Mala bracelets or necklaces can be surprising jewelry, usually in the form of necklaces and bracelets, but their religious origin and usage have developed and adapted over time. More recently, they have also become a fashion accessory , and many people who do not necessarily follow the Buddhist faith also wear them. Malas have spiritual use, in meditation and prayer , and each element of the necklace or bracelet design has meaning. Mala beads (also known as Buddhist prayer beads) were traditionally used to count the number of repetitions of a mantra, breaths taken during meditation, or number of prostrations. In Tibetan Buddhism, common numbers of beads are 21, 28, or 108. The meaning of malas is deeply symbolic and spiritual, and can vary between people and purposes. We will discuss each of the details in the following paragraphs.
The origins of mala
The mala actually originated in India and was used for counting days and keeping score. This was a simple way of recording without writing things down, instead using tree seeds in those very ancient times. These seeds were most often rudraksha seeds (which are still present in "modern" mala beads) and were either arranged in rows or strung together. Mala beads have been used for centuries in Buddhist and Hindu prayer and meditation ceremonies.
Buddhism and mala
These necklaces are often worn by Buddhists, or sometimes simply as a personal symbol of their faith and are used as a prayer tool. Mala necklaces generally have 108 beads, plus a guru bead and a pompom (tassel); they are also traditionally known as Japa mala . Other malas have fewer beads and are only worn as a bracelet on the wrist.
Mala beads are used for prayer and meditation , like a rosary, but where each bead is used to recite a mantra, rather than a prayer. The mala helps us stay focused, and each bead is a reminder of the mantra that needs to be recited or certain tasks that need to be accomplished, during meditation for example. Beads are typically used to help count the number of repetitions of mantras or phrases.
Buddhists do not always carry their beads with them, some prefer to use them exclusively for meditation and prayer. Some Buddhists prefer to wear their malas at all times and consider people who are not necessarily Buddhists wearing malas to be a good thing, as it draws more attention to Buddhism and helps people learn about this philosophy and religion.
What are mala beads made of?
Malas can be worn either as necklaces or as bracelets for those made up of 108 beads. Originally, mala beads were mainly made from rudraksha seeds or carved from sandalwood , but then they began to be made from stone or rock crystal beads. Traditional Buddhists most often use seed or sandalwood malas. The stones were used later because people wanted to combine the healing properties of crystals with their meditation and seeking their intentions.
What do the pearls mean?
1) The 108 pearls
A typical modern mala necklace today has 108 beads. The number 108 has great meaning , not only in Buddhism and Hinduism, but also in astronomy, mathematics and sacred geometry! When applied to mala beads, the number 108 represents the number of repetitions you focus on when using the beads. The main row of 108 beads is used when reciting or chanting mantras for prayer or when doing breath work in preparation for meditation. When you use mala beads, each one is passed through your fingers to chant out loud or in your mind. There are several reasons why there are 108 beads on the mala necklace:
- 108 is an auspicious number
- There are 108 energy lines leading to the heart chakra.
- There are 108 stages in the human journey.
- 108 inhalations and exhalations per day help to achieve enlightenment.
- The Sanskrit alphabet has 54 feminine characters and 54 masculine characters.
- The beads represent 108 vexations - when you recite the name of a Buddha, you can remove a vexation or get rid of a worry, so one cycle will rid you of all vexations.
2) Guru bead (above the tassel)
This bead means you have completed a cycle. Once you reach this pearl, you can stop singing or you can start again. If you use the mala bracelet alongside your meditation practice, you will repeat your chant 18 times, one cycle for each bead .
3) The pompom (the tassel)
The tassel symbolizes eternity and it points towards you when you start meditating with the mala necklace. Sometimes, instead of a pearl, it can also be represented by a symbol such as a lotus flower or a Buddha, a symbol of enlightenment.
How to use mala beads
Traditionally, malas are held in the right hand in two ways: between the thumb and ring finger or on the middle finger, using the thumb to rotate each bead. You start with the guru bead (the one that usually has a tassel, or is larger, or has a different stone) and continue through each bead, until you reach the guru bead again, take time to pause and reflect or continue your practice if you wish. Traditionally, one should not omit the guru bead, turn the necklace and go in the opposite direction before repeating another cycle .
The most common use is to improve concentration and breath control during yoga and meditation, or when praying. The best way to use your pearls is to first take a few cleansing breaths and try to clear your mind. This is much easier when you are sitting comfortably with your eyes closed and your back straight. Try to think about your intention , use your mantra or chant, while continuing to visualize your intention.
