The benefits gained from using Tibetan Buddhist Malas

There are varying types of Malas available and have different properties depending upon the materials used in their construction. The word Mala means garland or rosary translated from the ancient Sanskrit language

 

Buddhist and Hindu Malas are similar to the rosary beads used by the Roman Catholic religions (but more ornate and varied in the materials used in their construction) and used by individuals whilst chanting or during meditation allowing them to focus their minds on their own awareness and concentration whilst practicing their own spiritual enlightenment. 

 

The mantras and spiritual lessons are passed on to the students by lamas who should be looked upon as an actual representative (Disciple) of Buddha himself and to be shown the same reverence and respect as Buddha himself.  The strong bond between lama and student is built upon foundations leading to an individual’s path to spiritual enlightenment and the teachings have been passed down in this same manner for thousands of years.

 

Buddha gave the malas and countless Mantras to the ordinary people over 2500 years ago in order to eliminate peoples worldly desires and most mantras originate from the Yogis (the saints of India).  Most of the spiritual teachings available have been condensed down in to Mantras, which are concise syllables and phrases that can be spoken or chanted

 

An individual should not attempt to gain the knowledge and the access to the secret mantras without the specific instructions, blessings, and empowerment given by the lama. It is with the wisdom, knowledge and blessings passed on by the lama, that the student is given insight and protection that are essential to their successful true enlightenment. Always ensuring that their motives are compassionate and selfless in origin prior to performing any mantra putting the concerns and welfare of others before ones self.

 

When we embody these kind feelings with the promise to always work for the benefit of all beings, this is called the “Bodhisattva Vow”.

 

It is only recently that they have become fashionable as an accessory. Tibetan jewelry, clothing and beliefs are now becoming “en vogue” and more readily available worldwide.  People have only recently started to use Buddhist beads as a jewellery fashion accessory and as a statement about themselves, yet few people have even realised their symbolic significance or the esoteric origins of their jewellery fashion accessories.