Buddhism beads

Buddhists count beads as they chant sutras. Some beads are put around the neck, others around the wrist or on the belt. Many Alms depict monks as carrying beads. Monk Sha Wujing in Journey to the West carries an awesome bead around his neck, which is composed of human skulls. Most Buddhism beads are made of the Bodh tree, sandalwood, or some precious stone. Buddhism beads are normally arranged in the numbers of 14, 18, 21, 27, 36, 42, 54, 108 or 1, 080 which al carry special meaning in Buddhism. It is believed that chanting sutras while counting beads can reduce worries, improve wisdom and accumulate merits. However, counting beads is still practiced mainly among monks and nuns. The common people, if they wish to adhere to Buddhist doctrines, usually begin with not killing lives, refraining from meat and nurturing benevolent thoughts.