Theravada Practice: how Often are Mala Beads, Signing Bowls, Prayer Wheels and Meditation Used?

Jono5

Hey everyone, I'm getting back into Theravada Buddhism after a very long sabbatical. I was in my twenties when I took my practice very seriously, but began sacrificing a lot of socialising, therefore I stopped in order to live life a bit. Now I'm in my 30's I feel more settled and ready to resume practice, albeit a lot rusty.

In my reading, I discovered that the use of Mala Beads within Theravada practise is very rare, namely in Thailand, Loas, Cambodia and if I remember rightly, Sri Lanka (apologies if incorrect). Because of reading about the rarity of using mala beads, I wondered if the same is true for prayer wheels and signing bowls? However I do know that these two originated around Nepal and Tibet and spread throughout the Buddhist world, but unsure of how they may or may not have been adopted into Theravada Practice.

I remember that as a Theravadin, the most emphasis was chanting the Suttaṃ of the Pāḷi canon to which I felt a very strong connection. I used to softly strike a signing bowl on every 9th syllable while commencing Pāḷi chanting, although I realise this is unorthodox for Theravada practice and just something I did on my own volition. However, in my twenties, a part of me got caught up in some kind of "new age" culture and fashion by wearing malas, using signing bowls, wearing grandad shirts ect. nothing really to do with Theravada Buddhism in general except for reasons of vanity and an over-reliance on ritual practice. However, I needn't return to this kind of material attachment to resume my practise for the future. But my final query is how often meditation practice occurs in Theravada tradition? Does it outweigh the practise of Pāḷi chanting or is the reverse true? By returning to practise, I'd like to do it as accurately as a devout lay Buddhist can (With baby steps of course).

marcitko

Hi @Jono5,

Apologies that I cannot answer your questions specifically. It is wonderful that you are returning to practice.

A Theravada in-person group/teacher might best resolve such questions and support your practice.

Here are some Buddhist groups in Wales, including at least one Theravada group:
https://www.buddhanet.info/wbd/province.php?province_id=84&offset=25

Here's a Theravada group in Wales that is not listed above:
https://www.satipanya.org.uk/#

Wishing you all the best.

lobster

I'd like to do it as accurately as a devout lay Buddhist can (With baby steps of course).

You and me both, probably most users too.
You will find that the Sangha of all traditions, including later developments, are always around to advise us baby steppers.

We may also find lay practitioners with useful reinforcement of a sincere practice.

To answer as well as I can, your questions as @marcitko has done:

1. Buddhism is not a fashion accessory
2. Start with a meditation practice, (with or without mala, bells and whistles)
3. Contact the sangha nearest to you for advice.
   https://tricycle.org/beginners/buddhism/inside-the-theravada-tradition/