Sometimes the number 108 is interpreted as the formula 9 x (5+7), where:

 

 

Tree:

 

Stone:

 

Metal:

 

Bone:

 

Followers of Vajrayana Buddhism especially value rosaries made from the bones of the frontal part of the human skull (ideally, all beads should be carved from the skulls of different people). However, in the modern world, such rosaries are a rarity, and in many countries their manufacture is illegal. Therefore, adherents of the doctrine of the “Secret Chariot” are usually satisfied with rosaries made of animal bones, with each bead shaped like a miniature skull.

How to choose a small rosary

The main guide in choosing a mala rosary is intuition. There are no strict rules determining what the “correct” rosary should be. There are only a number of recommendations that will help in the choice.

The size of the beads

A diameter of 9 mm is considered optimal for the main beads – the rosaries will be comfortably held and sorted. If we are talking about rosaries for a big man, then it is worth considering attributes with a slightly larger diameter of beads – 10-11 mm. Women often prefer malas with smaller beads – 6-8 mm. It is not recommended to choose rosaries with very small beads for reading mantras – it is easy to lose count with them.

Material:

When choosing a material for making mala beads, you should first of all pay attention to your feelings. Touching the beads should evoke positive emotions, a sense of mental peace and comfort. Beads can be made from almost any natural material:

• wooden – have soft energy, contribute to the achievement of internal peace, but accumulate and transfer energy much more slowly than their stone or metal counterparts;>
• stone – intensively accumulate energy, exchange it with the owner. >When choosing a rosary made of stone, it is necessary to take into account its magical, physical and healing properties, as well as compatibility with the owner.>

The optimal mineral for small rosaries is rock crystal;

• metal – work as a strong accumulator of energy, but require intensive interaction with the owner in order not to lose it. >Their own energy may seem too harsh, especially from the perspective of budding Buddhists. >It should also be taken into account that metal accumulates any energy and, if used carelessly, can concentrate an excess of negativity.>

Brush color

The color of the rosary brush is symbolic in Buddhism. The most versatile color for a brush is red. Almost any person can use a mala with such a brush.
Monks who have renounced everything worldly and down-to-earth choose rosaries with a black brush. Enlightened people, who have already moved away from the world of people, rarely use a boat with a yellow brush.

Rosary length

The length of classic small rosaries, consisting of 108 beads with a diameter of 8 mm, is about 85-86 cm, such an attribute is quite suitable for wearing on the neck or on the hand (in several turns). There are also shorter options, consisting of fewer beads – they are suitable for carrying on the hand or simply stored in a pouch, from where they are taken out only during meditation.

How to use the rosary correctly

When reciting mantras, the beads begin to be sorted, starting from the central one in a clockwise direction, towards themselves. Having reached the guru-bead, the rosary should be turned over and continue to read the mantras, counting them in malas, also on oneself, but already in the opposite direction.

With which fingers to go through the rosary:

• Big + nameless — Freedom from problems and troubles>
• Large + Medium — Increasing the effectiveness of spiritual practice, the best penetration of the mantra into the soul and heart>
• Big + little finger — Fulfillment of wishes>

Beginners in Buddhist traditions are encouraged to keep the rosary on the middle finger, as it is believed to have a special connection with the heart. If a person is sure that he can cope with selfishness, then he can place a mala rosary on the index finger.

There are a number of prohibitions related to the use of mala rosaries. Can not:

• read mantras completely naked;>
• read mantras lying down;>
• read mantras and do other things at the same time (for example, walk or talk to someone);>
• touching dirty surfaces and floors with rosaries;>
• touching rosaries or picking beads with the left hand;>
• touch the little one with the right hand if it is not clean enough.>

It is also not recommended to give your personal rosaries to anyone, so that they do not lose the accumulated energy.

How to store and care

As a rule, Buddhist rosaries do not require strict storage and maintenance rules. In order for the rosary to last as long as possible, while maintaining its aesthetic appeal and energy properties, it is recommended:

• treat children with respect and care;>
• keep rosaries in an individual bag;>
• protect from blows, falls, do not squeeze too hard when reading mantras;>
• periodically wash in a weak soapy solution, rinse with warm water, dry on a towel.>

You also need to pay attention to the rules of care for products made from the material that was used to create the beads. For example, amber and pearl rosaries are recommended to be washed without using soap or detergents and should not be left near heating devices, nor should they be exposed to direct sunlight for a long time.

