A student of mine recently traveled to Tibet. On her return she brought me a lovely gift - Tibetan Mala beads! She told me it was high holy week (or month) in Tibet and what a wonderful time she had visiting Tibet. In our few shorts minutes of visitation, I noticed that she looked happy and peaceful .
I did some research on Mala beads and here is what I found. As far as I can tell the set she brought to me is made from Bodhi Seeds and is accentuated with a large "Guru" bead and two Mala Counters. In addition, the set is enriched with coral and turquoise and silver beads. To say it is magnificent is an understatement.
Traditionally, there are 108 beads on a strand of mala prayer beads. The significance of this number is that it is the number of mental conditions or sinful desires that one must overcome to reach enlightenment or nirvana.
The Bodhi Seed signifies the Buddha's attainment of enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree. While especially revered by Buddhists, a bodhi seed mala is considered auspicious to use for all practices, and represents spiritual promise, dedication and faith.
The Bodhi tree at the Mahabodhi Temple is called the Sri Maha Bodhi. According to Buddhist texts the Buddha, after his Enlightenment, spent a whole week in front of the tree, standing with unblinking eyes, gazing at it with gratitude.
To make the bodhi seed mala beads, the mala makers pierce the seeds and rub them to make it the appropriate size.
I've worn the set two days in a row now and find it brings me strength and calm. I am honored by this spiritual gift from someone whom I just recently met . I'm sure that her gifting this to me during this time in my life is no accident. I will use the Mala beads as a source of strength and peace during these difficult times ahead of me.
The Bodhi tree at the Mahabodhi Temple is called the Sri Maha Bodhi. According to Buddhist texts the Buddha, after his Enlightenment, spent a whole week in front of the tree, standing with unblinking eyes, gazing at it with gratitude.
To make the bodhi seed mala beads, the mala makers pierce the seeds and rub them to make it the appropriate size.
I've worn the set two days in a row now and find it brings me strength and calm. I am honored by this spiritual gift from someone whom I just recently met . I'm sure that her gifting this to me during this time in my life is no accident. I will use the Mala beads as a source of strength and peace during these difficult times ahead of me.
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