About Buddha Beads
Buddha beads can be called by many different names. These are all beads strung to be used for mantra meditation. Many different religions use counting beads but in the Buddhist tradition the meditation beads are made with a three-hole menu (mountain) bead at the end and often have a simple knot and loose strings.
Some of the many different names of Buddha Beads: mala beads, malas, japa mala, tibetan prayer beads, buddhist prayer beads, mala bracelet, mala necklace, buddhist bracelets, beaded mala, buddha neckless, meditation beads, prayer beads.
Bone Beads
Bone beads, often strung with a few precious pieces of coral or amber, are a traditional material for malas in the Himalaya. At the monasteries, one might encounter a devout practitioner with a mala made from bones of a holy monk or revered lama. Bone beads remind us that life is fleeting.
Lotus Seeds
The sacred Indian lotus symbolizes purity and birth. As the fabled thousand-petaled blossom, it is the symbol of compassionate Kuan Yin, because it represents rebirth on a higher plane-enlightenment. In more physical terms, it is a water lily whose slightly oval, matte brown seeds, which are about the size of your pinky fingertip, have been strung into rosaries since ancient times. Lotus seeds are connected to Kuan Yin.
Types of Buddhist Beads
Buddha beads can be made out of many types of materials but here are the most common beads used:
Bodhi Seeds
It was while meditating under a bodhi tree that Prince Siddhartha attained enlightenment and became the Buddha. The dark-speckled seeds from this fig tree thus have special meaning for all seekers of divine wisdom. Bodhi in Sanskrit enlightenment. Eternal wisdom is not guaranteed, of course, but meditating-or just sitting quietly-with a bodhi-seed mala offers an opportunity for serenity because it connects you mentally, perhaps spiritually, to the Buddha.
Sandalwood Beads
Sandalwood trees have been cultivated since antiquity for their ceremonial and ritual use. It is considered an auspicious wood. Beads made from this fragrant heartwood bring a sensory element to meditation, reminding us that sitting in thought or prayer need not be austere but can be deeply pleasurable. You may find that simply inhaling the aroma of your sandalwood beads can help you return to that quietness.
Using Buddha Beads
1. Hold beads between hands and bring to forehead as you bow.
2. Hold beads in right hand and chant a mantra as you touch each bead.
3. Do not use the index finger to count and do not touch the menu bead.
4. Chant to 108 using the beads
5. You can wear the Buddha beads after chanting with them or store in a clean special place.