It is not necessary to be enlightened to use the rosary.
This is an attribute necessary for meditation, concentration and harmonization of consciousness. Correctly selected rosary beads will help to gain peace of mind and pacification and form a conscious and, at the same time, more positive outlook on life.

Examples of rosaries:

• Buddhist — Buddhist beads, Mala, Prenba.
• Hindu – Akshamala, Japa-mala.

 

Rudraksha is the pit of the fruit of the rudraksha tree.

These trees grow on the Indo-Gandean plain and in the foothills of the Himalayas. In India, in Nepal, in Indonesia.

Legend
In ancient times, three asuras (demons) after successful completion of austerities were gifted with the opportunity to build three planets, like three fortresses, practically indestructible. The only thing that could destroy them is a shot with one arrow that penetrates all three planets at once. These planets were called Tripura, which means “three fortresses” in Sanskrit.
After building Tripura, these asuras started conquering the rest of the world, which led to problems for Gods and humans. And then the main Gods Brahma, Vishnu and Indra came to Shiva and asked him to destroy Tripura.
Having chosen the time when all three planets were on the same line, Shiva took a weapon called Kalagni (black fire). He hit these planets with one shot. This weapon caused a strong flash of light and everyone who saw this light died.
After that, for about 2 thousand years of the Gods, there was chaos and confusion in the universe. Seeing this, Shiva became sad and tears rolled down his eyes. Where those tears fell in the human world, Rudraksha trees grew.

Trees appeared in Mathura, Ayodhya, Kashi (Varanasi), the Himalayas, Lanka and other places, destroying many sins. The fruit of Rudraksha is revered in all the three worlds (the world of humans, Gods and Asuras (demons). Just touching a Rudraksha is beneficial and using a mala (charm) made of Rudraksha destroys many sins and brings many benefits.

Rudraksha comes in different colors: white (rare), brown-gold, brown-red and dark. They are believed to correspond to the varnas (castes): Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, Shudras.

They also differ in “mukham”.

“Mukha” means “face” in Sanskrit.
In Russian, the word “face” is often used in this context.

Faces are sectors divided by grooves on the bone.
There is an interesting classification of rudrakshas according to these faces.
It is described in the ancient Indian story called “Skanda Purana”. In it, Shiva talks to his son Kartikeya and tells him about the faces of the rudrakshas.

One-faced Rudraksha

The one-faced rudraksha is the true form of Shiva himself. This rudraksha is beautiful and very pure. Finding such a rudraksha is a great success.
Only by seeing her, a person is freed from sins. If you wear one, everything undesirable will be rejected and what you want will be easily achieved.
If one chants Maha Mrityujaya Mantra for more than one month using this rudraksha, one will get unlimited happiness, wealth, power and recognition.
One-faced rudraksha should be worn either on the forehead or at the level of the heart.
It has no natural openings. One-eyed rudraksha should be rubbed with sandalwood oil daily. Then, taking it in hand, congratulate. After that you can do your business. Then they will certainly be successful.
One Faced Rudraksha Mantra:
ॐ अं उॉन अ उन — om, em, ham, aum, eh, mind

Two-faced Rudraksha

The two-faced rudraksha is the personification of the union of Shiva and Shakti (male and female) in the form of Ardhanarishvara. In a house where there is such a rudraksha, happiness will always live.
The sin of killing a cow and other sins will be forgiven. For attracting the grace of Shiva and Shakti, this rudraksha is extremely useful. It gives peace and concentration of the mind, spiritual growth, promotes the rise of Kundalini.
This rudraksha will be best used by worshiping Shiva and Shakti.
Mantra of two-faced rudraksha:
om, kshi, kshaum, brim, om

