Well, let me tell ya ’bout these Buddhist rosary beads, or whatever them city folks call ’em. I ain’t no scholar, ya know, just a plain ol’ woman, but I’ve seen things and heard things, and I reckon I can explain it so even you young’uns can understand.
What are these beads anyway?
Some call ’em Buddhist rosary beads, some call ’em mala, some even call ’em prayer beads. Fancy names, if ya ask me. Basically, it’s just a string of beads, usually 108 of ’em, all tied in a circle. Why 108? Don’t ask me! Some say it’s a special number, somethin’ to do with the stars or somethin’. Sounds like a lot of hooey to me, but hey, who am I to judge?
These beads, they ain’t just for lookin’ pretty, mind ya. People use ’em for prayin’, or med-i-tatin’, or whatever they call it. It’s like this, they hold a bead, say a prayer or a chant or somethin’, then move on to the next bead. Keeps track, ya see, so you don’t lose count. Like countin’ sheep, but with beads. Easier on the eyes, I reckon.
Different kinds of beads
Now, you got all sorts of beads. Some are made of wood, some are made of seeds, some are even made of them fancy rocks, like gemstones or somethin’. Them gemstone ones, they’re real pretty, but they cost a pretty penny too. I seen some made of rose petals, too. Can you believe that? Rose petals! Folks will use just about anything these days.
- Wooden beads: Cheap and sturdy, good for everyday use.
- Seed beads: Light and easy to carry, good for travelin’.
- Gemstone beads: Fancy and expensive, good for showin’ off, I guess.
- Rose petal beads: Smell nice, but I bet they don’t last long.
Then you got different types for different kinds of Buddhists. Like these SGI beads or Nichiren prayer beads. Sounds complicated, but it ain’t really. Just different folks usin’ different beads for their different prayers. Like how some folks like biscuits and some like cornbread. Same idea, just different tastes.
How to use ’em
Now, I ain’t no expert, but I’ve seen folks usin’ these beads. They hold ’em in their hand, usually the right hand, and use their thumb to move from one bead to the next. They say a prayer or a mantra, whatever that is, for each bead. They keep goin’ around and around, ’til they reach this big ol’ bead at the end, the Guru bead they call it. Then they stop, or turn around and go the other way. It’s all about focusin’ your mind, ya see. Keepin’ your thoughts from wanderin’ off like a lost calf.
Are they just for Buddhists?
Now, you might think these beads are just for Buddhists, but that ain’t necessarily so. I’ve seen folks who ain’t Buddhist at all usin’ ’em. They say it helps ’em calm down, relax, feel more peaceful. I guess it’s like a fidget spinner for the soul, ya know? Keeps your hands busy and your mind quiet. And ain’t nothin’ wrong with that, I say. We all need a little peace and quiet these days.
Where to get ’em
You can find these beads all over the place these days. Them city folks got shops sellin’ nothin’ but beads, I hear. Buddhist boutiques, they call ’em. Sounds fancy, don’t it? You can probably find ’em online too, if you’re into that sort of thing. Me, I’d rather go to a real store, see the beads with my own eyes, feel ’em in my hands. But that’s just me, I’m old-fashioned, I guess.
So, what’s the big deal?
Well, to some folks, these Buddhist prayer bead mala ain’t just beads, they’re a tool, somethin’ to help ’em connect with somethin’ bigger than themselves. Like a telephone to God, or somethin’. Me, I just see ’em as beads. But hey, if it helps folks feel better, more peaceful, more connected, then I say more power to ’em. We all gotta find our own way in this world, and if a string of beads can help, then why not? It ain’t hurtin’ nobody, and maybe, just maybe, it’s doin’ some good.
And that’s all I got to say about that. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I gotta go make some supper. All this talk about beads has made me hungry.