Many people have said to me they have a problem meditating, they can’t quiet their mind, it races or they have monkey mind. Everyone has their own technique, their own tricks to bring them back to center. Here’s one I’m sure will be new to some people but known to others….Mala beads. Sure, you can wear them as a necklace, even wrap them on your wrist as a bracelet, or wear them as part of your outfit and that is all fine, but they have a purpose too. The name says it all. The term mala is Sanskrit and means “garland or string of beads".
The mala was traditionally given to yoga students in ancient times to aid in their path to enlightenment. These beads are made of special materials and are used in japa meditation, where a mantra or affirmation is repeated aloud. This form of meditation often involves breathwork and chanting.
Using beads, or a mala, is a practical and efficient way to keep track of the number of mantras recited during meditation. This tool increases focus and allows for a deeper meditation experience. By setting an intention and using a mala, the power of your healing practice can be amplified. The use of a mala can deepen your connection to your intention and help you access a deeper state of awareness and healing, whether you are healing yourself or others.
A mala necklace traditionally consists of 108 beads and a guru bead (also called "bindu").The guru bead is attached as an extra bead slightly offset. Often it is made of a special material or has a decoration, for example a tassel. It is not used during meditation and serves to calm the flow of energy through the rest of the beads. It also marks the start and end points of the meditation.
Repeating a mantra such as “Om” or an “I am” statement your fingers move along the beads one at a time until you reach the guru. 108 times. The number 108, a sacred number which represents spiritual completion, has a powerful significance in the science and spirituality of India.
In Vedic mathematics, experts calculated the Sun's diameter to be 108 times greater than that of the Earth. Similarly, they also calculated the Sun-Earth distance to be 108 times the Sun's diameter.
108 sacred holy sites in India, and 108 marma (acupressure-like) points on the body.
There are 108 energy lines leading to the heart chakra.
There are said to be 108 stages to the human journey,
108 inhales and exhales each day will help lead to enlightenment,
In the Sanskrit alphabet there are 54 female and 54 male characters
Malas, commonly used for prayer and meditation in India, are typically made from sandalwood, tulsi, and rudraksha seeds. In Nepal and Tibet, lotus seeds, bodhi seeds, and bone are often used. Synthetic materials are not preferred due to the lack of beauty and healing properties.
Malas can be crafted from various materials, such as wood, seeds, or semi-precious gemstones. The type of bead and color will have a specific energetic effect based on its properties. Mala beads offer numerous benefits for the body, mind, and spirit, which is why they have been used in various spiritual traditions for a long time.
Meditation tools like malas can aid in cultivating inner peace, spiritual growth and a deeper connection to oneself and the world. Wearing a mala around the neck or wrist represents a commitment to one's spiritual journey and personal development. It is not just a piece of jewelry, but a symbol of the wearer's dedication to their path.
Choosing a mala can be guided by color, as each color has its own spiritual meaning and can offer similar benefits based on the minerals used. Colors and bead type can help amplify your intention and purpose.
We have a beautiful collection of handmade mala beads available at Terra Luna, come take a look, maybe you’ll find one to help with your meditation practice.
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