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What Are Mala Beads?

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what is

A MALA?

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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.

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ADORN

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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:

  1. Hold the mala in one hand.
  2. Recite a mantra or prayer as you move your fingers along the beads, one by one.
  3. 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

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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

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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

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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.

 

 

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ANATOMY OF A MALA

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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.

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