DICTIONARY OF
BUDDHIST CEREMONIAL MANNERS
NENJU/ROSARY


When you pay respect in front of the Buddha, you always use a Japanese style version of the rosary called Nenju. In the West these days it is common to hear the Buddhist rosary called a 'mala'. The mala is one kind of Buddhist rosary, and each Buddhist country and tradition has its own unique varieties of rosaries. Many Japanese also refer it as Juzu. It literally means 'a ring of many beads.'





ORIGIN OF NENJU

The origin of the Nenju goes back to Shakyamuni Buddha's time. In the scripture of 'Mokugenkisho', King Haruri said to Buddha, 'Our country is very poor. On top of that we have disputes and epidemics spreading so that no one can afford to the luxury of ascetic practice.' The Buddha replied to him, 'If you make a ring with 108 seeds from a linden tree and meditate by reciting the Buddha's name, then it is indeed a good gesture of practice.'
Although the Nenju was introduced to Japan by the Chinese during the 7th century, it did not at first become popular in Japan. Later, during the 8th century, a monk from southern India called Bodaisenna visited Settsu of Namba and presented a Nenju made of Linden to the Emperor. Only then did the Nenju become popular in Japan.


USAGE OF NENJU

There are four different ways to use Nenju:

  1. To count the number of prayers or chants you are reciting.
  2. To pray as you rub Nenju in your palms.
  3. To rotate Nenju in your hands.
  4. To place Nenju on your hands in a prayer like position.


The 4th type is used by Shin Buddhists. It is a simple style however, as Rennyo states, 'Praying without Nenju lacks respect and is like grabbing the Buddha with your hands.' Placing of Nenju on your hands represents courtesy toward Buddha.


§VARIETY OF NENJU

There are various shapes and types of Nenju used by different Buddhist teaching traditions, but the Nenju usually consists of 108 beads (excluding 4 segment beads and 1 parent or master beadl,) 54 beads, or 27 beads. Shin Buddhism's formal Nenju has two connected rings, or a single chaplet which fits around joined hands for informal occations.


HOW TO PLACE NENJU ON YOUR HANDS

There are various ways to hold Nenju as you concentrate on the Buddha. Some rub the Nenju with both hands, some simply place the Nenju on one hand, and others simply place the Nenju on both hands, while still others only put their thumbs inside of the Nenju. For Shin Buddhists, the proper way of placing the Nenju is to hold two parent beads of the double strand between your thumbs and let a tassel hang onto the left side. For an informal single ring Nenju, the parent bead and a tassel or srting should hang down in the center while holding it between your thumbs. When you are not concentrating, be sure to hold it in your left hand.

Double ring
 Single ring
 When you're not praying





MINIATURE NENJU

Also called as 'Wrist Nenju' and normally worn on one's left wrist like a watch. However, it has become quite popular among younger generations to wear them as bracelets. The Nenju is now considered not only as a Buddhist ceremonial tool but also as a part of accessories in the society of Japan. Increasing numbers of Western Buddhists wear a Wrist Nenju as a 'reminder' to support their training. Three time Mr. Olympia (1977-1979)bodybuilding world champion Frank Zane wore his as part of his concentration training and refuge in chanting Nembutsu; his book Fabulously Fit Forever recommends nembutsu recitation as training for a spiritually fit life. When you submit your copied scripture to us, you will receive a miniature nenju as a gift from Honganji.





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