Mala Prayer Beads

Mala Prayer Beads from Nepal Made from the seed of the Boddhi or Peepul Tree. Buddha is said to have been born under one of these trees.

Dimensions

14mm diameter seeds 136cm circumference.

108 beads of smoothed boddhi seeds.

Description & Information

You are looking at a beautiful set of Nepali Tibetan brushed bodhi seed 108 Buddhist mala prayer beads. The large seeds are ~ 14mm in size!

Traditional Buddhist mantra prayer beads

Buddhist prayer beads or malas are a traditional tool used to count the number of times a mantra is recited, breaths while meditating, counting prostrations, or the repetitions of a buddha’s name.

They are similar to other forms of prayer beads used in various world religions and therefore the term “Buddhist rosary” also appears.

Malas are used for keeping count while reciting, chanting, or mentally repeating a mantra or the name or names of a deity.

This practice is known in Sanskrit as japa. Malas are typically made with 18, 27, 54 or 108 beads. In Tibetan Buddhism, malas of 108 beads are used.

Some practitioners use malas of 21 or 28 beads for doing prostrations. In Tibetan Buddhism, malas are mainly used to count mantras.

These mantras can be recited for different purposes linked to working with mind. The material used to make the beads can vary according to the purpose of the mantras used.

Beads can be used for all purposes and all kinds of mantras. These beads are made from the wood of Ficus religiosa (bo or bodhi tree), or from “bodhi seeds”, which come from rudraksha.  Bodhi seeds are also known as Shiva’s Tears by Hindu communities.

All our Tibetan Monk items are bought in Nepal near the countries most famous and holiest temple, Boudenath. We bring them to you with the help of our local contact and clothing maker Uttam.  For more information on Tibetan Buddhist clothing see this link.  We buy it where the local monks buy it!