Hindu prayer beads

Mala (Sanskrit, f, माला, Mala ) is the name for a commonly used in Hinduism and Buddhism prayer beads. You can have different sizes and lengths have and is usually from 108 individual beads and an extra large pearl, which is called " guru bead ", " Sumeru bead" or " Bindu - pearl". In her most adorned with tassels beaded ribbon runs together. Normally placed them from natural products ( Nuts, Palm wood beads) ago, in Buddhism also happy because Buddha Shakyamuni attained enlightenment from Bodhibaumholz beads under a Bodhi tree. Variously used to bone or horn beads to remind us of the transience of all being. You can wear a rosary wrapped around the neck or wrist.

In Europe, the Mala is best known in a special, in the sannyasins, the followers of Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh, supported form, which included a capsule with the Guru's picture from the traditional 108 beads, and the new member of Sannyas a ceremony was folded.

Importance in Hinduism

Each of these elements represents a name of God, which the devout Hindu offereth his request. Especially devout Hindus know all 108 names and attributes of the deity worshiped by heart; for others there are books to buy, where the prayer names of the main deities can be found. Examples of these are the names of Shiva, Ganesha, Vishnu, or the name of the goddess Kali. Often use the worshipers of Vishnu Malas from the wood of Tulsipflanze, worshipers of Shiva and Kali, however, Rudraksha, the dried, allegedly particularly salutary fruits of the Rudraksha tree.

Significance in both Buddhism

In Buddhism, the 108 beads represent the 108 volumes of the collected teachings of the Buddha. His worship is paramount, since only the Buddhahood represents a liberation from suffering ( dukkha ). Therefore, you turn in a special way these discourses to. The Malas are used here for counting mantras in meditation.