Juzu (数珠), also known as Nenju (念珠), are Buddhist prayer beads used to count the number of times a mantra or prayer is recited. These beads are considered sacred tools that help practitioners connect with Buddha, eliminate worldly desires, and gain spiritual merit. Juzu is also often used during zazen (seated meditation). These breads are normally made up of 108 beads. It represents 108 human desires, and it can purify us and ward off our desires. Juzu are believed to absorb the owner’s unfavorable thoughts, such as heavy and negative spiritual influences. Therefore, we believe Juzu should be personally owned. The origin of Juzu is traced back to India, where it is said that Buddha advised a troubled king to create a circle of 108 soapberry seeds and recite the Buddha’s teachings to eliminate desires. The practice spread through various Buddhist sects and reached Japan during the Kamakura period via China.
The photo shows a Shingon sect Juzu. The materials are star and moon bodhi tree, agate, and silk. It is unisex and can be used in sects other than the Nichiren sect.
No comments yet.