This book is dedicated to all sentient beings

.
May all find the path that leads to
enlightenment.
 Manual for using the Mala and
to perform Tibetan prayers
Manual for the use of Mala

How to use the Tibetan rosary - A working method for Enlightenment

Hindu malas and Tibetan Buddhist malas are rosary beads or strings of prayer beads used during chanting or
meditation. They are used to focus awareness and concentration during spiritual practice. The word mala
means "garland" or rosary in Sanskrit. Prayer beads have been used by practitioners of many disciplines for
thousands of years. The Buddha himself recommended mantra practice with the mala as a path to
enlightenment for ordinary people.

Although malas have been used in this way for thousands of years, it is only recently that they have become
popular as fashion accessories. Tibetan Jewelry, clothing and Buddhist beliefs are now found all over the
fashionable world. Many people have adopted these adornments as expressions of "spiritual fashion", but
few realize the symbolic significance or esoteric origin of their attire. but few realize the symbolic
significance or esoteric origin of their attire.

Construction

Malas are usually made of sandalwood, bodhi seeds or semi-precious quartz grains such as jade or amber.
As with most tools made for spiritual practices, the best materials and craftsmanship are used.
Although the number of beads varies from one mala to another, the most common are the full strings of 108
beads and the wrist mala of 27 beads (4 X 27 = 108). In addition, malas always have a larger bead in the middle,
more "decorative" or Meru (the bead symbolizing the Guru) and a bead separator. There may also be one, two or
four equally spaced bead dividers.

Additionally there are gold or silver counters attached to keep track of

the hundreds and thousands of bhums (repeats of 108).

The cord is a burgundy or maroon color and symbolizes the unbroken

teaching of the lineage and descent of the Buddha.

Dacron fishing line can be used, but many are tightening their malas
with bungee cord as well. Often the mala is finished with a kind of
ornament, or "endless" knot.

At the end of the mala is a guru bead (as shown on the cover of this
brochure) and topped with a brown or gold tassel.
 Use of Mala
Malas, rosaries and energy beads are used to count mantra recitations and to focus one's concentration
during practices. Counting the mantra with the mala occupies the hand (body), reciting the mantra occupies
the voice (speech) and visualization of the deity occupies the mind. By focusing on these three aspects of
ourselves in practice at the same time, the benefits multiply and the merit accumulates.

To use your mala, you must hold it in your left (receiving) hand, with the beads between your index finger
and your left hand. y thumb. Hold the bad with care
and respect. Start to count
with the first account after the "guru" account. Count one bead for each complete recitation.

Maintaining the accounts and count one to the time, is how to recite one mantra, one vote
or an affirmation helps keep the mind focused, so one is less likely to be distracted by stray thoughts when
reciting with the mala. When you complete either 108 or 27 recitations, you can start another mala again,
but it is important when you finish counting a complete mala, not to go over the "guru" count. This is
considered a foul, as it is as if he is stepping over our master. Instead, turn the mala around 180 degrees,
and continue in the same direction. This is the practice to carry out smoothly. Some practices require the
completion of 100,000 mantras or recitations.

"Om Mani Padme Hum"

in Tibetan Alphabet
Spoken mantras.

Mantras are sacred chanted or recited sounds, which contain the essence of the great spiritual teachings
condensed into concise syllables and phrases. Most Tibetan Buddhist Mantras originated with the yogis,
saints and bodhisattvas of India.

In Buddhism, the gift of mantra malas was given to us by the historical Buddha 2500 years ago. He said, "If
you want to eliminate earthly desires and put an end to suffering, make a circular chain of 108 beads from
the seeds of the tree of enlightenment. "He then gave a short mantra of the Three Jewels (Buddha, Dharma
and Sangha), and asked those present for their use.

Although there are countless sacred mantras, Mantra Mani is the most popular Tibetan Buddhist Mantra. It
is freely available for use by anyone, having been given to us by the great deity Chenrezig. Chenrezig
(Avalokiteshvara in Sanskrit) is the Bodhisattvha of compassion and is currently represented by His Holiness
the Fourteenth Dalai Lama of Tibet. This mantra is known to purify negative emotions, relieve the suffering
of all beings and protect us from negative influences and diseases. Best of all, the Mani Mantra increases
compassion for ourselves and others. Some mantras can be freely shared. Other mantras should only be
taught by a trained teacher or lama and always with transmission or initiation, empowerment and
teachings. These mantras are powerful and should be kept confidential and practiced in private.

the Master.

