This item is a Multi-shape Religion Buddhism 18 Natural Nutshell Prayer Mala Beads Bracelet. There are 18 multi-shape Natural Nutshell beads strung in this Mala prayer beads, such as Bodhi, Longan, Bodhi root, and so on. The Natural Nutshell beads are strung very carefully and orderly by Tibetan artisan. It is an 100% handmade Tibetan artwork. The Natural Nutshell beads are so solid that there is no need to worry about the quality of this Mala prayer beads. The beads will not be crushed for ever but Bodhi will be along with you for ever. Please don't miss it!

Prayer beads, or mala beads as they are called in the Buddhist religion, represent a meditative tool. Their purpose may vary, but commonly the beads are used to enhance 'goodness' and diminish 'toxins'. Driving away evil and filling you and all beings with peace and bliss. Buddhism teaches that this material object is used as an accomplice for gaining merit on the path to enlightenment.
The origin of mala beads is the Hindu religion. Individuals who converted from the Hindu faith to Buddhism during its birth, transferred this devotional practice with them and it soon became a part of the Buddhism. The story of the beads' origin is "Sakyamuni, the founder of Buddhism. He taught king Vaidunya to thread 108 seeds of the Bodhi tree on a string, and while passing them between his fingers to repeat.. 'Hail to the Buddha, the law, and the congregation'.. 2,000 times a day. Another interpretation of this prayer is 'om mani padme hum', repeated over and over according to how many beads are on a person's mala.

Monks usually have mala beads with 108 beads, where as a lay person may have a strand numbering in 30 or 40 beads. This difference in length may possibly be explained by understanding each person's distance traveled on the path to enlightenment.
Just as variety exists for the number of beads, color and material can be different. Typically, monks' mala beads are made of wood from the Bodhi tree. In Tibet, mala strands often contain parts of semi-precious stones. In this culture, the most valued strands are made of bones of holy men or lamas with 108 beads divided by 3 large beads. The end pieces on these strands are "djore" (a thunderbolt) and "drilbu" (the bell). Representing the Three Jewels, or Buddha, the doctrine, and the community. In China, mala beads was never really popular - mainly used by the ruling hierarchy as a status symbol.
The overall purpose of all mala beads is to create a sense of tranquility and inner-peace for not only the individual, but for the community as a whole. In reciting the prayer, 'toxins' will leave and a sense of peace will enter making an individual that much closer to reaching nirvana.

Mala Beads are a Buddhist tool of meditation. They are moved in rhythm with the breath and mantra of the meditation. The action of moving the beads keeps sleep and distraction at bay and incorporates more of the whole body in the meditation. Each time the mantra is repeated, the fingers move to the next bead. The mala is meant to focus the mind and promote clear thought about the meaning of the mantra as it is chanted. Schools of thought, from India, to Tibet, to China recommend different ways of holding and counting Mala beads, but these are mostly local idiosyncrasies. However each meditation should encompass the full cycle of beads. Longer meditations should include additional full cycles, starting at the summit and circling around again to the beginning.

Size: approx. 7 inches in girth (elastic).