Material: Rubber. Rechargeable bracelet. Counter

Size: 3.9cm

Description:

The origin of counter in Tibetan Buddhism

Counter (Tibetan: ཕྲེང་བ།, Willy transliteration: phreng ba, meaning "rosary" or "counting beads", also known as Buddha beads, rosary counter), in Tibetan Buddhism refers to a tool used to count the number of times chanting mantras or worshipping, usually a string of prayer beads or a small device to assist in counting. In Tibetan Buddhism, the counter is an important auxiliary tool for practitioners' daily practice, and is closely related to chanting mantras, meditation and rituals. The following is an overview of its origin:

1. **Origin and Development**:

- The origin of the counter can be traced back to ancient Indian Buddhism. Around the 3rd century BC during the reign of King Ashoka, Buddhists began to use prayer beads to count the number of times chanting mantras or reciting the Buddha's name to help focus and record the progress of practice. As Buddhism was introduced to Tibet, the rosary counter became an important instrument of Tibetan Buddhism, especially in the Nyingma, Kagyu, Sakya, Gelug and other sects.

- The counter of Tibetan Buddhism was deeply influenced by Indian Buddhism and the native Bon religion. In the early days, it may have used knots or stones to count, and later developed into a standardized form of rosary. In Tibetan Buddhist literature, rosary is regarded as the "rope of wisdom", symbolizing the connection of the practitioner's mind to the Dharma.

- When Padmasambhava introduced the Tantric practice, he emphasized the importance of chanting mantras. Therefore, the counter became an indispensable tool for Tantric practitioners to record the number of times the mantra is chanted (such as 108 times, 1000 times or 100,000 times).

2. **Symbolic meaning**:

- The counter is usually composed of 108 beads. 108 has a deep symbolic meaning in Buddhism, representing 108 kinds of troubles, 108 Buddhas or 108 kinds of merits. 108 beads are also related to the structure of the universe (such as the combination of 12 links of dependent origination and 9 delusions).

- The material, shape and additional counters (such as small rings or metal marks) of the rosary reflect the practitioner's sect, practice or personal vows. For example, some rosaries are designed for the practice of specific deities (such as Vajrabhairava and Avalokitesvara), and the materials and shapes vary.

3. **Shape and material**:

- **Rosary**: The most common counter is a string of 108 beads, made of bodhi seeds, sandalwood, agate, crystal, amber, bone beads, coral or metal. The beads are often divided by knots or inter-beads (separating beads), with a main bead (Buddha head) and a pendant attached to the end.

- **Auxiliary counter**: In order to record a larger number of mantras (such as a thousand or ten thousand times), practitioners often attach small counters to the rosary, usually two strings of 10 or 20 beads, or metal rings, clips, etc., hung at a specific position of the rosary.

- **Sectarian characteristics**: There are slight differences in the rosary counters of different sects. For example, the Nyingma sect often uses red coral or bodhi seed rosary beads, the Gelug sect prefers yellow amber or sandalwood, and the Kagyu sect may use bone beads or crystals.

How counters are used in Tibetan Buddhism

Counters are mainly used in Tibetan Buddhism for chanting mantras, worship, meditation and rituals to help practitioners record the number of times, focus their minds and accumulate merit. The following are its specific uses:

1. **Counting mantras**:

- The most common use of counters is to record the number of times a mantra is chanted, such as the six-syllable mantra (Om Mani Padme Hum) and the Vajra Heart Mantra (Om Benza Jila Jilaya Hum Padme). Practitioners usually count 108 times as a round, using rosary beads to count one by one.

- How to use: Hold the rosary with your right hand (or left hand, depending on the sect), and use your thumb and middle finger to move the beads, one bead for each mantra chanted. The main bead (Buddha head) is usually not counted and serves as a starting or ending mark.

- To record a larger number of times, practitioners use auxiliary counters. For example, after completing a round of 108 mantras, move a small bead on the auxiliary counter to record a hundred or a thousand rounds.

2. **Prayers and prostrations**:

- In Tibetan Buddhism, practitioners often perform prostrations (great prostrations) to accumulate merit, and counters are used to record the number of prostrations. For example, pilgrims may vow to complete 100,000 prostrations and use prayer beads or auxiliary counters to record progress.

