Buddhist Prayer Beads

Although many people may recognize a variation of these prayer beads among
today ’s newest fashion accessories, they carry a far deeper significance in the
Buddhist culture. For this group of individuals, prayer beads, or mala beads as
they are called in the Buddhist religion, represent a meditative tool. Their specific
purpose may vary for different individuals, but commonly the beads are used to
enhance ‘goodness’ and diminish ‘toxins’. The overarching purpose of these
beads from a true Buddhist perspective is to drive away evil and fill you and all
beings with peace and bliss. In accordance with the active nature of practice in
Buddhism, this material object is used as an accomplice for gaining merit on the
path to enlightenment.

The origin of mala beads is rooted in the Hindu

religion. Individuals who converted from the Hindu faith to Buddhism during its birth,
transferred this devotional practice with them and it soon became a part of the Buddhist
faith. The story of the beads' origin is as follows:

“Sakyamuni, the founder of Buddhism, paid a visit to king Vaidunya…Sakya directed him
to thread 108 seeds of the Bodhi tree on a string, and while passing them between his
fingers to repeat … ‘Hail to the Buddha, the law, and the congregation’… (2,000) times a
day (Dubin). ”

Another interpretation of this prayer is ‘om mani padme hum.’ During recitation, this
phrase is repeated over and over again according to how many beads are on a person’s
strand of mala beads.

Traditionally, there are 108 beads on a strand of mala prayer beads. This number is significant because it represents
the number of mental conditions or sinful desires that one must overcome to reach enlightenment or nirvana. Monks
usually have mala beads with 108 beads, where as a lay person may have a strand numbering in 30 or 40 beads.
This difference in length may possibly be explained by understanding each person’s distance traveled on the path to
enlightenment. Commercial sellers of mala beads have also suggested that individuals just beginning this prayer
ritual begin with a shorter strand of beads.

Just as variety exists for the number of beads, variety exists for the style, color, and material
composition. Differences in the popularity and use of mala beads also exist cross-culturally.
Typically, monks ’ mala beads are made of wood from the Bodhi tree. In Tibet, mala strands often
contain parts of semi-precious stones. In this culture, the most valued strands are made of bones of
holy men or lamas. Typically there are 108 beads divided by 3 large beads. The end pieces on
these strands are “djore” (a thunderbolt) and “drilbu” (the bell). These end pieces represent the
Three Jewels, or Buddha, the doctrine, and the community. In Japan, mala prayer beads are
popular at social events such as funerals, weddings, and other ceremonies. Mala beads in Japan typically are 112 in
number and made of wood. Additionally, the most coveted strands have been blessed by a monk. In Korea, the use
of mala beads has been extensive. Their popularity diminished, however, during the period when Buddhism was
banned from the country (1392 -1910). In addition to the traditional 108 beads, Korean mala strands usually include 2
large beads, which are used during special prayers. In China, the use of mala beads was never really popular. They
were used, but more commonly, they were used by the ruling hierarchy as a status symbol.

Although the structure of mala beads may vary among individuals or groups of Buddhists, the overall purpose of all
mala beads is to create a sense of tranquility and inner -peace for not only the individual, but for the community as a
whole. In reciting the prayer, ‘toxins’ will leave and a sense of peace will enter making an individual that much closer
to reaching nirvana.

Sources:

l http://www.depung.org/tibetan/malas.cfm

l http://thebeadsite.com/BBRS-01.html

l http://www.beadshows.com/ibslprayer.html

This site was created by Erica Serflek, a senior at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire as part of Buddhism: Then
and Now. For more information, please contact me at serfleel@uwec.edu
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