Mala Meaning – Your Spiritual Assistant During Meditation

For thousands of years, people have been using Malas to count their mantras and breath during meditation. Experience the magic of the malas!

You use a mala to count mantras or breaths during deep meditation. If you meditate regularly, this prayer necklace can prove to be a huge help allowing you to focus on yourself rather than on counting. However, a mala isn’t just a counting aid, but can also offer you so much more.

A Mala is for Everyone

A mala is originally a prayer necklace that is mainly used during Pujas (services) and meditations in Buddhism and Hinduism. Malas have been around for thousands of years to count Mantras. These can be anything from short personal Affirmations to ancient religious scripts. Religious or not, you can now wear the mantra necklace to remind you of an intention, goal, or value. Give your mala a meaning that matters to you!

Mala Beads Meaning

The word “mala,” also called “japa mala,” simply means “string,” “garland,” or “wreath” when translated from Sanskrit. But the symbolism of the mala necklace in both Buddhism and Hinduism has more to do with the human soul than the shape of the beads. A mala is all about compassion and according to experts, it is said to have spiritually healing properties. And while 108 beads are common, it’s not necessary. You could also wear a smaller Mala Bracelet, meaning that you can discreetly take a moment to meditate throughout your day.

Why the Number 108 is Important

It is of course not purely coincidental that a full mala necklace always contains 108 beads. This number tends to pop up everywhere. To name a few examples; in Tibetan Buddhism, the path of the human soul consists of 108 stages. Buddha articulates 108 questions and answers in his sutras giving 108 bead mala necklace meaning in Buddhism. But this number’s spiritual significance doesn’t end there. The Hindu god Shiva has 108 names and appearances. In short, the number 108 is important in many cultures where mala beads are used.

Parts That Give Meaning to the Mala

Behind every part of a prayer chain is a deeper thought and function. There are many different types of malas, but they have one thing in common, which is that each element can support you in achieving greater inner peace and mental happiness. If you make your own mala it is important to consider the:

• Material of the Beads
• Cord
• Tassel
• Guru Bead

The Material of the Beads

Mala beads can be just about any material.  Popular beads are:

Rudraksha Seeds

Rudraksha Malas contain dried seeds from large berries. The word Rudraksha means “Tears of Shiva”; an important Hindu god. Find out more about the spiritual meaning of Rudraksha Seeds Here.

Lotus Seeds

The Lotus flower is a very important symbol and metaphor for spiritual development so it makes sence that their seeds are a common mala material. Learn about the Spiritual Symbolism of the Lotus Here.

Bodhi Seeds

These seeds come from the bodhi tree, under which buddha (Siddhartha Gautama) attained full enlightenment. It’s only after this mediation that Buddha began teaching his philosophy of the Eightfold path.

Bones

Often these are yak bones that have been cut into small skulls that can remind you of the cycle of life and death. Because life is fleeting, these bone malas remind you to live with compassion.

Shell

In Tibetan Buddhism, the shell is one of the eight auspicious symbols. It reminds the wearer of Buddha’s deep voice and his teachings of Dharma.

Gemstones

There are also the so-called healing malas. These are made with Healing Crystals with which you can strengthen your personal intention. Choose a Crystal that matches the energy you are in need of.

Cord

The cord of your mala also has meaning, because it symbolizes connection. However, there are often knots between the beads so that they cannot touch each other. This plays an important part in meditation because the regular spacing makes it easy to move your fingers from one bead to another, without missing any.

Tassel

You may have noticed that every prayer necklace contains a tassel. This isn’t just decoration! According to tradition the tassel would spread the positive energy that comes from your affirmations.

Guru Bead

The last important part is the extra, larger bead at the bottom of the mala (not part of the 108). This is the ‘guru’ bead. This marks the starting point, turning point, and ending point of the chain. While moving the beads you will feel that you have reached the end point of the mala when you have arrived at the guru bead. It’s a handy helper, so you can know where you are in your meditation with your eyes still closed.

Using a Mala Necklace

To count mantras, wrap your mala around the middle or ring finger. After a mantra is recited, the thumb is used to advance one bead at a time. Remember, the guru bead marks the starting point, turning point, and ending point of the mala, so you don’t count it as one of the prayer beads. The first counting bead during meditation is the bead to the left of the guru bead. When the meditation is finished and you arrive back at the guru bead, take a moment for reflection. If you would like to repeat your meditation, turn your mala over so that you are starting with the bead that was on the right during the first round. The last bead then becomes the first. Never cross over the guru bead during meditation as this is disrespectful. The last thing you want is to disrupt your Karma while meditating.

How to Use a Mala During Meditation

One way to use the mala during meditation is as follows:

• Choose an existing mantra or make up a positive affirmation for yourself. For example: I am good the way I am. Or use an existing mantra like Om Mani Padme Hum.
• Find a quiet place and sit in a comfortable position. For example, you can choose a Meditation Cushion for extra comfort or light some Spiritual Incense for the right atmosphere.
• Close your eyes and connect with your breath. Create a state of relaxation!
• Think of your mantra or follow your breath.
• Take the first bead between the fingers of your right hand and rest it loosely on your ring or middle finger. Place your thumb on the guru bead.
• Inhale and exhale, whereupon you recite your first mantra.
• You can keep track of your mantras or breaths by sliding the beads with your fingers on each breath you take.
• Continue on your breath until you reach the guru. If you want to keep going, reverse your mala and do another round. However, at that moment you can also choose to use the guru as a kind of “pause bead” to pause for a moment and contemplate your intentions.

Now that you know about Mala Meditation, you might be curious about other ways to enjoy some Mental Relaxation. There are other types of meditation including Walking Meditation and Visualization that can also be very relaxing. Or if you need to let go of some stress in your body before you can relax, try a challenging but rejuvenating Ashtanga Yoga session before meditation. No matter what you choose, you’ll find your meditation help at Spiru!

What kind of Mala would you like while meditating?