Having a close relationship with the teacher or Lama builds a solid foundation for one's own spiritual
formation and path. One should not try to learn secret mantras or do the practices without the blessings of
a guru, initiations and instructions. Their wisdom, experience, knowledge and protection are essential to
one's success.

We should consider the teacher to be the real representative of the Buddha and deserving of the same form of
respect that the Buddha himself would receive. Although teachers are human and may be fallible, the teachings
themselves are of sacred origin and are impeccable. The teacher is revered both for bringing and transmitting the
holy teachings. Respect should always be shown to a teacher.

The teachings
Many precious teachings have been passed down from teacher to student in unbroken chains for thousands of
years. Strict transmission methods preserve these treasures of the mind and the integrity of the teachings. This
system has worked well and has been perfected over thousands of years.

Preliminaries to practice
Before beginning the recitation of a mantra, the practitioner should consider his or her internal motivations, the
reasons for wanting to do the practice. Altruistic and compassionate motivations are the best (Bodhicitta). One of
the main objectives of being a Buddhist is to be concerned about the welfare and happiness of others. If we do this
practice to alleviate the suffering of all beings, merit is multiplied and negativities are transmuted into positive
merit.
The best thing is to view all people with as much admiration as we would our loved ones. When we unite these
good feelings with the promise to always work for the benefit of all beings, this is called the Bodhisattva vow.
 Practicing the Mani Mantra
Start by clearing your mind of wandering thoughts. Take a deep
breath. Concentrate and feel the strength of the earth. Begin practice
when you feel well connected and stable.

Mantra Mani is the Sanskrit mantra of Avolokiteshvara, the

Bodhisattva of compassion, known as Chenrezig in Tibetan language.
This mantra is practiced every day by Tibetan Buddhists. Often, a
practitioner recites the mala with the left hand, while spinning a mani
prayer wheel with the right hand, chanting with the voice and
approaching or circling the holy places, all at the same time!
The jewel represents the goal, the attainment of enlightenment.
Enchanted by the senses, the lotus metaphorically symbolizes sensory

The belief is that by reciting the Mani mantra constantly,

one occupies the mind with altruistic intention and
action. This transmutes or burns away negative feelings
and bad karma and can lead to a happier life and a better
rebirth.

The mantra is as follows:

OM MANI PADME HUM
It sounds like this: "oomm manii paadme huung".
and literally translates to: "Hail to the jewel in the lotus".
bliss and the process of enlightenment. From a small seed or inspiration that grows with the proper
attentions of cultivation and care, it finally blooms into a radiant flower. The lotus grows out of the dirt and
yet does not dye and remains pure. It is best to at least recite one set of beads or Mala (108x), or "buhm"
from your mantra. It is typical to recite ten full buhms (10 x 108) or more of the Mantra Mani per session.

As you recite the mantra, you should visualize Chenrezig, the deity of compassion in front of you (in your
mind's eye) just as in the image. It is transparent and full of glowing white light. Imagine Chenrezig's
boundless compassion radiating from his heart, overflowing with unconditional love. His light shines for all
beings.

The mantra OM MANI PADME HUM surrounds your heart like a wheel of fire. Compassionate rays of light
radiate the rainbow from the fiery heart, transmuting the suffering of beings everywhere and then return
with the blessings of all the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas of the ten directions.

When chanting the Mani Mantra and visualizing Chenrezig, remember to engage your heart in the
process. Practice without feeling is only an intellectual or mechanical exercise with little benefit . The
energy of the heart fuels the practice.
When finished, dissolve the visualization of Chenrezig's smile into a nimbus of light. These rainbow
rays mingle with the energy of his body and the energy of all other beings as Chenrezig's blessing.

Sit quietly for a few minutes in front of the happiness of the Chenrezig mandala.
Closing Meditation

Tibetan Buddhists usually say prayers of closure,

dedication and long life wishes after each practice.
If you do not know any of these however, just be
grateful and respectful of the source and teachers of
the practice, then dedicate the merit that has been
generated to all sentient beings.
It is traditional to dedicate the merit generated by
practice or karma yoga to benefit all beings. In this way,
they can also benefit from the practice and eventually
find their own path leading to full enlightenment.

Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattvha
(from
four-armed Chenrezig)