And according to Vedic mathematicians, the sun’s diameter is 108 times larger than the earth’s diameter. It is also believed that a relationship exists between the wearer’s inner and outer environment of the mala beads user, and the mala beads’ 108 beads describe these environments.ġ08 is also used because the Sanskrit alphabet is made of 108 letters. So, why 108 beads?ġ08 represents the numerical equivalent of the sound ‘Om,’ which is one of the religion’s most important spiritual sounds. The guru is considered the most important bead as it is believed to hold the energy that you generate during meditation. Despite having been around for this long, the design of the mala beads remains unchanged, with the standard 108 beads consisting of one larger center bead, the guru. The earliest mentions of the beads date back to the 7th century, but they only became popular 3000 years ago. They date back to the ancient Buddhist cultures from the Han Dynasty, although the mala beads may have come much earlier. In Yogic traditions, the mala beads are used often in the Japamala practices and mantra recitations during meditation. The mala beads are also used during and for affirmations, Japa meditation, and reflections. It’s worth noting Mala is a Sanskrit word for garland, which is an ancient meditation tool that is rooted in Buddhism and Hinduism. The mala beads are 108-beaded necklaces that have been used for centuries by Buddhists and other religions to improve mental focus during prayer and other spiritual practices. As shown below, the beads change color with use over time, becoming ingrained with the devotion of your meditation practice.Mala beads also go by prayer beads, yoga beads, affirmation beads, and for others, the Japa Malas. Visit our shop and Feng Xiao Liu will help you design your individualized set of Buddhist prayer beads. (The prohibitive price of amber beads compels us to supply only an artificial substitute.) Sandalwood, sacred to the Hindu deity, Ganesha, is said to remove obstacles, create opportunities, and bring sacred activities into one’s life. Jade, also native to China, is thought to bring about the wisdom to dispel self-imposed limitations, and promote positive, healthy energy. The three-eyed wealth and health charm brings continuous fortune. The beads are often imprinted with a sequence of “eyes,” and each imprinted bead represents different meanings according to the number of eyes for example, a three-eyed bead represents the three stars of luck: happiness, honor, and longevity. Many different patterns can be found on Dzi beads most common are circles, squares, and waves. Tibetan culture reveres the Dzi bead as a “heavenly stone.” She welcomes customers’ input in planning their set of Mala prayer beads.ĭzi (pronounced “ji,” meaning 'brightness') beads are gemstone charms local to Tibet and the Himalayan mountain range. Nepali and Tibetan Buddhist symbols may be included.Įach necklace or bracelet is designed and finished by Feng Xiao Liu, proprietor of Sinofilia Tea Shop. Each strand is interspersed with other meaningful ornaments, such as jade, stone, metal, or wood. The string of 108 beads is assembled from seed beads, formed from the root of a Bodhi tree. Following the Buddhist tradition, and similar in purpose to the Catholic Rosary, the Mala prayer beads help clear and calm the mind.
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