Why does a traditional prayer bead necklace typically have 108 beads instead of a round number like 100?
The 108-bead necklace is also known as “Japa mala” in Tibetan. Since ancient times, it has been used in both Buddhism and Hinduism for prayer. The beads can be made from various materials, including sandalwood, bodhi seeds, wood, amber, coral, jade, bone, silk, cotton, and even hemp.
The Significance of 108 Beads
Necklaces designed for wrist use typically contain between 16 to 19 beads; some Chinese necklaces have only 18 beads. In Mahayana Buddhism, a common variant is the 27-bead necklace. The most common type, however, features 108 beads rather than a neat 100. There are several interpretations for this choice.
Prayer Bead Necklace.
Interpretation Related to Prayer Usage
Prayer beads are commonly used to count the number of recitations. While chanting, practitioners slide their fingers over each bead. In Vajrayana Buddhism, the 108 beads are often used to chant mantras 100 times, with 8 additional beads reserved for any mistakes. Another interpretation suggests that out of the 108 beads, 100 are for personal mantra recitation, while the remaining 8 are for prayers for all sentient beings.
A sufficiently long bead necklace helps the practitioner focus better, reducing distractions while monitoring and counting recitations.
Prayer beads used for counting mantra recitations. (Image: 3 Ports).
Interpretation Based on the “Moksha Sutra”
The origin of the prayer beads and the practice of sliding fingers over them while reciting is believed to stem from the teachings of the Buddha to King Bimbisara, as recorded in the “Moksha Sutra.” The sutra recounts an occasion when the Buddha, along with his followers, traveled in the Kṣetra mountains of the land of Magadha. The local king (named Bimbisara) sent a messenger to beseech the Buddha for compassion, requesting an easy method to cultivate spirituality and soon escape suffering.
The Buddha advised that to eliminate suffering, one should string together a necklace of 108 beads made from the seeds of the Moksha tree and carry it at all times. Whether walking, sitting, or lying down, one should focus on reciting the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha, sliding over one bead with each recitation, continuing this until reaching 200,000 recitations without distraction, thus attaining peace and happiness. The 108 beads symbolize the 108 paths to enlightenment and the removal of 108 types of suffering, leading to ultimate joy.
According to the Moksha Sutra, the Buddha has used the 108-bead necklace since ancient times. (Image: Monk Mala)
Interpretation Based on Enlightenment Meaning
Many believe the 108 beads represent the 108 afflictions that a person must overcome on the path to enlightenment. The afflictions arise from the six senses (eyes, ears, nose, tongue, body, and mind), the six objects of sense (sight, sound, smell, taste, touch, and phenomena), and the six types of consciousness (seeing, hearing, smelling, tasting, touching, and mental consciousness), totaling 18 realms (the Eighteen Realms).
Multiplying this number 18 by the six basic afflictions (greed, anger, ignorance, pride, doubt, and wrong views) results in 108 afflictions. To achieve true happiness, one must eliminate all afflictions through spiritual practice, which is why the prayer bead necklace contains 108 beads instead of 100.
