How are Buddhist Rosary beads (Malas) used?

Malas are used in the Mahayana tradition of Buddhism as a counting device.

In general, two types of things are counted:

1. Mantras. With each repetition of a mantra, the practitioner will advance one bead on the mala. This is true whether the mantra is short (Om mani padme hum) or long (The Great Dharani).

2. Bows. In some traditions, especially the Zen tradition, practitioners will perform sets of 108 bows. Malas help keep track of how many bows have been performed, with one bead measuring one bow.

Typically, malas have either 108 beads or 27 beads (27×4 = 108). Many practitioners use 27 bead malas for counting mantras and the longer 108 bead malas for counting bows.

It’s not mandatory to use malas – many practitioners keep track of bows in by counting in their mind and/or don’t keep close track of the number of mantra repetitions.

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