Mala Information

Mala Beads: A Guide to Use, History, and Care

What is a Mala?

A mala is a string of beads traditionally used in meditation and prayer. It consists of 108 beads, a guru bead, and sometimes additional markers. Malas are commonly used in Hinduism, Buddhism, and yoga practices to help focus the mind and set intentions.

How to Use a Mala

1.Set Your Intention – Before starting, take a moment to set an intention or choose a mantra (a word, phrase, or affirmation).

2.Hold the Mala – Use your right hand, letting the mala drape between your middle and index fingers.

3.Start at the Guru Bead – The guru bead is the larger or distinct bead at the center. Do not count or pass over this bead.

4.Recite Your Mantra – With each bead, recite your chosen mantra, moving to the next bead with your thumb.

5.Complete the Cycle – Once you reach the guru bead, pause in gratitude. If you wish to continue, reverse direction rather than crossing over the guru bead.

Common Mantras:

•“Om Mani Padme Hum” (Compassion and Enlightenment)

•“So Hum” (I Am That)

•“Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu” (May All Beings Be Happy and Free)

•A personal affirmation

History of Malas

Malas have been used for thousands of years in spiritual traditions:

•Hinduism – The earliest use of prayer beads dates back to India over 3,000 years ago. Malas were used to repeat the names of deities or sacred phrases.

•Buddhism – Buddhist malas also have 108 beads, representing the 108 earthly desires or afflictions to be overcome.

•Other Traditions – Similar bead practices exist in Christianity (rosary beads) and Islam (tasbih prayer beads).

The number 108 is significant in many ways:

•There are 108 energy lines connecting to the heart in yogic philosophy.

•In astrology, the distance between the Sun and Earth is approximately 108 times the Sun’s diameter.

•The Sanskrit alphabet has 54 letters, each with a masculine and feminine form, totaling 108.

What to Do When a Mala Breaks

A broken mala is seen as a sign of transformation, completion, or an invitation to set a new intention.

Steps to take:

1.Reflect – Consider what was happening in your life when it broke. Some believe it symbolizes growth or the end of an energetic cycle.

2.Repair or Repurpose – You can restring it with a new intention or repurpose the beads into a bracelet or altar piece.

3.Release – If you feel it’s time to move on, you can bury, burn, or place the beads in nature as a way of letting go.

4.Gratitude – Honor the mala for its journey with you and set a new intention moving forward.

Caring for Your Mala

•Keep it Sacred – Store your mala in a special place, such as a pouch or altar, when not in use.

•Wear with Intention – Many people wear their mala as a necklace or bracelet to keep their intention close.

•Cleanse Regularly – To clear any absorbed energy, cleanse your mala under the moonlight, with sage smoke, or by placing it on a selenite crystal.

Final Thoughts

Your mala is more than just beads—it’s a tool for mindfulness, meditation, and transformation. Whether you’re using it for mantra recitation, intention-setting, or simply as a reminder of your spiritual journey, may it bring you peace and presence.

This mala was made with lots of love and attention. I hope it brings you happiness on your journey.