Remember to breathe deeply, slowly and relax during your practice. These beads are also an effective aid during the practice of progressive relaxation, when you try to clear your mind and formulate intentions. You can choose to pray, chant, or meditate out loud or silently . Just be aware and considerate of others if you practice in public places, group meditation locations or yoga classes, as each participant is also trying to clear their mind and concentrate.
You don't meditate? Don't you pray? It doesn't matter, you can still use and wear them. These necklaces bring a natural, bohemian look to any garment. Wear them around town, after your yoga class, with jeans on the weekend, or with a casual ensemble for work. These wooden or stone beaded jewelry are currently very trendy, because many people love fashion, but also seem to look more inward to find meaning in their lives. Why not wear them and use them in your own meditations or prayer practices? Or, buy these malas to share with someone, as a special gift that will be cherished, and will add a holistic and spiritual touch.
How to choose a mala?
1) What length?
When choosing mala beads, you also have the option of choosing a mala bead necklace (with 108 beads plus a guru bead - an often larger bead that represents the starting and ending point of the prayer beads ). You can also opt for a mala bead bracelet made up of 24 beads and a guru bead. A necklace is the more traditional choice, but a short bracelet gives you a smaller option and can also be used for simpler, quicker meditation.
2) Which stone or crystal to choose?
The best way to choose mala beads is to think about the type of energies you want to foster and strengthen in your meditation or prayer practice. Each type of stone or crystal in a mala necklace is associated with specific properties that, when combined with powerful mantra or deep breathing, have the ability to completely transform your practice. Choosing a mantra is a personal thing and can take time.
How to wear the mala?
Depending on the length of your mala, you can wear it around your neck , wrap it around your wrist several times , or, in the case of a short mala bracelet, wear it in a single wrap on your wrist. Be sure to remove your malas before bathing or going to bed and store them in a space with positive energies to preserve all the good mantras and good intentions you have added.
1) Wear the 108 bead mala around your neck.
The most obvious and simple choice for wearing a mala, but still pretty, is to take your favorite mala necklace and wear it as a bohemian necklace . As the pompom sits lower on your bust, it can be worn very well with a shorter necklace, or even a choker. Additionally, you will receive all the benefits of the healing properties of the stones no matter how you wear the necklace; this one is simple and easy to wear.
2) Wear them in several turns around the wrist.
Pair a mala bracelet with a favorite boho bracelet for a multi-faceted boho look . The idea of pairing a mala with another ethnic style bracelet is great for ultimate good karma. Simply wrap your mala around your wrist several times. Or, purchase a raw stone bead bracelet , it will highlight certain elements you can use for meditation, such as rose quartz for clarity, and jade for prosperity or fortune. If worn on the wrist, traditional malas are often worn on the right hand, wrapped around the wrist like a bracelet.
Wear your favorite mala bead necklace around your wrist instead of a watch. That way, every time you look down to check the time, you'll remember to slow down and take time to meditate . This style highlights multi-colored malas and malas with fine beads. You can also wear a simple single wrap mala bracelet for a simplistic look. How to achieve this look? Simply wrap the mala as many times as you can (usually 4 or 5 times) around your wrist. According to most traditional advice, the right wrist is the best place to wear the mala. If your mala necklace is too long or too short for the last turn, you can use a small safety pin.
We could elaborate on more choices for wearing your malas, but there is no right or wrong way. What is most important is what you prefer and how you like to wear them. Trust your instincts and enjoy all the beauty and magic of your mala.
Caring for your mala
It is best to wash your mala from time to time to rid it of dust and dirt that can accumulate over time and prolonged use. If you have a seed-shaped mala, you will definitely need to take extra care and use a cotton swab to get into all the nooks and crannies. Crystal bead malas should be cleansed according to the properties of the crystal. Some can be cleaned under running water, while others are not suitable for this method. You can use sage to clean your pearls.
Over time, the seeds of your Mala may become darker, as they begin to absorb your natural oils and energies. This is said to make the mala stronger, which is great if you have set an intention that could use a lot of work. If your mala breaks, it's a sign that your intention is no longer the one you need in your life and it's probably time to set a new one.
Make sure that you clean your mala regularly , or when you feel that there has been a lot of negative energy around you. The method generally used is to wear the pearls for a period of 40 days so that they tune into your energy. You can balance the energy and recharge the beads by placing them in direct sunlight for a whole day, or the moon for a night. It is also suggested not to allow others to touch, hold, smell or use them. But if you don't mind, go ahead and let others handle your malas, because you can always clean and recharge them later.
