
what is
A MALA?

Many ask, really, what are mala beads? The word mala was derived from the Sanskrit word ‘Garland’ which is a set of beads used by Buddhists and Hindus. Traditional mala beads consist of 108 beads strung on durable material, finished with a tassel or knotted ends.
Malas are used during meditation, where the practitioner has to count the number of times he or she repeats a chant, mantra or intention.
Mala beads are made up of different materials such as wood, seed, precious or semi precious stones. These are worn around the neck or wrist. A mantra can be repeated hundreds or thousands of times depending upon the type of prayer, meditation or intention.
pray, love
ADORN

Discover the Timeless Practice of Buddhist Mala Prayer Beads
Buddhist mala prayer beads, also known simply as Buddhist malas, are more than just beautiful accessories—they’re powerful tools for meditation and mindfulness. Traditionally made with 108 beads, each mala is designed to help practitioners count mantras or prayers, stay focused during meditation, and connect with their spiritual path.
At the heart of the mala is the guru bead or tassel, representing a connection to your teacher, guide, or higher self. Curious about owning one? Explore our collection of Buddhist mala prayer beads.
The Legend Behind the Mala
The origins of the mala date back to a fascinating story from the Scripture of the Seeds of the Soapberry, a Mahayana Buddhist text. As the tale goes, King Virudhaka, plagued by constant worry, sought guidance from the Buddha. The Buddha advised him to pierce 108 soapberry seeds, string them together, and chant an homage to the three jewels:
“Namo Buddha, Namo Dharma, Namo Sangha.”
By moving one bead through his fingers with each repetition, the king was able to quiet his mind and find peace. The Buddha promised that consistent practice would lead to profound spiritual benefits, including liberation from delusion-bound karma.
This ancient teaching continues to inspire today. Ready to bring this sacred tradition into your life? Check out our Buddhist prayer beads.
Why 108 Beads?
Ever wonder why malas typically have 108 beads? The number is steeped in spiritual and cosmic significance:
- 1 represents the universe or higher truth.
- 0 symbolizes humility and openness.
- 8 is associated with infinity and timelessness.
Even the ancient Vedics discovered that the Sun’s diameter is approximately 108 times that of the Earth—a cosmic connection that expands the sacredness of this number. Across cultures and faiths, including Islam and Judaism, 108 is revered as a divine number.
When you meditate with your 108 mala beads, you’re tapping into a universal rhythm of sacred energy.
How to Use a Mala
Using a mala is simple, yet profound:
- Hold the mala in one hand.
- Recite a mantra or prayer as you move your fingers along the beads, one by one.
- Begin at the guru bead and continue around until you return to it, completing the cycle.
This tactile practice helps anchor your focus, deepen meditation, and keep your mind from wandering. Whether you’re chanting “Om,” focusing on your breath, or offering gratitude, a mala makes meditation a little easier—and a lot more meaningful.
A Multisensory Meditation Tool
The materials used in Buddhist malas go beyond aesthetics. Malas are crafted from wood, seeds, gemstones, and even bone, each chosen for their symbolic and energetic properties. For example:
- Wooden beads evoke groundedness.
- Gemstones are thought to amplify specific intentions.
- Seeds connect us to nature’s cycles of renewal.
Your choice of mala can reflect your personal journey or intentions. Browse our selection of malas to find the one that speaks to you.
From Ancient Roots to Your Hands
Thousands of years ago, in ancient India, spiritual seekers developed the first mala beads to aid their meditation practice. They may have started as simple rocks on a string, but the purpose was the same: to stay present, focused, and connected.
Since then, the mala has traveled across cultures and time, from Hinduism to Buddhism, and beyond. Its sacred purpose remains unchanged: to guide practitioners toward mindfulness and inner peace.
Infuse Your Practice with Meaning
The next time you sit down to meditate with your mala beads, let their rich history and universal symbolism inspire you. Each bead, each mantra, and each breath connects you to a timeless practice of mindfulness and spiritual growth.
Ready to start your journey? Discover your perfect mala at BuddhistMala.com and experience the power of this ancient tradition.
Everything from A-Z about the history of prayer beads in different cultures.
How to Use a Mala for Meditation

Using beads mala for your meditation is an invaluable tool in meditation, yoga and a deep meditative practice. The mala is used by holding it with either hand even though traditionally it is held using the left hand. You start just after the Guru bead and do your mantra meditations while holding every single bead between your thumb and the index finger.
Drape the mala over your finger after you have recited a mantra; this allows the bead to pass over the finger towards you. When you are through with a complete circle of the mala you come back to the Guru bead. You continue over the Guru Bead as it’s not counted, nor are the markers. The use of a mala helps to ground and stabilize attention.
108 Bead Tassel Malas

