Chanting beads

[Ny100]

Hi to all

I just started to learn chanting and would like to get a chanting bead for long term use and partnering me for the learning journey.

As I aim to only wanted to own one set of bead, I have to pick ones that overtime I could develop a close proxy feel with it.

Could you kindly share and advise how you select your chanting bead or am I overly concern and just pick a cheap ones to go will do?

[Aloka]

Hi NY100,

I'm not sure what kind of chanting you are refering to, or what exactly you mean by 'chanting bead. '

I wonder if you are refering to a string of beads called a 'mala' which is used by people who practice Tibetan Buddhism for the chanting of Tibetan Buddhist mantras ?

If so, then your question is tradition specific and needs to be asked in the Mahayana/Vajrayana forum because that isn't a practice which is done by all Buddhists.

I'll move it there if necessary, after I get a reply from you.

with kind wishes

Aloka ;D

[Ny100]

Hi NY100,

I'm not sure what kind of chanting you are refering to, or what exactly you mean by 'chanting bead. '

I wonder if you are refering to a string of beads called a 'mala' which is used by people who practice Tibetan Buddhism for the chanting of Tibetan Buddhist mantras ?

If so, then your question is tradition specific and needs to be asked in the Mahayana/Vajrayana forum because that isn't a practice which is done by all Buddhists.

I'll move it there if necessary, after I get a reply from you.

with kind wishes

Aloka ;D

Thanks Aloka,

Yes, I was referring to mala.

So sorry to have it post here as I thought it belongs to general Buddhist practice.

Learnt something from mistake.

Thanks.

[Aloka]

No problem .....moved it ! ;D

[laurajean]

I solved the problem by making my own. 108 beads, a tassel and "guru bead", all of the specifications can be found online easily. I made it out of sandalwood beads. I stained the beads a pale saffron, varnished them, strung them on a durable cord and added a small red tassel. For ME it was perfect. I put my heart and time into it, not to mention the mindfulness I practiced during the painstaking process. There may be some "etiquette" reason to do it differently, but I try not to get caught up on that stuff.

I think the key is to get something that resonates with you. Personally, I think very expensive malas are counter-productive to Buddhist practice. I think simple is better. That is only my opinion of course. Good luck!

[Dave The Seeker]

An "overall general use" mala is made of Bhodi seeds.
The ones that are of precious stones or other materials are more specific in their use.

[Aloka]

An "overall general use" mala is made of Bhodi seeds.
The ones that are of precious stones or other materials are more specific in their use.

Welcome theseeking1,

Yes, I had separate malas that were for different practises when I used to be involved with Tibetan Buddhism.

We've had other threads about malas, here are 2 of them:

http://www.buddhismwithoutboundaries.com/showthread.php?1296-mala-s

http://www.buddhismwithoutboundaries.com/showthread.php?106-Malas


with kind wishes

Aloka ;D

[gerrardthor]

This was posted in one of the other threads. http://www.garudashop.com/Tibetan_Malas_s/5.htm

This is more of a beginner question but I think it falls under this section and within this thread.

When I was going through a very traumatic time praying the rosary was a calm amidst the storm.

I've now reached an age of reason and question whether or not I should approach using the mala as an expression of my religious practice.

Does any body have any links to the meaning of the different mantras that are chanted using the mala?

I have considered going back to the rosary - but I really don't believe the meaning behind the words. I didn't think about what I was saying back then. It was a simple expression between me and God. Like I said I've reached an age of reason. I can't be reciting things that I don't wholeheartedly believe any more.

I apologize if any of this is offensive. I'm trying to be as sensitive as possible while being honest about my search.

[Aloka]

Hi Gerrard,

Tibetan Buddhists chant mantras but I think you need to find out about Tibetan Buddhism first before chanting them yourself.

We already have an existing thread about mantras : "What are mantras used for" which is the best place to write about them.

http://www.buddhismwithoutboundaries.com/showthread.php?2300-What-are-mantras-used-for


kind regards

Aloka ;D