Material: Shell Flower Beads 108 pcs

Size : 9mm

Narrative:

In Tibetan Buddhism (Tantric Buddhism), Buddhist beads (called "mala" or "ཕྲེང་བ།" in Tibetan) have profound religious and practical significance, and are an important and indispensable instrument for practitioners in their daily practice. The following is an explanation from the perspectives of its **symbolic meaning** and **wearing and usage methods**:

1. The symbolic meaning of Buddhist beads

1. **Recitation counting tool**

The most basic function of Buddhist beads is to count the number of times one recites mantras (such as the six-syllable mantra "Om Mani Padme Hum"), Buddha's name or scriptures, helping practitioners to focus on their practice and avoid distractions or omissions.

2. **Symbolizes the purity of the three gates**

The rosary beads symbolize the purity of body, speech and mind. By holding the rosary beads, practitioners are guided to restrain the three doors, eliminate troubles and accumulate merits.

3. **Represents the constant rotation of the Falun**

The rosary beads are arranged in a circle, symbolizing the continuous inheritance and promotion of Buddhism and the constant rotation of the Dharma Wheel.

4. **Different materials represent different blessings and merits**

Different materials of Buddhist beads have specific meanings and blessings, such as:

* **Bodhi seeds**: symbolize Bodhicitta and are the most common material for Buddhist beads. 

* **Sandalwood**: Purifies the mind and helps in practicing meditation. 

* **Crystal**: Pure and clear, helps the growth of wisdom. 

* **Vajra Bodhi or bone beads**: Commonly seen in Tantric practice, representing impermanence and emptiness. 

2. Wearing and usage

1. **Number of Buddhist beads**

* **The main beads are 108**: It symbolizes the elimination of 108 kinds of troubles and is the most common number of Buddhist beads. 

* There are also 54-piece (half of 108), 27-piece (1/4), and 21-piece versions for easy carrying. 

* There will be a "mother bead" (a large bead or a Buddha head) in the center, symbolizing the Dharmakaya Buddha.

2. **Handheld mode**

* When chanting, usually use **the right hand** to hold the Buddhist beads between the thumb and middle finger and move them one by one. 

* In Tibetan Buddhism, the index finger is not used to move the beads because it symbolizes "arrogance" and "anger".

3. **Directions for use**

* The direction of moving the beads is **clockwise** (pulling towards yourself), symbolizing the accumulation of merit and the rotation of the Dharma Wheel. 

* Do not skip over the mother bead. After reciting a full circle, you should turn the beads over and recite again. Do not skip over the mother bead directly.

4. **Wearing method**

* Can be hung around **neck or wrist**, depending on habit and purpose. 

* Wearing it around the neck means being alert and practicing cultivation at all times. 

* Wearing it on the wrist is convenient for daily chanting. 

* Certain special amendments may limit the use of specific materials and ways of holding beads.

5. **Respect and Purity**

* Do not place Buddhist beads on the ground, in the toilet or in unclean places. 

* It is advisable to take off the Buddhist beads before sleeping, taking a bath or entering an unclean place. 

* Before and after using the beads, you can purify their aura through smoke offering or visualization. 

Additional Notes

Tibetan Buddhism attaches great importance to oral transmission and master-disciple relationship, so if the Buddhist beads are blessed by a virtuous master, they will be more spiritual and effective in practice. In addition, in Tantric practice, Buddhist beads are also used to perform **Vajrayana rituals**, **Diva practice**, or **Dharma protector offerings**, which is slightly different from the general usage of Buddhist beads in exoteric Buddhism.