There are many different methods of divination ranging from crystal balls to tarot cards to the use of dice, but one of the most revered and popular methods for Buddhists around the world has its roots in Mahayana Buddhism. Invoking the wisdom of Manjushri, the Buddha of Knowledge, one can use mala beads – the Buddhist rosary – to give a reading on any question one may have regarding a course of action. The accuracy of this oracle is enhanced the more you practice and the greater your belief.
The Wen Shu Oracle takes its name from Wen Shu Pu Sa, the Chinese name of the Buddha of Wisdom, Manjushri. This is part of the Tibetan system of MO divination that makes use of mala beads to help one make decisions whenever one is faced with a dilemma, or whenever one is unsure about a next course of action. Most practicing Buddhists will already have their own personal mala beads used for prayer and for chanting of mantras, but you can also have a mala bead used exclusively to consult the Wen Shu Oracle. It is important that you use mala beads that you feel a good affinity for. Mala beads come in many different forms, shapes and sizes, but the kind of bead strand you need for this oracle is one with 108 beads.
SELECTING YOUR PERSONAL MALA BEADS
When deciding on what kind of beads you should get, one method is to use your astrological animal sign. The table below suggests beads that are auspicious for you based on your sign.
| RAT & BOAR | Benefit from moonstones, amethyst, crystal, lapis and turquoise. |
| OX, DRAGON, SHEEP & DOG | Benefit from coral, crystal, amber, citrine, tourmaline and any yellow or red stones. |
| MONKEY & ROOSTER | Benefit from amber, citrine, crystal, and any white or yellow stones. |
| TIGER & RABBIT | Benefit from turquoise, aquamarine, lapis, and any blue or green stones; as well as Bodhi seeds, Rudraksha seeds and beads made from the seeds of other holy trees. |
| SNAKE & HORSE | Benefit from coral, garnet, and the seeds of holy trees.. |
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The answer is excellent. The Oracle is telling you that your proposed course of action is very beneficial. You should carry on. |
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The answer indicates that your proposed course of action is positive, but there could be some obstacles. However, these can be overcome. |
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The answer indicates that your intended course of action may benefit you in the short term, but may not be so good in the long term. |
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Your intended course of action is neither good nor bad. The outcome is determined solely by your attitudes and actions. |
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The outcome is negative. Nothing beneficial comes from your proposed course of action. |
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Most negative answer. Do not pursue your course of action. Cut your losses. |
CONSULTING THE ORACLE
First, start by visualizing the Great Buddha of Wisdom, Manjushri. His body is yellow. His right hand holds a flaming sword of wisdom used to slice through ignorance bringing clarity to our minds. His left hand holds the stem of a blue lotus flower close to his heart, which blossoms close to his ears. On it rests the Prajnaparamita, the book of the Perfection of Wisdom. It may help to have a physical statue or figurine of Manjushri in front of you as you consult the Oracle.
Next, recite the following:
OM, the magnificent Manjushri who unobstructedly sees all the three times, the past, present and future with eyes of transcendental wisdom. Please come here and hear me. I prostrate to Manjushri and take refuge in the three jewels.
Then recite his mantra 108 times: OM AH RAPA CHA NA DHI
Next recite the long mantra of Dependence Arising (3 or 7 times): OM AH HUM OM YEDHARMA HETU PRABHAWA HETUNTE KHEN TATHAGATO HAYA WATETTE KHEN TRAYO NIRODHA EWAM WADI MAHA SHRA MANA SOHA
Hold your mala beads with both palms while you are chanting the mantra, and blow onto them after you have completed the mantras. Recite “OM AH HUM” as you feel the mala beads. Concentrate on your question clearly. As you focus on your question, randomly take any two beads leaving a short strand of beads in between. Then, taking three beads from each side at a time, move slowly towards the centre of the mala strand. Keep reciting “OM AH HUM” as you move towards the centre. Stop when you see the remainder beads number 5 or fewer between your fingers.
