Japanese prayer beads maker
Yasuda-Nenju Since 1683

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1. Toppage
2. Introduction
3. Explanation

The Explanation of Prayer Beads

The Origin of Prayer Beads

    Prayer beads originated in India where they are said to have been made from seeds and wood by tying together as a tool to help people keep track of how many times they have prayed.

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The Spread of Prayer Beads

    Prayer beads were introduced into Japan with Buddhism and were used by Buddhists of the noble class. Their usage became widespread from the Kamakura era( in 1192 to 1333) onward as commoners begin to carry prayer beads like Buddhist priests. Prayer beads have been used as a tool to worship and they became the current model.

    Recently prayer beads are absolutely necessary things for Japanese people, and are used for not only praying but also as a charm and accessories. They show Japanese aesthetic sense that devised elaborate design with using various materials such as jewels and natural things.

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Dimensions

    The size of prayer beads is still measured in using Shakkanho, an ancient Japanese mesuring system. Basic number of beads is 108, the shows the number of human passions we all have.

* Formal Prayer Beads Women.........8sun (24cm) Men..............shaku (30cm) ～ shaku 6sun (48cm)

* Simplified Prayer Beads Women.........8sun 5bu (bead size 6～8mm) Men..............9sun 5bu (bead size - over10mm)

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Materials

    The size of prayer beads is still measured in using Shakkanho, an ancient Japanese mesuring system. Basic number of beads is 108, the shows the number of human passions we all have.

* Seeds Seigetsu Linden Tree / Hogan Linden Tree / Ryugan Linden Tree / Kongo Linden Tree / etc.

* Woods Ume Tree / Mlberry Tree / Red Sandal Wood / Ebony / Bombey Black Wood / Chinaberry Tree / Betel Palm Tree / etc.

* Fragrant Wood Sandalwood / Aloeswood Tree / etc.

* Natural Stones Crystal / Agate / Tiger-eye / Chalcedony / Brown Crystal / Amethyst / Lapis Lazuli / Turquoise / etc.

* Others Coral / Amber / Animal Bones / Pearls / Glass / Plastic / ect.

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Usage

    When praying to Amida Buddha, hang your Nenju(prayer beads) on your left hand and put your hands together.

> Each sect’s way of holding fomal prayer beads.

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Benefits of Nenju

    It is said that nenju is a protective charm against evil spirits and brings happiness, and the following materials are said to have such qualities.

Linden tree infinitie happiness Crystal Billions time happiness Coral Hundred times happiness   etc.

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How to choose

    We offer general prayer beads (simplfied and formal prayer beads) for any Japanese sect of Buddhism except Nichiren sect. We recommend Nichiren and Jodo sect believers should have formal ones.

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