Mala is the Sanskrit word for prayer beads. Mala Prayer Beads, otherwise known as Buddhist prayer beads, can be used as a meditative tool to guide you through meditation or prayer by counting the number of times a mantra is said.  A mala can also help you focus on your breath by using the beads to keep track of the number of breaths you take while meditating. Although currently many people wear these as a form of jewelry, mala beads and their original purpose date back centuries.

Mala beads are made up of natural materials and are thought to facilitate spiritual healing and enhance resilience, a sense of calm and stability and restore clarity to one’s life.  Some people believe the use of Mala beads to assist prayer and meditation to date back to the 8th Century and that many religions adopted similar methods as can be seen by the Catholic rosaries.  Currently, 2/3 of the religions in the world support the use of prayer beads to connect on a spiritual level. People believe that the use of natural stone enhances spiritual connection and healing capabilities.

Usually, Mala beads are made of 108 stones plus one extra bead at the end.  There is significance in the number of beads as it is believed that there are 108 sacred texts.  In India, there are 108 identified and recognized sacred sites.  The heart chakra is formed by 108 energy sources and the sun is 108 times the diameter of the Earth.

There is a common misconception that you need to be religious to reap the benefits or use mala beads.  This is incorrect in the modern world.  Anybody can use it as a tool to support deeper focus during meditation and connect the human spirit and soul to Mother Earth.

There are rules to how to use your Mala beads. What matters is your intention or your prayer. To use your mala, you will start by holding the bead closest to the head bead.  Hold the bead between your thumb and index finger.  You can choose a mantra and recite it out loud or silently.  Once you are done, you move on to the next bead and repeat the chosen mantra.  Do this until you have reached back to the head bead. You can then reverse the direction and head back. The more you use your mala beads, the more they will grow in spiritual significance and you will recognize that the practice is one to treat with the utmost respect and humility.

You can wear Mala beads around your neck, wrist, ankle or even hanging off your finger. Check out the mala beads we have available on the site and start your spiritual journey!