Ok….so what exactly is a mala?!

Well…it is simply and profoundly a tool for transformation.

Dating back to the late 8th century, possibly starting in the Hindu tradition and expanding to other cultures via exploration, beaded necklaces such as malas, Catholic rosaries, African Orisha prayer amulets, and Muslim tespeh have been used as both a symbol of spiritual practice and as a sacred tool for meditation and prayer. Even older strings of precious stones for spiritual uses have been found worldwide at ancient sites. Ubiquitous tools in cultures around the world, ANYONE can use or wear malas regardless of faith or whether or not you mediate.

The mala, which can be worn around your neck or wrist, is typically strung with 108 beads, or a division of that number (ex. 54, 27, 18, and 9). It’s finished with one larger guru or “summit” bead, and a tassel.

The number 108, considered sacred in many Eastern religions and traditions, such as Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism, and connected yoga and dharma based practices, has held a multi-dimensional meaning throughout history. 108 seems to be a number that connects us to our place in the cosmic order. In yoga, the number 108 refers to spiritual completion. See diagram at the end of this post and/or click this link for more on the history and symbolism of the number 108!

To use your mala in the traditional way, start with the first bead next to the “guru” bead. Hold the bead between the index finger and thumb, and recite your mantra/intention/prayer once out loud or silently. You can also use the mala to count breaths. Then move on to the next bead with a rolling motion of your thumb, recite your mantra again and repeat. When you get to the guru bead again you have completed your meditation. MUST you use 108 repetitions? Of course not. You can simply use your mala to count and keep track of however many repetitions you feel are necessary. Intention is all that matters!

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