Prayer Beads

Prayer beads are a string of beads used to aid in meditation or prayer, helping individuals keep track of repetitions of prayers, mantras, or meditative breaths. They are commonly used in various religious and spiritual traditions, such as Christianity, Buddhism, and Islam.

  • Material: Prayer beads can be made from a variety of materials, including wood, stone, seeds, crystal, or glass.
  • Structure: The beads are typically strung together in a circle, with a larger bead (often called a guru bead) marking the start and end of the cycle.
  • Common Types:
    • Rosary (Christian): Typically contains 59 beads used for prayer in Catholicism.
    • Mala (Buddhist and Hindu): Usually consists of 108 beads, used for repeating mantras.
    • Misbahah (Islamic): Often has 33 or 99 beads, used for reciting the names of Allah.

Prayer beads are both a spiritual tool and a decorative object, offering a calming ritual in various religious practices.