Collection: Mala Necklace
About Malas
In Sanskrit “mala” means “garland” and a japamala is loop of prayer beads commonly used in Indian religions such as Hinduism, Jainism, Sikhism, and Buddhism for counting recitations when performing japa (reciting a mantra or other sacred sound) or for counting some other sadhana (spiritual practice). Malas are similar to the prayer beads found in other religions, such as the Roman Catholic rosary.
Traditionally, a mala, consists of a single strand of 108 hand knotted beads with a 109th guru (mountain, meru, or mother) bead and a tassel. The guru bead is not counted as it signifies your teacher and the ending of a complete practice. The tassel represents a lotus blossom, a symbol of eternity and enlightenment. The number 108 has special significance. Vedic culture regards it as a sacred number representing the wholeness of existence. It covers the entire galaxy of 27 constellations in 4 directions. 27 x 4 = 108. There are 108 lines of energy converging in the heart chakra. And many ancient temples were built with 108 steps.
Malas are traditionally made with wooden beads, seeds, such as rudraksha, or bodhi, and more recently, semi precious and precious stones, which are thought to have their own energies and metaphysical properties which strengthen the meditation practice.
Meditation malas are believed to protect, guide, and serve as a constant reminder of the divinity that is within each of us. It is believed that malas will absorb and store energy and that they should be cleansed and activated before use by the individual.
In order to cleanse your mala you may wrap it gently in a scarf or other material and place it in sunlight or moonlight for a few hours, bury it in the earth, perform a smudging ceremony, place it in a singing bowl, or simply wash and dry it with warm water.
Activating your mala beads is a lovely way to bond with them. It can set a clear intention for your beads and have them align with your unique energy. In order to activate your mala you may prepare a peaceful environment by lighting a candle, diffuse essential oils, play soothing music etc. Take a few deep calming breaths and hold your mala in both hands in your lap while focussing on your intention. Bring your hands into prayer position at your heart chakra with your mala enfolded in them and continue with your meditation infusing your energy and intention with visualization techniques.
On order to use your mala, start by holding the beads in your hand with the tassel facing you and the first bead next to the guru bead between your finger and thumb. Next run each bead through your fingers with your thumb (speaking or thinking your mantra), but do not use your index finger as this represents ego. When you get to the guru bead after a full cycle, take time to pause and reflect or continue your practice if you would like to do so.
Mala jewelry can be a derivative of the full 108 beads, such as 21, 27, 54 etc. and can be worn as bracelets and shorter necklaces. Mala beads are powerful and culturally-rich tools for meditation, but you do not need to be religious or have a spiritual practice to wear mala beads—you can simply wear them for their beauty, or as a reminder of a personal intention you’ve set, or when seeking a calmer mind, body, and spirit.
