Definitions relating to the
structure of the Juzu Beads
Main Body:
Consists of 108 beads. These symbolize 108 earthly desires.
Mother Bead:
The Mother Bead is the large bead on the right hand side of the Main Body. It is
the side with the three pom poms. It symbolizes Shakyamuni Buddha and subjective
wisdom.
Father Bead:
The Father Bead is the large bead on the left hand side of the Main Body. It is
the side with the two pom poms. It symbolizes Taho Buddha and objective wisdom.
Both
the Mother and the Father represent the Buddha. Both of these two large beads
represent the principle of Kyochi Myogo, the fusion of objective reality (kyo)
and subjective wisdom (chi).
Four Smaller Beads:
There are also four smaller beads within the Main Body. These four smaller beads
represent the Four Great Bodhisattvas of the Earth. These Bodhisattvas are:
Jogyo, Muhengyo, Jyogyo and Anryugyo. They symbolize the Buddha’s life:
eternity, happiness, true self and purity.
Jar Beads:
These are the four bigger beads on the ends (two on the left and two on the
right on the sides where the pom poms are). They represent vessels where we
store our benefits.
Single Strand of Ten Beads:
On the Mother’s Side (on
the right), this single strand of ten beads are the counting beads.
Last Bead on the Ends:
represent the will to attain kosenrufu (world peace).
HOLDING THE JUZU
BEADS
As
you sit in an upright and respectful sitting position, place the beads with the
Mother’s side (three end side) on the middle finger of the right hand. Twist
the Main Body one time to form a figure eight. The Father Side (with the two end
side) is placed on the middle finger of the left hand. The form of the figure
eight represents a basket. The basket is formed so that the benefits of
practicing and chanting daimoku* will not fall through the basket. All together,
the five strands of beads that lie outside the hands are placed together with
the palms and fingers touching.
Daimoku: Reciting Nam Myoho Renge Kyo.
Definitions relating to Nichiren buddhism
Nichiren Daishonin: A thirteenth century Buddhist Priest who founded this form
of Japanese Buddhism.
http://sgi-usa.org/buddhism/dictionary/define?tid=1319
Gongyo (the prayer book): Two chapters of the Lotus Sutra performed morning and
evening.
http://sgi-usa.org/buddhism/dictionary/define?tid=2353
Daimoku: the recitation of Nam Myoho Renge Kyo.
http://sgi-usa.org/buddhism/dictionary/define?tid=1798
SGI-USA: The lay
organization in the United States. The fundamental purpose of SGI-USA is
the happiness of people. Its goals are to contribute to peace, culture and
education based on the philosophy and ideals of the Buddhism of Nichiren
Daishonin. |