So why are there 108 beads specifically on a mala? In ancient Vedic tradition, 108 was the number of existence itself. This sacred number is seen all over Indian culture, from 108 sacred yogic texts to 108 sacred sites throughout the country, and 108 marma points (or sacred sites within the body).
Highly attuned to the chakra system, the ancient Vedics also identified 108 lines of energy converging into the heart chakra. The Vedics calculated the Sun’s diameter to be precisely 108 times that of the Earth’s diameter. So the next time you meditate with your 108 mala beads, keep in mind the universally sacred origins of this number, and allow that to infuse into the power of your mindful experience.
OUR GUARANTEE
expert craftsmanship

Malas made here in Boulder Colorado are different than the mass produced imports. Every bead is checked and we use high quality state of the art stringing materials as well as natural gemstones and quality findings.
🌟 The Art of Traditional 108-Bead Tassel Malas
What are malas? The 108-bead tassel malas crafted by Sakura Designs are something special. Made in the USA (unless noted otherwise), these malas are a true blend of tradition and quality. Using carefully selected natural gemstones, durable bead cords, and a real three-holed “guru bead,” they’re finished with a hand-crafted cotton tassel.
These full-sized malas come with a complimentary silk pouch and a 30-day craftsmanship guarantee. Stylish and worry-free—what’s not to love?
MORE ABOUT LENGTH
📏 Mala Length: What to Know
These traditional malas aren’t just about the beads; they’re about precision and care. Each one is strung with strong cords and adorned with natural precious and semi-precious gemstones. The three-holed guru bead and the perfectly crafted tassel make them a true standout.
Want to get up close and personal with those tassels? Check out the close-up tassel details!
🌳 Natural Bead Malas
Whether it’s Bodhi, Lotus, or Sandalwood, Sakura Designs handcrafts these beauties right here in the US. Of course, we sprinkle in a few imports, too!
Malas have been treasured for centuries by Buddhist and Hindu yogis, but they’re perfect for anyone seeking mindfulness, no matter their faith.
🌀 Wrist Mala Bracelets
Looking for something smaller? Wrist mala bracelets are trendy, portable, and oh-so-versatile. These typically feature about 21 beads on stretchy cords, making them easy to wear daily.
Sakura Designs also offers more formal hand malas from Japan, complete with gorgeous gift boxes. Fair Trade imports from Tibet, Nepal, and India are also available, supporting artisans worldwide.
Pro tip: Don’t forget to snag a mala bag to protect your beads!
🌍 Imported Malas
Looking for something budget-friendly? Our imported malas are perfect! While they might not match the finesse of Sakura’s in-house designs, they’re still high-quality and economically priced. Plus, proceeds often support developing communities.
🎒 Protect Your Mala with a Bag
Mala bags are a must-have! We’ve got silk satin brocade bags, Japanese Obi fabric pouches, and more to keep your precious beads safe.
Need to track your mantras? Add mala counters to keep track of your spiritual progress with style.
📜 A Brief History of Malas
Malas, or prayer beads, have a rich history. Used in Buddhist, Hindu, and Tibetan practices for thousands of years, these beads help with meditation and mantra recitation. Fun fact: Even other religions like Christianity and Islam use similar tools—like the rosary or Tasbih!
What Exactly Is a Mala?
At its core, a mala consists of 108 beads and a guru bead. But why 108? Great question!
1️⃣ The 1 represents the universe or higher truth.
0️⃣ The 0 stands for humility and openness.
8️⃣ The 8 symbolizes infinity.
Learn more about traditional mala designs and their significance!
🧘 How to Use a Mala
Using a mala is simple:
- Hold the beads in one hand.
- Move one bead at a time while reciting your mantra.
- Start at the guru bead and work your way around.
Need tips? We’ve got you covered with this guide to mantra recitation.
🙌 Caring for Your Mala
Your mala deserves love, too! Store it in a pouch, clean it gently, and keep it away from harsh environments. Whether it’s a power bead bracelet or a full-length mala, proper care goes a long way!
🌀 Explore the World of Malas
Malas come in many forms:
- Juzu and Ojuzu malas in Japan.
- Zen Buddhist malas with their unique 108 beads.
- Islamic Tasbih, also known as worry beads.
So, what’s your favorite type of mala? Explore the many options at BuddhistMala.com and find your perfect spiritual companion!
ANATOMY OF A MALA

The mala necklace is made of a string of prayer beads often with the traditional 108 beads. 108 beads can be divisible by that number such as 27 or 54 beads. The beads are strung on a durable bead cable, or nylon thread, with enough space to slide beads for counting or knots in-between. There is also a larger bead that is known as the ‘guru bead’ that has a natural cotton or silk tassel at the bottom. The tassel is considered a symbol of one thousand lotus petals.
