The Spiritual Art of Juzu: A Guide to Japanese Buddhist Beads
If you have ever visited a temple in Kyoto or attended a solemn ceremony in Japan, you may have noticed people holding a loop of beads, sometimes rubbing them together to create a sharp, cleansing sound. These are Juzu (also known as Nenju), the traditional Japanese Buddhist prayer beads. Far more than simple accessories, Juzu are essential tools for spiritual contemplation, grounding, and connection to the divine.
For the cultural traveler, understanding the significance of Juzu opens a window into the Japanese soul, blending ancient craftsmanship with deep-seated religious devotion.
The Origins: From India to the Silk Road
The concept of prayer beads is not unique to Japan; it shares a lineage with the Catholic rosary and Islamic tasbih. The Juzu originated in India as Mala (Sanskrit for garland) and traveled the Silk Road, passing through China and the Korean peninsula before arriving in Japan along with Buddhism around the mid-6th century.
Initially, these beads were precious items reserved for the aristocracy and high-ranking monks. It wasn’t until the Edo period (1603–1867), when Buddhism became more integrated into the daily lives of commoners through the danka (parishioner) system, that Juzu became a household item.
The standard Juzu consists of 108 beads. In Buddhist doctrine, this number represents the 108 bonno (earthly desires or passions) that plague the human spirit. By manipulating the beads during prayer, the practitioner symbolically counts away these anxieties, moving closer to a state of Nirvana (enlightenment).
Legend and Symbolism
Beyond the number 108, the structure of the Juzu is steeped in cosmology and legend. A full strand typically includes a large central bead called the Oya-dama (Parent Bead), which represents the Buddha or the Bodhisattva. Smaller beads, often called Shi-ten-no (Four Heavenly Kings), mark specific intervals in the strand.
One enduring legend involves the material of the beads. While wood (like sandalwood or cedar) is common, crystal (quartz) is highly revered. According to Japanese folklore, rock crystal represents the solidified breath of the White Dragon. It is believed that crystal Juzu have the power to purify the blood and ward off evil spirits.
Another famous story dates back to the Heian period. It is said that the renowned monk Kobo Daishi (the founder of Shingon Buddhism) threw his Juzu beads at a dying tree to banish a pestilence spirit that was tormenting a village. The tree miraculously revived, and the beads became a symbol of protection against misfortune.
Juzu in Modern Japanese Culture
In contemporary Japan, the Juzu remains a vital part of ceremonial life. Unlike in some Western contexts where religious items might be worn openly as fashion statements, the traditional long Juzu is treated with strict reverence, usually kept in a special bag (Juzu-bukuro) and brought out only for religious occasions.
However, there are two distinct types of beads seen today:
- Hon-shiki (Formal Style): The full 108-bead strand, the shape of which varies significantly depending on the Buddhist sect (e.g., Jodo-shu, Zen, Nichiren). These are used mostly by monks or devout laypeople during funerals and memorial services.
- Ryakushiki (Abbreviated Style): A smaller loop of fewer beads (often 18, 22, or 27) that can be held in one hand. This is the most common type used by the general public for funerals.
Interestingly, a secular evolution of the Juzu has emerged in the form of “Power Stone” bracelets. Walk through the trendy districts of Harajuku or the shopping arcades of Asakusa, and you will see young people wearing wrist-sized crystal or tiger-eye beads. While these are fashion accessories, they retain a lingering connection to the idea of spiritual protection and luck.
Traveler’s Tips: Etiquette and Souvenirs
If you wish to purchase Juzu as a memento or for spiritual practice, Japan offers high-quality craftsmanship, particularly in Kyoto, the manufacturing heart of prayer beads.
Buying Juzu
When buying Juzu as a souvenir, look for Ude-wa (wristlets). These are designed to be worn daily and are acceptable for non-Buddhists to wear. Common materials include:
- Plum Wood: Represents resilience.
- Tiger Eye: Believed to bring wealth.
- Amethyst: Associated with healing and peace.
Basic Etiquette
If you attend a temple ceremony or are invited to a Japanese funeral, here is how to handle the beads respectfully:
- Left Hand: Always hold the Juzu in your left hand. In Buddhist tradition, the left hand is considered the “pure” hand receiving the divine, while the right hand is the acting hand.
- Respect the Object: Never place Juzu directly on the floor or leave them on a chair. When not in use, place them in your pocket or bag.
- The Gassho: When praying, loop the beads around your hands (styles vary by sect) or drape them over your left thumb while pressing your palms together in Gassho (prayer pose).
Sources & Further Reading
To deepen your understanding of the introduction of Buddhism and ritual items in Japan, the following historical texts and resources are recommended:
- Nihon Shoki (The Chronicles of Japan): For accounts of the initial arrival of Buddhist artifacts from the Korean kingdom of Baekje.
- The Tale of Genji (Genji Monogatari): Contains various references to the use of rosaries by aristocracy in the Heian period.
- Kyoto National Museum Archives: Offers excellent visual histories of ritual implements.