Prayer Beads

The first thing that I bought myself upon my return to Taiwan were Buddhist prayer beads. From my research, these beads are Tibetan. They have 19 big white beads and 2 red beads. Most prayer beads are a multiple of 108. When 108 prayers are said, they count for 100. The other ones compensate for the mistakes. At first I thought that I would wear them as a bracelet. I haven’t worn any jewelry for years, except my golden necklace that I have had since birth. Over the last few years, I’ve even dropped watches.

I’ve had the prayer beads since Sunday and I always have them with me. I’ve decided to buy a few more. They are interesting to have. Obviously, talk turns to religion as I wear them and handle them. I’m probably going to research the Buddhist prayers that are associated with prayer beads in order to find out more about them. I remember that I have a book on Buddha hidden away somewhere.

My wife found it serene that the first thing that I got myself were prayer beads. I didn’t really think that much of it at the time, but it does speak to a vicissitude in my way of thinking. They weren’t expensive. I spent 1000NT (~33$) on my beads. They are a nice pair that will last a long time. The beads are nice and fat, but not too fat. They are made out of white stones or shells, I am unsure of this. They feel nice in my hands. I usually wear them on my left arm, above my elbow. I tend to take them down and count them when I sit and I have idle hands.