Trilika Rudraksha

Trilika rudraksha represents the three Gods: Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. Wearing it is also pleasing to the god of Fire (Agni Diva).
Brahman killing, cow killing and other sins destroy wearing this rudraksha. She is also an assistant in increasing wealth and knowledge.
If it is worn on the body of a person with a high temperature, the fever will pass in 3 days.
Three-faced rudraksha is a long seed from Nepal and Rameshwar. Rudrakshas from Nepal and Rameshwara have differences. The rudrakshas from Nepal have a natural hole, the rudrakshas from Rameshwar have to be drilled. However, there is no difference in their strength. The larger the trilika rudraksha, the more powerful it is.
Mantra with three-faced rudraksha:
अम रं इन लृीं बं ॐ — mind, ram, them, hrym, hrym, om

Four-faced Rudraksha
The four-faced Rudraksha represents Brahma. Brahma has exactly four persons.
Wearing such a rudraksha is primarily for the pleasure of Brahma, as well as for those who want to gain knowledge of the Vedas, Puranas (Indian stories) and learn Sanskrit.
It will be useful for those who have a sluggish mind, weak speech and poor memory. It also helps in getting an education.
This rudraksha removes even the sin of killing a person. Therefore, this rudraksha should also be worn for purification.
The larger this rudraksha, the greater its power. The smaller it is, the less power.

Five-faced Rudraksha

The five-faced Rudraksha represents the Five-faced Rudra (a form of Shiva) with the weapon of Kaliagni (the same weapon that destroyed Tripura). Thus, those who wear this rudraksha are freed from terrible sins.
Wearing this rudraksha is primarily pleasing to the Almighty Lord of all Gods Shiva. By gaining his grace, the rudraksha wearer gets happiness of various kinds.
The bigger the rudraksha pentagram, the better. One to three such rudrakshas should be worn. If the hole in such a rudraksha is natural, then it is considered strong, if it is made, then it is of medium strength. It is important that the rudraksha is intact. If it is broken, then its strength is not enough.
Mantra with five rudrakshas:
ॐ लाँ अन क्ष्मीयू स्वाला – om, ham, am, kshamyaum, svaha

Rudraksha six-armed

The Rudraksha Six is ​​Kartikeya himself. Those who wear it on their right shoulder are freed from the sin of killing unborn babies (from the sin of abortion). There is no doubt about it.
This rudraksha miraculously cures hysteria, fainting, dizziness and other similar female diseases. A person who wears the six-faced rudraksha becomes very intelligent and has a healthy body. And he does not have any mental disorders.
If there is a disease in the body, the disease is destroyed. First of all, such diseases as high blood pressure, heart attacks, asthma, cough, gas formation are going away. The bigger the six-faced rudraksha, the better the result.
To achieve great success in business, six-faced rudraksha must also be used. Before buying such rudraksha, inspect it. If it’s split, it won’t do any good.
The mantra of the six-faced rudraksha:
अं लृीन श्रीं क्लीं so aen – om, khrim, shrim, klim, s, aim

Semilika Rudraksha

Seven rudraksha rules great power. This rudraksha is marked with the name of Ananta (serpent on which Vishnu rests).
Those people who have committed theft of gold, killing a cow or other such hundreds of sins, if they wear seven-pointed rudraksha, these sins will get rid of them. There is no doubt about it.
Seven rudraksha is considered to be the embodiment of Lakshmi. The wearer of the seven-pointed rudraksha will be successful in promoting business and in the service sector.
In any case, this rudraksha should be worn at least once, because the seven-fold rudraksha is also considered to be the embodiment of the seven rishis (sages). The wearer of this rudraksha becomes healthy and glorified. By wearing it, even a poor man can become a king.
If a hole is made in the rudraksha with a tool, then there will not be a complete result. In the same way, it is necessary to see that the rudraksha is whole.
Rudraksha seven-fold mantra:
ॐ लर्म क्रीं क्रीन सुउन — om, temple, Crimea, Khrim, Saum

