The Use and Symbolism of Nichiren Buddhist Meditation Beads
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Various Buddhists use chanting beads or juzu (in Japanese) while meditating.
They were used for counting by early Buddhists, but the current predominant and enduring use is as a tactile sensory focus and stimulus while chanting.
They have much symbolism and are an important tool to use while meditating.
Notice that I said "important" not absolutely necessary.
How important, though?
Well, let me put it this way, anything that enhances the effectiveness of chanting Namu-Myoho-Renge-Kyo is extremely important.
The very act of chanting is a significant ritual.
During the chanting meditation you strengthen and elevate your life condition.
Access to one's life condition is by means of your senses.
Using the beads engages an important one, the sense of touch.
That's their primary purpose and using them actually helps many people focus better while chanting.
As well, there is a lot of symbolism of the beads that is meaningful for your meditative practice.