Mala beads, also known as prayer beads, were originally tools used by practitioners for counting. They serve to calm the mind, eliminate distractions, and help in self-discipline. In recent years, due to their portability and aesthetic appeal, mala beads have gradually become a fashionable accessory, gaining popularity and recognition among more people. In leisure time, enjoying a cup of tea while playing with mala beads can relieve stress and nurture one's character. However, playing with mala beads is not just a casual activity; it requires proper techniques. Some incorrect habits can cause irreversible damage to the beads, ultimately affecting the quality of use. Understanding the taboos of playing with mala beads and learning how to maintain them is especially important.
Techniques for Playing with Mala Beads
When you first receive your mala beads, place them in a sealed bag or box to allow them to adjust to the local humidity and temperature. Summer is the best time for playing with beads, so make the most of it. Use a cotton cloth to vigorously rub the surface of the beads to clean off the wax layer and dirt, and to polish them again, doing this for two to three days for about two hours each day. Afterward, let them naturally air-dry for a week, allowing the surface to evenly contact the air and form a fine oxidation protective layer.
When starting to play with the beads by hand, make sure your hands are dry; do not play with sweaty hands directly. It’s best to wear cotton gloves, but you can play with dry hands or slightly sweaty hands. Be sure to rub around the holes of the beads as well. You can play with them for about three hours a day. After one to two weeks, you should start to feel a slight stickiness on the beads; at this point, a thin layer of patina has begun to form on the surface. Continue to let them air-dry for a while to allow the patina to harden to some extent; this process usually takes about a week.
By repeating these steps five or six times over approximately three months, you should notice a glossy sheen on the beads. High-quality beads may even exhibit a strong reflective quality, resembling the shine of glass.
Methods for Maintaining Mala Beads
When wearing mala beads, avoid wearing other metal jewelry at the same time to prevent collisions and deformation. If you have enough time, after wearing them each day, clean them with cotton and store them in a jewelry box.
Mala beads can accumulate dust from wearing; use a soft-bristled brush with toothpaste to clean them, and then wipe them with a cotton cloth. Frequently touching the beads with your hands will enhance their luster.
It’s best to remove the beads when washing your hands, as soap contains alkaline substances that can damage the beads and affect their shine. Be careful to avoid contact with acidic and alkaline substances, and prevent cosmetics from getting on the beads.
Wear the beads in a specific order: put them on first, then wear bracelets to avoid snagging on clothes, which could cause the beads to fall off. Carry a small jewelry pouch to prevent taking the beads off while washing your hands and accidentally dropping them on the floor.
The best way to maintain mala beads is to play with them frequently or chant while moving them, allowing the patina to develop, which better protects the beads.
Taboos When Using Mala Beads
- Do not let them come into contact with any oil, including the oil from your hands.
- Do not play with beads when your hands are sweaty.
- Avoid playing with beads in very humid conditions, as moisture can damage them and negate previous care.
- Do not use your nails to poke the beads.
- After playing with them, do not set them down carelessly; always wipe them with a soft cotton cloth.
- Avoid playing with beads violently; prevent strong collisions between the beads.
- Do not let them get wet, and do not wash them with water.
- Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight, as this can cause the beads to turn white and become prone to cracking.
For all wooden mala beads, remember to avoid oil and water. If the beads do get wet or oily, don’t be discouraged; there are ways to remedy this. One method is to continue playing with them using the correct technique, wearing gloves while applying a bit more pressure to remove dirt from the surface over time. Another method involves using sandpaper to gently polish the beads, removing a layer from the surface, allowing them to regain their vitality, and then starting the maintenance process anew.
Playing with mala beads should not be rushed; it’s a gradual process that requires patience. As you observe changes in the beads, you will find spiritual joy and satisfaction. I hope everyone can use the correct methods and enjoy the pleasure that comes from playing with mala beads.