Eight Rudraksha

The rudraksha of eight is Kala Bhairava and Ganesha. Thanks to wearing this rudraksha, false sinful ideas will not come to a person, first of all, such as the desire of someone else’s wife.
The eight-pointed rudraksha is Kala Bhairava’s own form, so it is very powerful and helps to defeat enemies.
She also represents Ganesha. For this reason, it gives the wearer the opportunity to successfully complete something and well-being, and also helps in all good deeds.
Also, this rudraksha is considered to be the form of young Bhairav, so it increases longevity. Those who wear it will be graced by Shiva, Ganesh and Bhairava.
First of all, it protects from the sin of lying. Therefore, of course, it should be worn.
Mantra with eightfold Rudraksha:
अं लं अं श्रीं — mind, khrim, games, lam, am, shrim

Nine-faced Rudraksha

The nine face rudraksha is associated with the name of Kapila. It destroys many sins. This rudraksha is also the nine forms of Goddess Durga.
It should be worn on the right shoulder and around the neck. Putting it on the neck, one should recite the mantra “ॐ लरीं दुर्गायई नमः” – “Om Hrim Durgaya Namaha”.

Then the troubles that are happening will go away and the enemies will be destroyed.
In addition, the nine-faced rudraksha helps in obtaining wealth. Therefore, it can be worn by every person. Wearing it removes the fear of death.
This rudraksha is very useful for women. Wearing this rudraksha pleases the nine Goddesses and brings prosperity in various ways.
Mantra with nine rudrakshas:
ॐ लं रं – om, khrim, vam, yam, lam, ram

Rudraksha tithe

The ten rudraksha is associated with the ten avatars of Vishnu. She is also called “protector in 10 directions”. From wearing it, there will be success in all matters, and no enemy will be able to cause harm, because protection has been built in ten directions.
Wearing a 10-faced rudraksha calms the negative influence of planets, and also removes the fear of spirits, ghosts, snakes and other evil spirits. There will be no grief and sorrow in the house of the wearer of this rudraksha. However, tithe rudraksha is hard to find.
In the mental area, its importance is also great. The mind of the one who wears it cannot be enchanted and suppressed. Also, this person may not be afraid of premature death. After all, this rudraksha is the form of Vishnu himself, which is why one is considered so powerful.
Rudraksha tithe mantra:
ॐ श्रीं क्लीं भीमन ॐ — om, shrim, khrim, klim, vim, om

Eleven-year-old Rudraksha

In the Puranas (stories of ancient India), the eleven-faced rudraksha is described as the flattening of the eleven Rudras (forms of Shiva). The eleven Rudras provide protection to the person who wears this rudsha. Likewise, he receives from Siva such merit as if he had performed a thousand horse sacrifices or Vijayapeya sacrifices. This pleases Shiva, his respect is gained and various boons are bestowed.
If one who wears the eleven rudraksha around the neck repeats the mantra: ॐ स्वाला (khrim havananandanath svaha) then all obstacles will be removed from this.
For women, this rudraksha is more important than others. She is the protection of a man, his longevity and prosperity. And also this rudraksha will help to become happy. According to the Javalya Upanishad, if a woman wears this rudraksha, she will certainly give birth to a son.
Mantra with eleven-pointed rudraksha:
ॐ रुन मूँ यु उॉन — om, rum, mum, yum, aum

Twelve-year Rudraksha

The twelve-year-old rudraksha represents the Sun God (12 signs of the zodiac). People should wear it around their necks. If one who wears it has killed a cow or stolen precious stones, then these sins of his will be destroyed, because thanks to the Sun, all the twelve Adityas (the main Vedic gods) live in it.
Therefore, with such a person, theft, fear of fire and other similar problems do not happen, and he becomes happy. If you become poor, you will be lucky and things will improve.
Bites or wounds from various animals like elephant, horse, lion, snake, boar, deer, dog, cat cannot happen to such a person.
By wearing a twelve-faced rudraksha in the hair, all diseases will go away and happiness will be achieved throughout the world. By listening to it in the ears, you can get atonement for the murders. If you wear it around your neck, repeating: when to get rid of all diseases. Its wearer pleases the Sun God and Vishnu, therefore all diseases are destroyed.
She also helps with everyday tasks. Destruction of diseases is one of her gifts, so this rudraksha is definitely a must wear.
The mantra of the twelve-faced rudraksha:
ॐ क्षाँ धुणिः श्रीं — om, hrim, kshaum, dhunih, shrim
Thirteen year rudraksha

