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How Do You Use Tibetan Prayer Beads. What Are Malas
Mala mala, the Sanskrit name for the traditional prayer beads used in counting mantra recitations, is also referred to as mala. Malas are found throughout Tibetan Buddhist communities around the globe, either wrapped around the wrists or hanging from the fingers. They are often followed by the humming mantras, such as Om mani padme tuttare, ture soha or om mun maha-muniye soha. They are known as trengwa Tibetan. It is possible to use the rosary for counting the number of prayers. Even if you are not doing any actual counting, the repetitive repetition of the mantra as you are moving bead by beads through the mala can help concentrate and soothe the mind. A string of 108 beads that is made of precious, semi-precious and/or seed stones, wood or seeds, is the most frequently used kind of mala. If you can make 100 mantra recitations as you go, then you'll be considered to have completed the mala. In order to make up for any errors or miscounts, an additional 8 beads may be utilized to serve as "spare". There's an additional head bead one that is larger than all the other beads, and it is often known as a "guru bead." Some believe this particular bead is of special significance because it is a symbol of the guru of one's choice, for instance and, more practicalally it is actually the starting point for the entire circuit, and is not part of the 108 total. Some malas may contain additional precious stones, such as turquoise or coral, added at different intervals. These stones are usually added at intervals which can be used for counting. For instance at the end of 27 beads, you'll know that you've completed a quarter of a circuit. The counter beads are then added, and your total number of beads would be 111 instead of 108. For prostrations, there's also a smaller mala that can be worn on the wrist. It is made up of 27 beads. This is where the smaller size is wrapped around the hand and then repeated 4 times. There are other configurations that can be created for example, such as 22 or 21 however this isn't a problem as long as your mala is able to count.

Types of Malas
There are numerous kinds of malas, from bone and ivory to lapis lazuli and sandalwood or crystal, or "Bodhi seed" (actually made from Rudraksha seed) or "lotus seed" (actually made from rattan seed). There are a myriad of theories that explain which mala is appropriate for which kind of prayer. But we don't think it is important which kind you use. We think most Tibetans do not make distinctions in the kinds of malas. Monks or nuns usually use simple, cheap malas, such as wooden ones. Any mala is acceptable. It is much better to focus your attention on the spiritual practice which involves chanting mantras and praying instead of the beauty or significance of your Mala. Check out the top rated Tibetan Mala for info.



How To Hold And Count With Your Malas
We'd like to remind you, just as Tibetan culture usually does, that there is no standard for malas and counting mantras. Each person does it in a different way. There are a few common practices however they don't alter your intentions or attitude to prayer. You're doing what is right when you pray in your heart and make use of your mala. While most sources recommend holding your mala in one hand however, certain Tibetans advocate using the other. It is normal to hold the mala in one hand, with your prayer wheel on the other. When using your mala, begin by placing the first bead next to the "guru" bead. Then, place the mala between your thumb and the index fingers. Repeat your mantra one time in a loud or slow manner. Next, move to the next bead , and repeat your mantra a second time. Once you reach the guru bead , you've completed 100 mantras without having to count each one. Most Tibetans don't abandon the guru's bead at this point. Instead, they reverse their direction and then turn the mala around to begin a new journey with 100 mantras, returning to the original path. We don't know what the reason is the case, but we practice this out of habit, rather than due to any reason.

Caring for your Mala
Your mala will grow more significant spiritually when you use to recite mantras, carry it to sessions, and get it blessed, perhaps by your spiritual guru. While it's not considered sacred by itself, we still take it seriously. This means you should not put it on the flooring, pile mundane objects on top of it, or throw it. Tibetans wear their malas on their wrists and necks when they are not in use. They're not intended to be used as necklaces or for self-deprecation, but rather as a way to show the spirituality. If you're not going to use it for a while, or are asleep at night you could put it up in a tidy or high-up spot, perhaps close to your altar. It's actually stored on an area under our altar. It's all dependent on you and your determination to treat it with love and respect, all while keeping a practical, non-extreme attitude.