What a Buddhist prayer bead is
About Prayer Beads
A nenju, also called juzu, is an important Buddhist tool for connecting your heart with Buddha.
It is not merely an accessory, but a ‘charm’ for its wearer, and it also serves the role of connecting prayers to ancestors and loved ones.
At Shoryu Nenjudou, our craftsmen carefully create these important ritual tools with utmost dedication so that they can be cherished and used for a lifetime as a treasured possession.
The Origin of Prayer Beads and the Number of Beads
The number of beads on a prayer bead string is basically 108, which corresponds to the number of human desires.
It is said that this originates from the teaching of Shakyamuni, who stated that “if one strings together 108 soapberry seeds and chants the nembutsu, worldly desires will vanish.”
The circle of the prayer beads shows that we are connected with Buddha and that our hearts become round and honest.
Types of Prayer Beads
Prayer beads can be broadly divided into two types: ‘formal prayer beads’ and ‘abbreviated prayer beads’.
Formal prayer beads
These are formal prayer beads based on the teachings of each sect. Each sect has specific rules regarding the number of beads (with 108 being standard), their arrangement, and how they are held.
We recommend this to those who have a clear affiliation with a particular sect or are looking for a more authentic set of prayer beads.
At Shoryu Nenju Do, we also make traditional prayer beads for all sects and accept custom orders.
Abbreviated Buddhist prayer beads
These prayer beads can be used by anyone, regardless of sect. They are a simplified version of the traditional prayer beads and are also referred to as ‘one-handed prayer beads’.
The number of beads varies for ease of handling, such as half of 108, which is 54, or a quarter, which is 27.
Many of the items sold as ‘for men’ or ‘for women’ fall into this category of simplified prayer beads.
How to Choose Prayer Beads
For those who are holding prayer beads for the first time, it is advisable to choose a ‘simplified set of prayer beads’ that is not specific to any sect.
The materials used are natural stones, believed to have special powers since ancient times, and warm, natural wood. You can choose based on the meanings of each stone or type of wood, but more than anything, it’s important to pick something that feels right to you and makes you feel calm. …
We assist you in encountering a series of experiences that you can trust your intuition with and wish to cherish for a long time.
We will craft a rosary just for you
You may freely choose natural stones and natural wood to create a truly unique and special piece in the world.