How Do I use a Nianju, or Mala, Properly?

Question: Way back in my Hindu Yoga days, it was explained that one moves the beads in one direction, stops at the head bead, turns the Nienju, and goes in the other direction. It was also explained that the index finger is never used to move from bead-to-bead. Is this all just a matter of tradition and preference, or is there a reason for these rules? Please give me your take on the proper use of Nienju. Thank you.

Response: Okay, first I googled "mala index finger." Although I know that Wikipedia information ranges from good to questionable, the following entry sounds reasonable to someone who doesn't know a lot about how Hindus use malas.

Hindu tradition holds that the correct way to use a mala is with the right hand, with the thumb flicking one bead to the next, and with the mala draped over the middle finger. The index finger represents ego, the greatest impediment to self-realization, so it is considered best avoided when chanting on a mala.

This certainly seems to support what you were told and sounds logical. If anyone knows more about this, please join in the conversation through a comment.

As for how we use a nianju, I usually hold mine in my right hand with the nianju draped over my index finger. I'll switch to the left if I've been chanting for some time. Whether using our right or left hand, we recite “Amituofo” once as we gently move each bead toward us with our thumb. 

Someone once explained to me that we need to move the beads toward us because if we move them away from us, we'll lose the merits from the chanting and won't have them to dedicate to all beings.

Regarding the large "mother bead." In some traditions, people do not "cross" that bead but turn the nianju around and go back the direction they came from. This was often done because the name "Buddha" carved on the bead and moving across it would have been disrespectful. But since our nianju do not have either the word or an image of the Buddha on the mother bead, we do not stop at it but proceed in the one direction.