I have been using my rosary beads to chant my mantras, do I really need to buy a mala to chant my mantras?

5 Responses to “I have been using my rosary beads to chant my mantras, do I really need to buy a mala to chant my mantras?”

1. St Francis of Assisi says:

   December 2, 2011 at 8:55 am

   Here’s an idea: Use your Rosary beads TO SAY THE ROSARY.

   Christ is the Way, the Truth, and the Life, and the Rosary is a most powerful meditation on the life of Christ, IF it is done properly (which many people do not do).

   Reply
2. neil s says:

   December 2, 2011 at 9:12 am

   The rosary is a mala. Evidence suggests this came to Christian practice from India by way of the Muslims.

   Reply
3. Stephen H says:

   December 2, 2011 at 10:02 am

   All such as that are is a tool to help you focus. Clicking the beads as you chant will work for you as long as you LET it work and BELIEVE it will work. It amounts to the diffeence between a Craftsman 6″ flat-tip screwdriver and a Stanley 6″ flat-tip screwdriver. Use the tool you have and be happy.

   Reply
4. John P (I'm only a bug) says:

   December 2, 2011 at 10:50 am

   Of course you can use your rosary beads to chant your mantras. I know of no proscriptions from a Buddhist standpoint that even require the use of a mala when performing japa yoga. The mala is simply a tool used to count the repetitions of the mantra but it is not even necessary to use a mala when saying mantras. The effect of the mantras is not contingent upon the use of a mala nor the material of which a mala is made. It is the intent of the practitioner that is most important. To believe otherwise reduces the practice to superstition and this is contrary to the teachings of the Buddha.

   Japanese Zen Buddhists use juzu beads in their recitations but they are not fingered as in other Buddhist traditions. The beads are wrapped around the hands which are in gassho mudra during chanting (see http://wkdfestivalsaijiki.blogspot.com/2007/09/rosary-juzu.html ). This website also gives a good overview of various malas and rosaries, their histories, and usage. And, yes, there is historical evidence that the various Christian rosaries are based upon the Buddhist/Hindu/Muslim malas although the number of beads vary. For those who question this, they may wish to view the Pauline Roman Catholic website http://www.daughtersofstpaul.com/marian/histofrosary.html ; however, whether the Christian rosary is based upon the mala or if it is a coincidental method of counting repetitious prayers is really a moot point.

   The only prohibitions that I can think of may be those of Roman Catholics in the use of their rosary in this manner. They may not view kindly with using a Catholic rosary for a Buddhist practice. You may wish not to use your rosary in this manner in difference to and in respect of their belief. I would encourage you to consult a parish priest regarding this matter–you may want to do so anonymously. My personal Catholic rosary is long out of use in a dresser drawer but I keep it out of respect. It is my Buddhist mala what I use in chanting mantras before I perform my daily Buddhist meditations and prayers. How you use your rosary, in short, is entirely up to you.

   May all be at peace.

   John

   Reply
5. picklejuiceonrye says:

   December 2, 2011 at 11:01 am

   promises you can count on
   http://www.rosary-center.org/conprom.htm

   nothing can help with your ” daily life situations”
   better then a daily fifteen minute rosary

   I testify this to be true

   Reply

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