallest bead at the top should be blue, possibly lapis lazuli. The color blue symbolizes the unchanging mind of absolute truth. The middle bead should be red, which symbolizes the vajra speech, and the innermost bead should be white, which symbolizes the vajra body.
Your mala should be blessed by a lama, and you should constantly bless your mala yourself by saturating it with energy. You must put energy into your mala before counting mantras for real benefit.
You must cleanse your mouth and hands and then your mala before using it. You can also saturate it with sandalwood oil.
Then generate yourself as a deity by taking the mala in your left hand and placing the guru bead vertically in the center. Repeat the mantra that transforms all dharmas into awareness of their true nature: "OM SWABAWA SHUDDO SARVA DHARMA SWABAWA SHUDDO HAM". This mantra purifies and transforms impure perception into awareness of voidness.
From the void, the guru bead appears as the central deity in the mandala, and other beads appear as his retinue. This part of the practice is samasattva meditation. Next, invoke jnanasattva. Invite the being of primordial wisdom to come, being attracted, they dissolve into samasattva, as it happens in sadhana. Invite beings of wisdom to come from their pure lands into the space in front of you. Then they dissolve in your mala and stay there. In this way, every part of your mala is a complete mandala. This includes the central deity, retinue, lotus seat, ornaments, hand attributes, colors, and more. Your blessed mala thus multiplies each syllable of the mantra, which you then repeat 100,000 times, and it also creates good karma. Therefore, it is very important to do just that.
Your mala represents not only the form of the deity, but the speech of the deity as well. For example, if you are chanting the Hundred-syllable mantra, the guru bead represents the syllable "OM" and the other beads represent the rest of the syllables.
Guru Padmasambhava said, "Whenever you are chanting peace mantras, use the tip of your thumb to rotate the mala. When chanting large mantras, use your middle finger. Use your ring and thumb when chanting strong mantras, and use the ring when chanting. angry mantras. " Use only your left hand to count mantras. The right hand is used very rarely; for example, in some angry practices. Some books teach you to use both hands, but don't use only the right hand.
Whatever kind of practice you do, whether it is peaceful, angry, strong or extensive, always be aware that thumb is a vajra hook that grabs spiritual powers, deities and other blessings. It is also very easy to move the beads with your thumb.
The text does not explain in detail, but there are some broad teachings on how to move small beads when certain practices are performed. In some angry practices, you pull the beads with both hands, etc.
The following teachings, which explain how to take care of your mala when you are not using it, came directly from the mouth of Guru Padmasambhava. If your mala has been repeatedly blessed by great lamas, your own teacher and yourself in the course of your deity practice, it should accompany you like a shadow. You keep the vajra mala root samaya never letting it come off your body.
Many different recommendations pertain to proper care and use are small, but only a few are mentioned here. Never let it cool off from your body heat. Never show your secret vajra mala to other people. Never give your mala into the hands of other people. Do not send her anywhere and do not entrust the care of her to others. And never give your mala in the hands of those who broke their vows, or those whose spiritual views are sharply different from your own.
Only hold your mala in your hands when you are repeating the mantra. Do not play or fiddle with her in vain. Do not guess on it and do not use it as an abacus.
Keep your mala hidden and have it respectful attitude... Don't try to get everyone to pay attention to her. Never lay it down in low places, and certainly not on the ground. Do not string beads on your mala if it makes no sense and do not use it as a decoration. If you stick to these words in relation to your mala, you will achieve everything you desire.
Rosary - this ritual instrument can often be seen in the hands of followers of any religion. Their purpose is always the same - beads are used to keep track of recited mantras or prayers.
There is an opinion that the first rosary beads appeared among Buddhists, and after that this idea was borrowed by Christians and Muslims. It is also known that the first beads-garlands of 108 rudraksha bones were sacrificed in pre-Aryan India to the god Shiva. Much later, such beads-necklaces began to be used for counting prayers in Hinduism and Buddhism.
Our topic today is the Buddhist rosary. They are made from shells, seeds, semi-precious stones, precious woods, bones. Beads made of sandalwood, rock Tibetan crystal, and jade are always especially popular.
What is Buddhist rosary used for?
First of all - in order to recite mantras with their help. The rosary helps not to lose count, create a certain rhythm for breathing and reading. Well-read, prayed beads can protect their owner, give him energy and protection.
Rosary: 108 beads
Traditionally Buddhist rosary consists of 108 grains or beads. 108 is a sacred number - this is the number of names of God in Hinduism. But why 108?
Astronomy and astrology will help us with this. If 108 divided by 9 (this is the number of planets), we get 12 (the number of zodiac signs).
The moon goes around the Earth in 27 days. If 27 is multiplied by 4 phases of the moon, we get 108 again.
The sacred Buddhist texts of Tibet are also 108. And this is not all the symbolism of the number 108. There are still many different options.
Of course, rosary beads with fewer and more grains are used - it depends on the purpose of each specific rosary. The number of grains also denotes belonging to a particular trend or direction in Buddhism.
Tibetan rosary
Do you know what the rosary is made of in Tibet? In the Bon and Vajrayana traditions, beads are made from skulls. But don't be scared! Indeed, traditional Tibetan rosary beads are made from the frontal bone of a human skull - this is where the "third eye" area is located. Perhaps this is only in the conditions of Tibet, where dead people are simply placed in special ritual places, and vultures very quickly leave only bones from the corpse. Such beads are very rare. Most often, you can buy a bone rosary made from buffalo or yak bones.
How to use a Buddhist rosary
Usually the rosary is held in the left hand while reciting the mantra. Thumb separate one bead inside the palm. Upon reaching a large bead or “tail,” the direction changes. This bead is not "stepped over".
In our store you can purchase made from various materials Buddhist. It is also possible to make a rosary with your own hands. For example, the most simple option will just tie the right amount knots on the cord.
