That’s great! Thank you for sharing that Robert 🙏

Thank you! 🙏

Thank you for sharing how you use your mala!

Thank you, Michael!

🙏

Thanks!

Thank you so much!

Good question. In one way, look at these as a tool - a religious tool. They are something we use as part of our Buddhist practice. As with such a tool that gets heavily used, they won't last forever. I can't speak for all the traditions that use Malas, but if a Mala no longer is viable to use, it can be disposed of. This can be done respecfully, of course, but I'm not personally aware of any specific disposal method (some traditions may have you return it to temple, perhaps, for a proper disposal - but I haven't personally heard about that). If it is broken like you mentioned, but still viable to use, I would think that would be OK. In one aspect, you can think of a wood mala is going to get worn down in many spots over it's life. But it still serves it's purpose. When it no longer works for you due to it's condition, it's time to replace. As with everything Buddhism teaches us, malas are a 'conditioned' thing and are impermanent. You may find other ways for it to return gracefully to the elments.

That’s great! Unfortunately I don’t know of a mantra like that (I’m sure it must exist though). If you just want to recite the triple gem (I take refuge in the Buddha, the dharma, and the sangha) for each bead you can do that. Often it’s reciting a Buddha or bodhisattvas name or other Dharanis.

Great question! I’ve seen those also and have tried to find one I like. For me, I do like the tactile feel to actual beads for counting. There are some physical counters you can buy online. In certain traditions, the number of recitations is part of the practice, and a large number are emphasized. I think that’s more of the focus for those types of apps. But overall, it just didn’t work out well for me because I had to focus too much on the screen/app rather than my practice.

I wonder if you are talking about Nichiren Buddhism? There are many types of 'beads' used throughout the traditions, and you do see some variations especially in Japan. The Malas shown here are typical ones throughout, but Japan does have some other ones. For example, there are ones in Nichiren Buddhism that essentially resemble a 'human' that have many components off the main 'loop'. From what I understand, the Tendai Buddhist sect ones are more of a traditional loop and are wrapped around the hands while praying.

Hi, Federica! I will give you some suggestions in this comment while trying to keep it short. Let me know if any questions! 1) For an overview of Buddhism, I have a free eBook I wrote with a Buddhist monk. You can get it here: alanpeto.gumroad.com/l/Buddhism10Steps and here is my intro article: alanpeto.com/buddhism/buddhism-quick-intro/ 2) For practicing Buddhism, I also have another book on that (eBook or on Amazon as a paperback): alanpeto.com/books/daily-buddhist-practice-guide/ Although you can also read my free article here which can start you off nicely: alanpeto.com/buddhism/daily-buddhist-practice/ 3) Here are a variety of books written by Buddhist monastics and others that you might find helpful (some free, others have a cost): alanpeto.com/buddhism/top-buddhist-books/ For prayers, there are *many* different Buddhist traditions with their own practices, chanting, recitation, prayers, etc. So, it's hard to narrow it down for you. Typically in Buddhism chanting sutras/suttas (sermons of the Buddha, etc.) are popular. But there is also reciting the name of a Buddha (especially popular in Mahayana). In Mahayana one of the most popular sutras to recite (and a short one) is the Heart Sutra. Might not exactly touch on your question, but there is many different takes out there on what one may do as a Buddhist to give you a simple answer.

@@AlanPeto very helpful and I understand that it would be difficult for you to narrow it down. One question: it's true each "place" kind of have their own version of Buddhism but are the gods the same? Thank you for these sources and your time! I appreciate it, Alan.

Hi! It sounds like maybe you have a 'wrist' mala? I suppose you could do five rounds of it, but that would bring you to 110 (a little over 108). That's fine. Wrist malas can be worn by Buddhists mostly for identification as a "Buddhist", and used for practice in a pinch when you don't have a longer mala. alanpeto.com/buddhism/mala-buddha-beads/

@@AlanPeto o ok thank you for replying and help.

Hi, Hok! I'm not entirely familiar with how that tradition in Buddhism practices with their mala beads. If that is the tradition you are following, I'd highly recommend reaching out to them so you get the right answer. Without being specific to that particular tradition, holding your beads in the left or right hand is [generally] fine. Depending on the tradition, they may emphasize (or require) using one hand in particular.

@@AlanPeto ok thanks

How you use malas depends on the tradition. There are many traditions in Buddhism. What’s shown here is very common, but you should follow the instructions for whatever tradition you’re following.

It has many auspicious and other meanings within Buddhism, and throughout history. You can find a list of some of them on my related article: alanpeto.com/buddhism/mala-buddha-beads

@@AlanPeto Thank you so much for all the teachings.🙏🌺🌸

@@sheilastudio1 There's any number of reasons that you'll find from people, some seemingly more arbitrary than others. However I did the math on paper, and on average the distance between the Earth and the Moon is 108x the diameter of the Moon, and the distance between the Earth and the Sun is 108x the diameter of the Sun. Also, the diameter of the Sun is about 108x that of the Earth. There's also 9 Navagrahas (that is, planets) in Vedic astrology, so multiply that by the 12 signs of the Zodiac and you get 108. So in this way you could see the 108 beads of the mala as the universe and the Guru bead as the axis mundi, and when you do japa imagine that you're traversing the universe while circumambulating Mt Kailash--this allows you to do parikrama wherever you go 🖤

Hi, Martina! The short answer is that can be challenging. Often, Malas are used for recitation of a Buddha's name, mantra, meditative (counting breath, etc.). That would be the best way to start. Some sutras are...very lengthy. Whereas others, such as the Heart Sutra, are short. You could technically use it for a short sutra if you were doing a focused religious event such as reciting a sutra numerous times (in some traditions, we have this for special events, observance days, etc.) to track. For lengthy sutras (if you were keeping track), it would be easier just to notate it. But, again, starting off - Buddha name recitation, mantras, or meditative use, would be the most popular and easiest ways to use them.

