[FrankJScott]

How To Utilize Tibetan Prayer Beads. What Are Malas?
Mala is Sanskrit's first term for prayer beads. They are used to be used to count mantra recitations. Malas are found throughout Tibetan Buddhist communities around the globe, either wrapped around the wrists or hanging from the fingers. They are typically accompanied by the humming of mantra recitations such as Om mani padme tuttare, ture soha or om mun maha-muniye soha. They are referred to as trengwa when they're Tibetan. Since Tibetan Buddhist practice often involves repeating certain mantras out loud or mentally, thousands or even hundreds of thousand times, it's beneficial to keep track of the number of times you have prayed by using your rosary as a sort of spiritual abacus. Even if you're not occupied with counting, the repetitive recitation of the mantra while you make your way bead by beads through the mala will assist in focusing and relaxing your mind. The string is composed of 108 beads comprised of semi-precious or precious stones or seeds, wood bone, or wood is the most commonly used kind. If you are able to finish 100 mantra recitations moving through the mala, by reciting a mantra each for each bead of it, you are considered accomplished. The 8 additional beads are designed to be "spare" in the event that you make mistakes or miscounts during the course. The head bead is larger than the other beads and is often called the guru bead. However, it's essential to the circuit's beginning point and not included in the total of 108 beads. Some malas may include additional precious stones such as turquoise or coral, added at different intervals. These precious stones may be added at intervals you can count, such that after 27 beads you'll know you are 1/4 complete in the circuit. These extra counter beads mean that your total number of beads would be 111, rather than the usual 108. You can also utilize a smaller mala to perform prostrations, made up of 27 beads. The smaller mala size is wrapped around the hand, and then repeated 4 times. Other configurations can be made, like 21 or 22, but it's not a problem so long as your mala is able to count.

Types of Malas
There are a variety of malas, from bone and ivory to lapis lazuli and sandalwood or crystal, or "Bodhi seed" (actually made from Rudraksha seeds) or "lotus seed" (actually constructed from rattan seed). Although there are many theories about what kind of mala is best for each kind of prayer We don't believe it is a big deal. We believe that Tibetans generally don't make large distinctions in the types and use of malas. Monks as well as nuns are likely to use cheap malas that are easy and simple to keep, such wooden malas. It is possible to use any kind of mala you like. It is best not to be focused on the look or the value of your mala, but instead focus in your practice of prayer and reciting mantras. Have a look at the top Bodhi Tree Mala Beads for recommendations.



How To Hold And Count Your Malas
As is often the case in Tibetan culture, we want to stress that there aren't any guidelines regarding malas or how to count mantras. Everyone is different. There are numerous ways to do things, but they are not as important as your intention and attitude while praying. If you are praying with your heart and using your mala, then you are doing a great job! While the majority of sources advise you to use your mala with your left hand, some Tibetans use them in their right. If you are holding a prayer wheels in one and mala, it's more typical for the mala to be placed on the left hand and the prayer wheel to the right. Begin by holding the "guru" bead, and move down. Hold the bead between the index finger and thumb, and repeat your mantra in a quiet or loud manner. Then, move on to the next beads by rolling your thumb. Recite the mantra once more before repeating. Once you reach the guru bead , you've completed 100 mantras without needing to count them all. The majority of Tibetans do not forget their guru, but rather reverse direction by rotating their mala, starting a new circuit which is 100, and then going back to where they started from. In truth, we don't know why this is. It's more habit than anything.

Caring for your Mala
The mala you have will become more spiritually significant when you make use of to recite mantras, bring it along to sessions, and get it blessed possibly by your spiritual guru. It's not holy in and of its own, but it's something we should treat with respect. It is not to be thrown, placed on the ground, or covered with objects of everyday use. If they are not wearing their malas, Tibetans wrap them around their wrists, or put them from their necks. You should not wear them as necklaces. If you're not going to use it for a while, or you're sleeping, for example, you can hang it on a clean or high-up spot, perhaps close to your altar. The one we have is on a specific bookcase beneath our altar. It is up you to decide what you do with it.