Mala Beads: What They Are & How to Use Them

A mala is a string of 108 beads used for prayer meditation.

Mala beads, also known as prayer beads or meditation beads, are traditionally used in various spiritual practices to assist in meditation, prayer, and mindfulness. They are similar to the use of rosary prayer beads in Catholicism. Mala beads traditionally have 108 beads with a center called a "guru bead". They have roots in Hinduism and Buddhism but have gained popularity in many other spiritual and wellness practices worldwide.

Structure

A typical mala consists of 108 beads, although variations exist, such as malas with 27 or 54 beads for shorter practices. The number 108 is considered sacred in many Eastern traditions, symbolizing spiritual completion and the connection between the individual and the universe. Each bead is usually made from natural materials such as wood, seeds (like the rudraksha seed), gemstones, or crystals, each believed to carry unique properties.

How to use Mala Beads

The most common use of mala beads is during prayer and meditation as a physical tool to help with mindfulness. count a chant or a mudra in meditation. The beads are held in the right hand and as the mantra is repeated, the thumb is used to move to the next bead. The guru bead marks a full round of 108 repetitions.

Some people choose to wear their mala beads as jewelry, wearing a full mala around the neck as a necklace or wrapped multiple times around the wrist or wearing a shortened string of beads around the wrist as a bracelet. While these are not traditional uses of mala beads, many people find these beads to help with mindfulness.

Mala beads are commonly given as gifts from more advanced practitioners to spiritual aspirants to help them on their journey.

Ws offer a selection of natural stone and wood Mala Beads in our shop. Check them out!

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