Hi Adam, you're right! For the 18 one, 18*6=108. I missed adding in the other variations on the slide (wish I could update!). I do mention the 27 in my article, though. Overall, I prefer the 108 mala just because it's more straightforward to know when you hit 108 ;) There is a variety out there, and I didn't even touch on the ones that Nichiren Buddhism uses. Which do you use?

@@AlanPeto actually 108, but before, during my Ngöndro prostrations practice period (Tibetan Buddhism Karma Kagyu) I used 27 for a long time. It's much easier to count repetitions on wrist mala during this practice. As far as I know this is common among all Tibetan buddhist.

Nice! Thanks for sharing Adam. I always say it’s up to your tradition and individual preferences what type works best for you.

Thanks for sharing! Many Buddhists, especially with Pure Land, will use their beads constantly throughout the day reciting Amitabha Buddhas name. A form of meditative concentration.

Thanks for the comment! I’ve replied to other comments about this also. It’s perfectly fine and done this way in many traditions. Some traditions do as you mentioned. Follow the practice of the tradition you’re in. The use of Malas are not something the Buddha taught or mandated, so, follow how your tradition teaches.

@AlanPeto thanks for your reply. I follow your daily practice video almost everyday and it helps to keep me grounded.

You can use our video to take it virtually, if desired: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/nNt6a6mDsLmreZs.html However it is always best to do it at a temple and with a teacher you want to follow, even if that means travelling.

Thanks for your feedback! I do use a microphone, but sometimes that might not be enough. I'll review during editing in future videos and manually increase for KZfaq. There used to be a way that KZfaq allowed us to adjust the volume after posting, but they removed that feature. If it helps, the sound is loud/fine when using a computer (PC or Mac) or a phone with headphones. Maybe a little lower, but I compared against some other videos on KZfaq and comparable. I've noticed that some phones and the KZfaq app seem to reduce volume overall - not sure why.

🙏

Do you mean they are smaller than the other beads? There are many different types of malas out there depending on tradition. It might be simply ornamental, or have a purpose (depending on the tradition for that mala).

Good observation! Your tradition will determine which is the correct hand. The right hand is more traditional (based on roots in ancient India), but it is often also held in the left hand. Do what is correct based on how you were taught. It will be your pointer finger, but it can be a little lower towards your knuckle/joint to cradle it. But, again, do what you have been taught is correct. These are tools we use in our practice, and your tradition determines how they are used in practice.

@@AlanPeto Correct sir. I live in India and have many Tibetan Buddhist friends (and teachers) and they typically use left hand and pass the beads between thumb and first finger as you stated. A good example of this is a video easily found here on KZfaq of 16th Karmapa Rangjung Rigpe Dorje performing the Black Crown ceremony. After Karmapa puts on Black crown he then begins 108 recitation of six syllable mantra for all sentient beings using a sphatik mala held in his left hand and using thumb and forefinger. Most Tibetan Buddhists from lay persons to monks, lamas and rinpoches can be seen using their malas in this fashion. As you wisely stated one should follow their traditions teachings otherwise if you are practicing alone it becomes personal preference. The whole business of no left hand started here in India because long ago left hand was used for "unclean" activities such as using the bathroom and so right hand was used for "clean" activities and there are various reasons/explanations why Hindus don't use first finger for japa. Very nice vedio, sir. Pranams from Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu. 🙏

The best place is from a Buddhist temple so you can support that community. But there are also plenty of places online, retailers, etc.

The only rules would be that of a tradition that you’re in. It’s widely practiced as shown in this video, but yes, you can also do it with your middle finger and you’ll have traditions that use it that way. Do whatever your tradition specifies.

Thanks for sharing, Justin. There are many different traditions in Buddhism, not just one, with their own way of practicing. The way you mentioned is indeed one way. The method I showed in the video is commonly used by hundreds of millions of Buddhists and is accepted in those traditions.

@@AlanPeto thanks for the clarification dude. I will abide with this information coming to light. You have awesome videos.

You can! See my video here: Quick 5-Minute Daily Buddhist Practice kzfaq.info/get/bejne/i5lkqJdluJ_Ie6s.html. It’s just quicker and flows better in Sanskrit, or languages like Chinese, Japanese, etc.

I always recommend you follow the method of whatever Buddhist tradition you are following. The method shown here is appropriate and used by a large number of Buddhists (to include monastics). Buddhism is a religion of many traditions, which also include different practices and techniques. Thanks for sharing in your comment the other way to use malas!

I've answered this questions a few times in the comments below. I always recommend you follow the method of whatever Buddhist tradition you are following. The method shown here is appropriate and used by a large number of Buddhists (hundreds of millions, to include monastics). While the method you mentioned is indeed one way to use malas, Buddhism is a religion of many traditions, which also include different practices and techniques.

I’ve replied to similar comments on this video. There is no single Buddhist tradition or practices, therefore, follow whatever your tradition specifies. What is shown here is normal and widely practiced, however.