“Beads have been used for thousands of years by all faiths as an aid to worshiping. They act as an agent to bring comfort, take away tension and help with concentration. As an object of interest, they say to others; tell me what is the purpose of your beads?" Juzu beads have been used by Buddhists for thousands of years. They are used whenever we approach meditation and prayer. For many, they are a part of our clothing used whenever and wherever we mediate and pray. The number of the beads is set at 108 regular beads. The number 108 stand as a symbol for the number of earthly desires. It is through our desires that we humans are given the ability to turn earthly desires into enlightenment. The origins of the Juzu beads is explained in a sutra called the Mokugenji Sutura. The Buddha of the Latter Day of the Law, Nichiren Daishonin, is shown in many portraits holding his beads. So you might ask, what does he have to say about the beads. Actually, since Buddhists have carried beads as a matter of course for many thousands of years, there is little reference to them by Nichiren. In the “Teachings on the Precepts” he says, “Always treat the Juzu with the same respect as you would a Buddha.” This is a pretty direct manner of saying show respect!
Posted on: Sat, 22 Jun 2013 00:38:09 +0000
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