The thirteen rudraksha is the king of Gods Indra. In “Skanda Purana” it is written that a person wears this rudraksha, all his wishes are fulfilled and he becomes immensely happy.
Those who wear the thirteen-year rudraksha are completely freed from sins, from serious ones too. This rudraksha gives completion to various desires of the mind. Thanks to its wearing, fame, honor and wealth are achieved.
The childless get children, the penniless get money. Any wish in the world can be fulfilled. For this, sitting down early in the morning, without saying anything to anyone, washing your hands and face, repeat the mantra 108 times: ॐ rim bhakti chintamani sarvatha (sihi dehi dehita svaha).
After all, the thirteen-year-old rudraksha is the true form of Indra, the King of the Gods. Indra is the king of all Gods. If the King of the Gods is pleased, all the Gods are pleased.

Therefore, thanks to wearing a thirteen-faced rudraksha, people will, of course, get the fulfillment of all their wishes. There is no doubt about it. Therefore, the 13-faced rudraksha should, of course, be worn.
Mantra with the thirteenfold Rudraksha:
ॐ ई यान आप ॐ – om, i, yam, am, om.

Fourteen-year-old Rudraksha

The fourteen-year-old rudraksha is Hanuman. A person who always wears it on the top of his head can get a high position in society. The Skanda Purana says that the 14-faced rudraksha came out of Shiva’s eye. If you succeed in finding such a rudraksha, then everything will be at a high level.

Thanks to wearing 14-faced rudraksha, no troubles will happen. It is known that liberation from former sins is obtained in the same way. Diseases of all kinds are destroyed and health is obtained.

Lord Shiva himself is pleased with those who wear this rudraksha. One who could not find a one-faced rudraksha should wear a 14-faced rudraksha. By wearing this rudraksha your soul will always be full of bliss. And day by day, mercy will increase inside, awareness of the true path of one’s life, knowledge of the soul in its purest form.

The 14-faced rudraksha, like the one-faced one, should be worn on the forehead or at heart level. This is Hanuman’s own form, so it is considered very powerful. In addition, Rama and Sita live in the heart of Hanuman, and the power of all the gods is combined. And also Shiva Hanuman gave his power.

Therefore, if there is a 14-faced rudraksha in a house or a person, then they are protected by Rama, Sita, Hanuman, and the Supreme Lord Shiva is very pleased with this. Therefore, the 14-faced rudraksha should definitely be worn.

The mantra of the fourteen-faced rudraksha:
ॐ अॉन ल स्फेन खव्फ्र स्ट्राई स्फ्रे — om, aum, ha, sphem, khawphra hastray hasphre.

There are many different mantras. These can be pranayama mantras, for example, “So-Ham”, the pronunciation of which is synchronized with breathing. There are bija mantras consisting of one language, for example, “Ram”, “Hum”, “Hrim”, etc. There are mantras addressed to certain Gods or Goddesses, Gurus or, for example, the Sun. Special mantras are also known – healing, consecrating food, bringing good things and so on.

The most popular are universal mantras that can be pronounced anytime and anywhere. These include: “Asatom” and “Loka Samasta”, “Gayatri” and “Guru Mantra”, “Om Nama Shivaya” and “Hari Krishna”, “Om Mani Padme Hum” and “Om Namo Narayana” and others. In addition to the above, there are also special mantras used in Ayurvedic medicine or, for example, in Kalaripayatti – the martial arts of India.

Learn more about mantras:

1. Gayatri Mantra – Details
2. Mantras of Ganesha – Read more
3. Narasimha Mantra – More
4. Lakshmi Mantra – More
5. Mantra Om – Read more
6. Mantra Om Namah Shiva – Read more
7. Maha Mrityunja Mantra – Details
8. Adi Shakti Mantra – More
9. So Purkh Mantra — More
10. Maha Mantra – Details
11. Guru Mantra – More
12. Asato Ma Mantra — More
13. Mantra So-Kham — Read more
14. Mantra of blessing before eating – Read more
15. Mantra Om Mana Padme Hum – Read more
16. Mula Mantra – More
17. Mantra Om Tat Sat – Read more
18. Vajrasattva Mantra — Read more