- How to use: Move a bead after completing each prostration, or move the auxiliary counter after completing a round of 108.

3. **Meditation and visualization**:

- Counters help practitioners stay focused when meditating or visualizing the deity. For example, when visualizing Vajrabhairava, chanting the mantra and moving the prayer beads can help stabilize the mind and prevent distraction.

- In some Tantric practices, practitioners visualize the rosary as a blessing for the deity, and the beads themselves are seen as a symbol of the deity or mandala, which enhances the effect of the practice.

4. **Rituals and ceremonies**:

- In large ceremonies or mandala practices, counters are used to record the number of collective chanting or offerings. For example, in the Gelugpa's great prayer ceremonies, monks may chant a million mantras together, and use counters to ensure accurate records.

- Counters are also used in personal retreats to record the progress of long-term chanting or worship.

5. **Carrying and blessing**:

- Rosary counters are often carried with people and are seen as amulets or blessings. Some rosaries are consecrated or blessed by high monks and have the power to ward off evil and pray for blessings.

- Practitioners may hang the rosary around their necks, wrap it around their wrists, or place it in a shrine, ready to chant or pray at any time.

Notes

- **Purity and respect**: The counter is a sacred object for practice, which must be kept clean and avoid contact with unclean things (such as blood and filth). It should be placed in a high place or a clean cloth bag when stored, and it should be worshipped with piety and respect.

- **Correct use**: Avoid using the index finger when moving the beads (because it symbolizes ego), usually use the thumb, middle finger or ring finger to move. Do not cross the main bead to count, to show respect for Buddhism.

- **Sectarian norms**: Different sects have slightly different ways of using the rosary, such as the direction of moving the beads (clockwise or counterclockwise) or the gesture of holding the beads, which must be followed by the guidance of the guru.

- **Bodhicitta motivation**: Using the counter to chant mantras or worship should be based on bodhicitta, aiming to benefit sentient beings and purify karma, rather than just for personal gain.

Summary

The counter (rosary or auxiliary counter) originated from ancient Indian Buddhism in Tibetan Buddhism. It was introduced to Tibet with Tantra and became an important tool for chanting mantras, worship, meditation and rituals. Its 108 beads symbolize the purification of troubles and merits, and the materials and shapes reflect the characteristics of the sect. The counter is used to record the number of mantras or worships, assist meditation, enhance the blessing of the Dharma, and can be used as a portable blessing. In Tibetan Buddhism, the counter is not only a practical practice tool, but also a rope of wisdom that connects practitioners with the Dharma. It must be used with a pure mind and right view to obtain the greatest blessing.

Origin

- **Origin**: Originated from ancient Indian Buddhism (about the 3rd century BC), it is used to count mantras or chanting Buddha, and was introduced to Tibet with Tantric Buddhism. Guru Padmasambhava promoted its use in Tantric practice.

- **Symbol**: 108 beads symbolize 108 kinds of troubles or merits, and the rosary is the "rope of wisdom" that connects practitioners with the Dharma.

- **Shape and material**: Most rosaries have 108 beads, and the materials include bodhi seeds, sandalwood, agate, etc., with auxiliary counters (small beads, metal rings) attached to record the maximum number of times.

How to use

1. **Counting mantras**: Record the number of mantras (such as the six-syllable mantra), move one bead for each mantra, 108 times for one round, and use the auxiliary counter to record 100 or 1,000 rounds.

2. **Counting prostrations**: Record the number of prostrations, such as 100,000 times, move the beads or move the auxiliary counter.

3. **Visualization in meditation**: Assists concentration, visualizes the beads as the blessing of the deity, and enhances the effect of practice.

4. **Ritual assembly**: Record the number of collective mantras or offerings, such as 1 million times of mantras.

5. **Carry with you**: As a talisman, it has the function of warding off evil and praying for blessings after being consecrated.

Precautions

- Keep it clean, store it in a high place, and avoid touching it with impurities.

- Avoid using the index finger to move the beads, and do not cross the main bead to count.

- Follow the sect norms and the guidance of the master, and take bodhicitta as the motivation.