Deep Dive - Mala Beads
What is a Mala?
A mala, also known as a meditation necklace, is an ancient tool used by Buddhists, Hindus, and other spiritual folks for counting mantra recitations. Malas are typically made of 108 beads, though other numbers of beads are also common. At MalaforVets, we offer 108, 108+1, and 108+3 versions. The beads are divided into groups of 27, with one bead representing the number 10 and another bead representing the number 1. This configuration allows for the repetition of any mantra three times. In this blog post, we will discuss the origins of malas and how to use them in your meditation practice!
The History of Malas
The origins of the mala are unknown, but they are thought to date back to at least the 12th century. There are many different theories on where malas originated, but most believe that they were derived from Hindu or Buddhist prayer beads. These prayer beads were used to count mantras and other prayers, and they were most often used by monks in monasteries. Today, malas are still used for meditation and prayer practices around the world!
How to Use a Mala
The mala has 108 beads that are made of different materials. Traditional materials include Rudraksha and Sandalwood, but often include gemstones, wood, seed beads, and bone. These beads can be strung on a long string so that you can wrap them around your wrist or neck. You can also use a bracelet with 27 beads instead of 108 so that you don't have to wrap it multiple times! Most of our wrist malas are not 27 beads, with the exception of the Warrior Wrist mala. (Our wrist malas are designed by size, but we are always ready to create a custom 27 bead for you.)
When you are using your mala, you will want to hold it in your right hand with the guru bead (the largest bead) pointing towards the sky. You can then use your thumb and first two fingers to count each mantra repetition. When you reach the guru bead again, you will know that you have completed three repetitions of the mantra. If there are any beads after the guru bead, you can continue counting on them until you get back to where you started!
The Benefits of Using a Mala
The benefits of using a mala include:
- It helps to calm the mind during meditation by focusing your attention on one thing instead of many different things.
- It can help you keep track of how many times you have repeated a mantra during your meditation practice.
- It is an easy way to count mantras without having to remember all of the words!
It's also important that when using a mala, it should never be worn as jewelry or used for any other purpose other than meditation and prayer. Malas are sacred tools that should be treated with respect! I know this might be a big ask, and if it is…then you’ll want to make sure you cleanse, purify and recharge your mala often. A full blog is coming…but for now, check out these easy tips.
Now that you know all about malas, why not give it a try in your next meditation session? They can be a great way to help focus your mind and keep track of your mantra repetitions!
If you're looking for some inspiration, check out this blog post on how to use a mala for meditation!
