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A Question.

charlescharles
edited December 2009 in Buddhism Basics
Hello everyone. Do Theravada Buddhist use prayer beads like Mahayana Buddhists, as a devotion?

Comments

  • BrigidBrigid Veteran
    edited December 2009
    I imagine some do and some don't but if you're asking whether it's an essential practice in Theravada Buddhism I'd have to say no, it isn't. I've never seen any of the Theravada monks I learn from using them. But that's only what I've seen and I could always be wrong.

    Welcome to the site, by the way!
  • federicafederica Seeker of the clear blue sky... Its better to remain silent and be thought a fool, than to speak out and remove all doubt Moderator
    edited December 2009
    I'm a Theravada Buddhist, but I use malas, and wear one all the time.
    I think in some cases, it's perhaps restrictive and detrimental to living a Pathful life, to say that this is either this or that, and the two cannot mix.

    Some people use playing cards to gamble and win money.
    Others have used playing cards as a reminder of things spiritual or religious.

    The important is the intention, no matter what the provenance....
  • charlescharles
    edited December 2009
    Thank you. I've found that use of them is very helpful to keep a wandering mind focused...but it was just a question. I've leaned mostly twoards Theravada Buddhism, but thats because I feel its a closer version to what the Buddha taught, and I'm rather a purist. Thank you for the information.
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