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 Sacred Practice of Buddhist Mala Prayer Beads
Buddhist mala prayer beads are far more than beautiful adornment. They are sacred tools for meditation, mantra practice, and spiritual connection. Traditionally crafted with 108 beads, each mala is designed to help you count mantras, maintain focus during meditation, and deepen your relationship with your practice.
At the heart of every mala is the guru bead or tassel, symbolizing your connection to your teacher, your guide, or your higher self. Ready to find yours? Explore our collection of Buddhist mala prayer beads.
The Legend Behind the Mala
The origins of the mala trace back to a profound story from the Scripture of the Seeds of the Soapberry, a Mahayana Buddhist text. King Virudhaka, consumed by worry and unrest, sought counsel from the Buddha. The Buddha instructed him to pierce 108 soapberry seeds, string them together, and recite an homage to the three jewels:
“Namo Buddha, Namo Dharma, Namo Sangha.”
With each repetition, the king moved one bead through his fingers. Through this simple practice, he quieted his restless mind and found peace. The Buddha promised that devoted practice would bring profound spiritual benefits, including liberation from delusion and karmic suffering.
This ancient teaching continues to guide practitioners today. Ready to honor this sacred tradition? Discover our Buddhist prayer beads.
Why 108 Beads?
The number 108 carries deep spiritual and cosmic significance:
- 1 represents the universe or ultimate truth.
- 0 symbolizes humility, emptiness, and openness.
- 8 is associated with infinity and the timeless nature of existence.
The ancient Vedics discovered that the Sun’s diameter is approximately 108 times that of the Earth, a cosmic relationship that deepens the sacredness of this number. Across spiritual traditions, including Islam and Judaism, 108 is honored as a divine number.
When you meditate with your 108 mala beads, you align yourself with a universal rhythm of sacred energy.
How to Use a Mala
Using a mala is both simple and profound:
- Hold the mala gently in one hand.
- Recite a mantra, prayer, or intention as you move your fingers along the beads, one at a time.
- Begin at the guru bead and continue around the full circle until you return to it, completing the cycle.
This tactile practice anchors your focus, deepens your meditation, and helps quiet the wandering mind. Whether you are chanting “Om,” following your breath, or offering gratitude, a mala supports your practice and makes meditation more accessible and meaningful.
A Multisensory Meditation Tool
The materials used in Buddhist malas carry intention and energy. Malas are handcrafted from wood, seeds, gemstones, and sacred materials such as bone or rudraksha, each chosen for its symbolic and healing properties:
- Wooden beads offer grounding and connection to the earth.
- Gemstones are believed to amplify specific intentions and support emotional balance.
- Seeds connect us to nature’s cycles of growth, renewal, and transformation.
Your choice of mala can reflect your personal journey, your intentions, or the qualities you wish to cultivate. Browse our selection of malas to find the one that resonates with you.
From Ancient Roots to Your Hands
Thousands of years ago in ancient India, spiritual seekers created the first mala beads to support their meditation practice. What may have begun as simple stones on a cord carried the same sacred purpose: to stay present, focused, and connected to the divine.
Since then, the mala has traveled across cultures and centuries, from Hinduism to Buddhism and beyond. Its purpose remains unchanged: to guide practitioners toward mindfulness, inner stillness, and spiritual awakening.
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 lineage of mindfulness and spiritual devotion.
Ready to begin? Discover your perfect mala at BuddhistMala.com and honor this ancient tradition with a practice that supports your journey toward peace and clarity.
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
The 108-bead tassel malas handcrafted by Sakura Designs honor centuries of sacred tradition. Made to order in our Boulder, Colorado studio (unless noted as imported), each mala is strung with carefully selected natural gemstones, durable bead cord, and a traditional three-holed guru bead, finished with a hand-knotted cotton tassel.
Every full-sized mala includes a complimentary silk pouch and our 30-day craftsmanship guarantee.
📏 Mala Length & Construction
Traditional malas are strung with precision and care. Each piece features strong, professional-grade cord adorned with natural precious and semi-precious gemstones. The three-holed guru bead and hand-crafted tassel are signature elements that honor the mala’s sacred purpose.
🌳 Natural Bead Malas
From Bodhi and Lotus seeds to fragrant Sandalwood, Sakura Designs handcrafts natural bead malas right here in the USA. We also offer select Fair Trade imports from artisans in Tibet, Nepal, India, and Japan.
Malas have been treasured for centuries by Buddhist and Hindu practitioners, but they are powerful tools for anyone seeking mindfulness, meditation, and spiritual connection, regardless of faith tradition.
🌀 Wrist Mala Bracelets
Wrist mala bracelets offer a portable, wearable way to carry your practice with you. Typically featuring 21 or 27 beads on stretchy cord, these bracelets are perfect for daily wear and on-the-go meditation.
Sakura Designs also offers traditional Japanese hand malas (Juzu) in beautiful gift boxes, as well as Fair Trade imports that support artisan communities worldwide.
Pro tip: Protect your mala with a mala bag when not in use.
🌍 Imported Malas
Our imported malas offer beautiful, budget-friendly options while supporting artisan communities in developing regions. While they may differ in finish from our Boulder-made designs, they are still crafted with quality materials and care.
🎒 Protect Your Mala
Mala bags are essential for preserving your beads. Choose from silk satin brocade bags, Japanese Obi fabric pouches, and more to keep your mala safe from wear and damage.
Looking to track your mantra count? Add mala counters to support your practice with intention and precision.
📜 A Brief History of Malas
Malas, or prayer beads, have been used in Buddhist, Hindu, and Tibetan spiritual practices for thousands of years to support meditation and mantra recitation. Similar tools appear across many faith traditions, including the Christian rosary and the Islamic Tasbih.
What Exactly Is a Mala?
At its core, a traditional mala consists of 108 beads and one guru bead. The number 108 carries profound spiritual significance. Each recitation represents The Purification of the 108 Human Passions.
Learn more about traditional mala designs
🧘 How to Use a Mala
Using a mala is simple and meditative:
- Hold the mala gently in the left hand.
- Move one bead at a time through your fingers while reciting your mantra or intention.
- Begin at the guru bead and continue around the full circle until you return to it.
Read our complete guide to mantra recitation
🙌 Caring for Your Mala
Your mala is a sacred tool and deserves mindful care. Store it in a pouch when not in use, clean it gently with a soft cloth, and keep it away from water, harsh chemicals, and extreme temperatures. Proper care ensures your mala will support your practice for years to come.
🌀 Explore the World of Malas
Malas take many forms across spiritual traditions:
- Juzu and Ojuzu malas in Japan
- Zen Buddhist malas with 108 beads
- Islamic Tasbih, also known as worry beads
Discover your perfect spiritual companion at BuddhistMala.com.
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.
