The Holy land of the Shaolin

Buddhists have run a string of beads, called Shuzhur (chin.: shùzhur - 數珠兒 - 數珠兒) or Fozhu (chin.: fózhū 佛珠) through their fingers when they read the sutras, or chanted the names of Buddhas in their practices. The Buddhist prayer beads are a religious implement (chin.: fóxiè 佛械) used during sutra reciting (chin.: qínxíng 勤行) and meditation as one expresses, through heartfelt prayer, his/her appreciation for the Three Treasures of Buddhism (chin.: Sānbǎo 三宝 – fófǎsēng 佛法僧) the Buddha (chin.: fó 佛), the Dharma (chin.: fǎ 法), and the Sangha (chin.: sēng 僧).

The overall purpose of all Shuzhur beads is to create a sense of tranquillity (chin.: āndìng 安定) and inner-peace (chin.: jìng 靖) for not only the individual, but for the community as a whole. In reciting the prayer, a sense of peace will enter making an individual that much closer to reaching Enlightment.

For most Buddhists Prayer beads, represent a meditative tool. Their specific purpose may vary for individuals, but the beads enhance “goodness” and stimulate “virtue” (chin.: zéshàn 责善). The purpose of the Prayer beads for the Buddhist perspective is to drive away evil (chin.: chōngshà 冲煞) and fill you with peace and bliss (chin.: fú 福). Because of the nature of Buddhism, this material object is used as an accomplice for gaining merit on the path to enlightenment (chin.: liǎowùdào 了悟道).

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