Recitation beads

[Rory]

I have some plastic juzu but I really need a more sturdy type wooden Chinese beads, that will take lots of use.
Would anyone know where I can purchase them?  [yes there is a temple near me but they only have nice show beads]
 
Rory

[catmoon]

I have some plastic juzu but I really need a more sturdy type wooden Chinese beads, that will take lots of use.
Would anyone know where I can purchase them?  [yes there is a temple near me but they only have nice show beads]
 
Rory

2 questions - where are you
                    - what are show beads?

[Yeshe]

I have some plastic juzu but I really need a more sturdy type wooden Chinese beads, that will take lots of use.
Would anyone know where I can purchase them?  [yes there is a temple near me but they only have nice show beads]
 
Rory

Search for 'green sandalwood mala' on eBay and you will find Chinese beads which would be suitable.
'Lotusmind' is reputable as a seller, based in Hong Kong.

If you want wooden beads which are incredibly tough, seek out ebony, but it is rare to find the real wood and is expensive.

If you want beads already threaded as a 'juzu' then try a search on eBay under 'juzu' - I found several which looked fine.

I've used green sandalwood and also bodhiseed malas for 100,000 mantras each with no real signs of wear except to the thread.

Let us know how you fare.  Oh, there are a couple of threads on malas on this site as well. ;)

[GoGet]

Search for 'green sandalwood mala' on eBay and you will find Chinese beads which would be suitable.
'Lotusmind' is reputable as a seller, based in Hong Kong.

I agree w/ Yeshe.  Green Sandalwood is durable and inexpensive.  It's also a lot more friendly to the ecology.  White or Red Sandalwood has become very scarce due to over-harvesting.

If you're on a budget, Ebay is is a good place to start looking.

If you want wooden beads which are incredibly tough, seek out ebony, but it is rare to find the real wood and is expensive.

I wonder about that.  Ebony beads suitable for a mala aren't really all that expensive.
I have a Tiger Ebony mala that is quite nice, extremely durable, a joy to use and wasn't all that expensive to make.  Yet, you see people selling for quite a bit of money.

Personally I prefer a wooden mala for, well, everything.  I think wooden beed malas "work" better.  It's not that they offer greater merit or anything like that.  Wooden beads go through the hand a lot easier than stone.

Bodhi seed and what passes for "lotus" seed also work very well and are usually easy to find and inexpensive.  If you can find "real" lotus seed - oblong in shape instead of round and dark brown/black instead of black specks on cream - get that.  They're usually longer, but they are delightful to use.

[Rory]

My goodness, I had no idea there was so much out there! thanks so much for the links, as well as the recommendation as to who is reputable. I'm used to the Japanese ones with  the counter things hanging so I can tell how much I've done.  Can you buy this separately?

Though I've had a chinese mala, (I read the thread) where you can move the beads, an org sent it to me and it was my favorite, before it made an unknown journey in Mexican customs... I prefer the feel of wood too, it is warm and moves nicely.  Since you are all so helpful, would you know anyplace that sell beads that move?

I found juzu on ebay, Japanese malas indicate the Japanese sect you belong to, now I'm figuring that out.
gassho for all your kind help
Rory

[Yeshe]

My goodness, I had no idea there was so much out there! thanks so much for the links, as well as the recommendation as to who is reputable. I'm used to the Japanese ones with  the counter things hanging so I can tell how much I've done.  Can you buy this separately?

Though I've had a chinese mala, (I read the thread) where you can move the beads, an org sent it to me and it was my favorite, before it made an unknown journey in Mexican customs... I prefer the feel of wood too, it is warm and moves nicely.  Since you are all so helpful, would you know anyplace that sell beads that move?

I found juzu on ebay, Japanese malas indicate the Japanese sect you belong to, now I'm figuring that out.
gassho for all your kind help
Rory

Hi

The extent to which beads are able to move depends on the tension of the thread. Most juzu/malas become more slack with time.  It's a fine balance as if the thread is too loose it is really distracting.  A gap of around 1 bead's width should allow enough movement.

You may be able to adjust the tension yourself, either by finding the threads as they are tied off at the 'guru' beads or by gently stretching the juzu/mala.

P.S.  I forgot to mention that green sandalwood aslo has a wonderful scent. ;)

[Rory]

thanks Yeshe & everyone. I'm glad you mentioned the scent of sandalwood, as some people  can have contact allergies, so I decided to get stone & I found a very nice white turquoise with a mani counter from Lotusmind for $20 which I think is a great price. I'll start with these now and treat myself in a month or two.
  really bowing to you in gratitude
Rory

[tktru]

If you're a bit on the fancy side and/or looking for beads made of precious stones or woods, Sakura Beads also has a nice selection of mala beads. Reasonable prices!

http://buddhistmala.com/

[catmoon]

If you're a bit on the fancy side and/or looking for beads made of precious stones or woods, Sakura Beads also has a nice selection of mala beads. Reasonable prices!

http://buddhistmala.com/

Tnks for the link, it went on my favorites list!