The origin of prayer beads

The origin of prayer beads

There are various theories about the origin of prayer beads, but the most popular is that the Brahman scriptures, which were created over 3,500 years ago, contain a reference to "renju" (a string of beads), which became the prototype for "nenju" (prayer beads). It is also said that Hindu believers also had the custom of using prayer beads to count the number of times they prayed. This custom was incorporated into Buddhism by Buddha and later spread to China.

Introduction to Japan

The introduction of juzu beads to Japan is believed to have occurred around the same time as the introduction of Buddhism from Baekje in 538 (although some sources say 552). The first documented mention of juzu appears in the materials ledger of Horyu-ji Temple in 743 (Tenpyo 19). The Shosoin Repository also contains a dragonfly-beaded juzu believed to have been a favorite of Prince Shotoku, as well as a pair of crystal and amber juzu beads that belonged to Emperor Shomu. A section of the Todai-ji Temple offering ledger from Emperor Shomu in 756 (Tenpyo Shoho 8) mentions juzu beads being donated as "national treasures." Juzu beads, crafted from precious materials such as gold, silver, amber, pearls, crystal, and pearls, were donated as national treasures and were highly valued as items aboard ships. For this reason, they were likely only used by a select group of monks and a limited number of aristocrats at the time.

Penetration among the general public

It wasn't until the end of the Heian period through the Kamakura period, when Buddhism was popularized, that juzu beads became popular as Buddhist implements among the general public, not just monks. Until then, Buddhism had placed emphasis on rituals and research for the state and aristocracy, but with the start of the Kamakura period, it became increasingly seen as a way to save the people, and sects known as "Kamakura Buddhism" emerged one after another, preaching simple teachings that lay believers could put into practice in their daily lives. Along with this, juzu beads were also improved to make them easier to use and suited the sect. It is said that most modern juzu beads were created during this period.

General sales of prayer beads begin

During the Edo period, Buddhism was established as the state religion, and all citizens were required to belong to a temple as a parishioner, leading to a rapid increase in demand for juzu. During the Genroku period (1688-1704), the general sale and purchase of juzu was officially permitted for the first time, and guidebooks on juzu appeared. It was also around this time that one-handed juzu, which had previously only been used by Zen monks, began to become popular among the general public.

Shape of the prayer beads

The number of beads on a juzu is typically 108, representing the number of human desires, but currently there are various styles, such as 27 beads (a quarter of the number), or 18 beads in reference to the number 108, and these are called "informal juzu." The shape of formal juzu beads varies depending on the sect, but the most commonly used type consists of 108 main beads (omodama) and two parent beads (oyadama), with disciple beads (deshidama), dew beads (tsuyudama), and tassels attached to the parent beads. Four slightly smaller beads are placed in the middle of the 108 main beads, called the Shiten beads. In informal juzu, there are two of these beads, so they are called Niten beads.