Seeking Serenity
click on thumbnail to see a larger version
Tara Middleton clutches her japa mala during the recitation of a mantra at the Kunzang Palyul Chöling Temple in Poolesville, Maryland. Often called the Buddhist Rosary, mala beads are used so one can focus on the meaning of the mantra recited, rather than the repetition of it. In Tibetan Buddhism malas contain 108 beads, one hundred for each repetition of the mantra recited, and eight dedicated to all sentient beings.