How To Care for Your Mala

About Mala Prayer Beads

Malas, in Buddhist cultures and communities, are frequently given as gifts, for example, to celebrate a birthday, marriage, or holiday. In Tibetan Buddhism, you may receive (or purchase) a mala when it is time to begin to formally count your prostration mantra recitations. They are also given as keepsakes and a source of protection to loved ones, of any denomination.

If you have a spiritual teacher, it is traditional for you to request that he or she "bless" your mala, to ensure that your meditation practice is free from obstacles.

If not, you can "bless" your own mala by creating a sacred space, for instance- lighting a candle and then holding your mala over sage, incense or juniper smoke. While you are doing this, say a quiet prayer with an aspiration that your use of this mala may bring benefit to all. 

How to Care for your Mala

Malas become sacred objects to be treated with respect and taken care of. They should not be left lying around carelessly, placed on the floor or stepped on, and should be cleaned with a damp cloth, or even soaked overnight in warm salt water and kept in good repair.

Please do not wrap your mala around your wrist to wear for long periods of time, as this stress can cause your mala to break. Rather, store your mala in pouch provided when not in use. Please use only wood or Bodhi Seed for prostration practice, and these beads can be protected by rubbing small amounts of olive oil on them. Treat gemstone malas with care, as gems can crack with force, particularly amber and turquoise and these have natural fracture lines.

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Malas that have damaged beads that are beyond repair should be disposed of properly  and are, in Tibetan Tantra, called "Vajra Waste" are sacred waste, because they hold blessings. They would be taken to a Holy Place or Shrine, where other sacred objects are, and offered to the shrine or buried. 

May All Beings Be Free of Suffering, especially in these difficult times!