Nianju
Another
method of practice is to use nianju,
or chanting beads. These are worn around the wrist. In
this method, we recite "Amituofo" once as we gently move
each bead towards us with our thumb. As we practice, our
thoughts will initially be on the beads, but gradually
we will be able to focus more firmly on our chanting.
This method is particularly helpful during the day when
we can find some time to chant, especially when we wish
to return to the sense of serenity that our chanting
brings, when we encounter stressful situations.
Nianju
come in single wrist lengths of varying numbers of beads
or a longer length of 108 beads. This longer nianju will
usually have three smaller beads evenly spaced along the
string, and one “mother” bead, which is the largest of
all the beads. The three smaller beads, usually of a
different color, symbolize the following: the Buddha,
who represents awakening; the Dharma, which represents
proper views and understanding; and the Sangha, which
represents harmony and purity of mind.
Nianju beads are often made from the seeds, wood, or
root of a Bodhi tree, or from other natural materials
like gemstones or different types of wood. Certain
natural materials like wood and seeds darken and develop
a beautiful luster as we use them in our chanting. They
may also be made of artificial materials.
If the mother bead of
your nianju has a Buddha image, do not use it for your
chanting. Stop at the bead before it and reverse
direction so you are moving in the opposite direction.
In the Pure Land tradition, most beads do not have a
Buddha image, so we continue our chanting and pass the
mother bead in the same manner as the other beads.
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