"Nenju" means prayer beads in Japanese. They are not only hand-held small object for funeral but also a protective charm against evil spirits.
"Juzu" is a synonym for Nenju and literal translation of "Count Ball". It originally used to be tool to count numbers but nowadays only the name is remained among Japanese people.
Yes, but in some case it would be better and cheaper to purchase a new one rather than get old one repaired. Obviously prayer beads of natural stone or linden tree are worth repairing, and it values throughout life. Normally it would take about a month to repair yours after it reached us.
Woman can change colors according to their ages, but men usually use a single brownish color for a life-time use.
Nothing in particular by the color but for the wedding occasion that is held according to Buddhist rites, there is a ceremony to exchange the prayer beads and prefer to blight color prayer beads such red or pink in the case for women.
In Tokai District or Hokuriku District, white tassels with colorless beads are used (Crystal or white coral) in funeral, and when the Buddhist memorial service colored tassels (with colored beads) are used. In other district there isn't any rules in its use.
The number of beads of formal prayer beads is decided as 108, but simplified prayer beads are just decided with the same size.
It is more desirable for her to bring formal prayer beads of a sect that is a woman's in-laws, but in every sect (except Nichiren sect) simplified prayerbeads is acceptable, It is necessary thing when you pay your respect to your husband's ancestors.
Yes, you can. Prayer beads also have a meaning of good luck, therefore you can buy it and use it in your everyday life.
No there isn't. Women's prayer beads have a different size and colors from men's. Less than 8 millimeter beads are usually used for women's simplified prayer beads. On the other hand, over 10 millimeter beads are used for men's. Formal prayer beads are also difference between men's and women's, such as women's is smaller than men's.
Yes, there are some color differences among women in their 20s-30s, 40s-50s, and over 50s, but recently natural tint like greyish pink is popular and also the color witch can be used from 20s and throughout life. Some young people has somewhat a quiet and conservative color, and which is quite all right. White tassel has no age limitation in use.
Some people believes that a prayer beads must be gave from someone, but it is not true.
It all depends on each sect. Each sect has own formal prayer beads. Nichiren sect in particular uses with 108 beads and 5 tassels. Basically simplified prayer beads are not accepted, but the other sects accept simplified prayer beads. Please have a look at our formal prayer beads in our website with photos.
For a funeral you need a proper prayer beads. Remember breacelets are good-luck charms.
By all means. In celebration of wedding, a coming-of-age or as a keepsake from your beloved one, all of these are quite acceptable.
High quality prayer beads are sold in a box made of paulownia wood, so keep it in this box or in a pouch. High quality corals are weak to sweat so clean them with dry cloth before putting it into a pouch.
No, it doesn't. It all depends on your taste, but temples are all ranked by their sect, therefore sometimes particular color is decided.
There are several types : round called "Bonten" , twist, string.....etc but they do not have any particular meaning in them, you can choose according to your taste. These days twist is much favoured throughout Japan.
It's very difficult. In general people say that crystal is cold and doesn't get steamed up, but it depends on the condition. Same thing happens to crystal as it does to glass. The big difference is the clarity. Let us see yours. We will give you an expert opinion.
Some prayer beads have Buddha lens in a larger parent beed and they will be found in souvenir shops in tourist resort. We also produce them, but as a rule no lens is supposed to be fitted in the quality goods. However, some high quality prayer beeds with lens are sold at some temples.
Please take them to a Shinto Shrine where people leave their old good-luck charms. They will be disposed of after prayer. Don't throw it away thoughtlessly.
Kankin prayer beads are mainly used by temples, but some religious people use them as an amulet. Sodo sect uses metal ring in them but Rinzai sect doesn't. There is nothing meaning, but this helps tell Sodo sect from Rinzai sect.
It has been said
(1) Linden trees would bring you (infinite happiness)
(2) Crystal would bring you (billion times happiness) and
(3) Coray would bring you (hundred times happiness) , and they are still prefered even today.
There isn't any specific way of taking care of your prayer beads. But high-quality red coral, lapis and malachite are vulnerable to sweat and their colour might be fade. Please clean and polish them after use. Prayer beads of other material should be kept in a paulownia box or in a nenju pouch.
Many department stores hold exhibition of the products throughout Japan in which Yasuda Prayer beads store is taking part in them. Take a look and visit us and we will have a look at yours. Please see the Kyoto exhibition on the separate page for a details.
We believe Nichiren sect belivers shold use their exclusive prayer beads. Once you get married you belong to your hausband's religious sect. If your husband's religion is not Nichiren sect you can't use Nichiren sect prayer beads. When you need prayer beads in your parents' home you can use your husband prayer beads. You can always use your own prayer beads regardless of your husband's sects at any funeral. You don't have to go along with others.
Prayer beads with particular significance would be basically different from cheaper ones, but the meaning of them is all the same. We don't think the price difference would make any difference in getting divine help. However you are supposed to take a good care of quality prayer beads.
No, prayer beads are not used in Shinto. But many Shinto peaple take prayer beads with them to sameones people funeral in order to be on good terms with their neighbours.
There is no particular problem with using prayer beads for women, men's prayer beads can be made with smaller beads. We redommend that you order a customize men's version.
No, there is nothing wrong with this. We believe it is a good idea to carry bracelets or nenju. It helps protect you from evil spirits.
Single is simplified for all sects and double is formal.(Formal prayer beads have tassel that are tied differently, and it depends on each sect. Please see on formal prayer beads for more infomation) Formal prayer beads is used at funeral in the Tokai area and informal prayer beads are usued at Buddhists service for the dead, but don't worry too much about this formality. Double prayer beads are more appropriate.
