In Tibetan Buddhism 'mantras are repeated hundreds or thousands of times. The mala is used so that one can focus on the meaning of the mantra rather than counting its repetitions. One repetition is usually said for each bead while turning the thumb clockwise around each bead.'

'When counting very high numbers of mantra recitations, it is helpful to have some additional counters attached to your malas. For these, Tibetans often us a miniature dorje and bell counters. These are 2 shorter strings of 10 small beads, attached to your mala. One of the strings has the dorje at the end, and the other the bell. Where these strings are placed on the mala is up to you.' This is auction is for one set of these. From Dharamsala in India. Silver.

'We use the dorje counter to keep count of each circuit of 100 that we make. So each time you finish one circuit, you will pull forward one bead on the dorje counter. After 10 circuits of the mala, you will have moved all 10 beads on your dorje counter, and you will have recited 1000 mantras. At this point, you will move one counter forward on the bell counter, to symbolise 1000 mantras counted. Then you begin again with a new circuit on your mala, and once you have made a new circuit, you move one of the dorje counter beads forward, and continue like this. With a dorje and bell counter, you can count up to 10,000 mantra recitations.'

See mala in our other listings.

Bought to you by the Himalayan Nomad Massage Centre in Porirua / Wellington - NZ's only authentic traditional Tibetan massage practice. Please see our other listings for more Tibetan treasures. Most of our items are made by Tibetan refugees in Nepal or India and we always try to get the most ethical / fair trade products we can. Some of the proceeds of sales go to supporting our Charitable Trust: Tibetan Nomad Aid Trust. Look us up for more info or ask a question. I am Tibetan and we buy only from Tibetans to support them. Please send us your address and choice of colour if needed via trademe. Thanks!