Mala necklaces and bracelets are knotted strands of 108 beads used for manta chanting and meditation. Their recorded history dates back to the spiritual practices of Hinduism in ancient India, roughly 3,000 years ago. The Sanskrit word “mala” translates to garland, and the Anglo- Saxon word “bede”, or bead, means “prayer”. While first used in India, mala beads have spread across cultures and countries, religions and spiritualities. The Christian adaptation is the rosary, Islam has the misbaha or tasbih beads, and Sikhism has simarna beads, all with the similar spiritual purpose of mantra chanting. Necklaces have 108 beads and 1 guru bead, and bracelets have 18, 21, or 27 beads.
Symbolism of 108 Beads
The number 108 has many significant spiritual connections to Hinduism. The number itself represents completeness and universal wholeness. 108 is the universe’s spiritual foundation, representing the deep connection between the self and the cosmos. It is the basis of creation, that we are all one and the same with the universe and each other. Mantras are chanted 108 times because it is believed that each chant represents the spiritual journey from our physical form towards the God source within us. Each bead represents a single repetition of a manta, ensuring rhythmic concentration, spiritual discipline, and peaceful meditation. In Buddhism, the number 108 represents the perceived 108 human passions or feelings that impede self enlightenment, 36 of the past, 36 of the present, and 36 of the future. Modern use of the mala, while also rooted in the traditions, is also all about reminders of intentions, encouraging self awareness and encouragement, and bridging the mind and the spirit through the chanting of personal or religious mantras. The guru bead, or the slightly larger bead that ties the whole mala together, symbolizes the teacher, divine energy, or one’s higher self. It signifies the beginning and end of a meditative cycle. The tassel represents enlightenment and unity, where all threads converge. Many malas end with a talisman or charm, depending on the user's intention or preference.
Choosing Beads
The first malas were made of rudraksha seeds, believed in Hinduism to be the tears of Lord Shiva, symbolizing divine protection. Buddhists made their malas out of sandalwood and bodhi seeds, representing purity and mindfulness. Different materials hold different symbolic meanings. While amethyst promotes spiritual awareness, rose quartz fosters love and compassion. If making a mala, it is important to consider the metaphysical properties of the beads based on your intentions for the mala. It is also important to consider if you are making the mala for religious reasons where the traditional material is important, or if you are making it more as a reminder of personal intentions. The material you choose is deeply personal, and can connect you physically to your spiritual self.
How to Make a Mala
The first step is choosing the proper stone, wood, or metal. The most common and comfortable size is 8mm, or 6mm at the smallest. Then, you will need to decide if you want to hand knot your mala, or string them with wire. Each method offers a different tactile experience. Hand knotting is traditional, where there is a knot between each bead, allowing the user to maneuver the beads without them moving. When strung on a wire, the beads move freely. End your mala with a guru bead and tassel or talisman. The guru bead can be a traditional one consisting of a larger round bead with 3 holes followed by a smaller cone shaped tower bead, or just a larger bead that you feel is aesthetic with your other beads, or holds metaphysical significance. Lastly, attach your tassel in whatever color you like, or a talisman that is meaningful. The making of a mala necklace or bracelet can be a meditative experience in itself. Traditionally, makers would chant mantras while hand knotting to imbue the mala with intention and spiritual energy. Making your own can be an opportunity to sit quietly and contemplate your mantra, or an opportunity to be intentionally mindless by being mindful of rest. The beauty of malas is they are not just a religious tool, but a deeply personal expression of your connection to your mind, body, and spirit.
Whether you want to use a mala for religious or personal reasons, they are a beautiful physical manifestation of spiritual intention, mindfullness, and meditation. It is a fun exercise to self reflect and research which material resonates with you the most while on your spiritual journey, and can make the connection to your intention that much stronger.
Resources
● https://www.goldenlotusmala.com/pages/history-of-mala-beads?srsltid=AfmBOopN6cjkaw4ZCB-ijegIqYkMM75dQ37JbQjkW644MMlsxWpzAII
● https://www.goldenlotusmala.com/pages/how-to-choose-mala-beads
● https://omshivoham.com/blogs/blog/a-history-of-mala-beads?srsltid=AfmBOopZzL97KZ9Qj84RgVy96h_WJvof9kRVNv4Xb939pC48s5WpZpph