In recent times Malas have become a popular trend in western culture as a long line beaded accessory in the form of a necklace or worn wound around the wrist. There are many reasons why people wear and are drawn to malas including as a fashion trend or style, wearing as a symbol of sprituality and mindfulness, religion, as worry beads for anxiety, for healing, manifesting intentions and goals, balancing chakras and in yoga practice.
A Mala is a string of beads used to traditionally to count mantra (prayer) while meditating. Mala beads can also be worn as a necklace or bracelet to accompany meditation, for spritual growth or for personal reasons.
Malas historically date back thousands of years. Text from 4th century BC known as the 'Mokugenji Sutra' that tells a story of a king called Haruri who sought Siddhartha Gautama's teaching of a way by which the wisdom of Buddism could be shared with his people.
According to the Sutra, the Buddha replied:
King, if you want to eliminate earthly desires and to put an end to their suffering, make a circular string of 108 beads made from the seeds of the Mokugenji tree. Hold it always to yourself. Recite "Namu Buddha - Namu Dharma - Namu Sangha." Count one bead with every recitation.
The Sanskrit mantra loosely translates as 'devotion to awakening (or enlightenment), the dedication to the right way of living, a devotion to the community (or all beings.)'
- Namu or "namas" means to devote / dedicate oneself.
- Buddha means awakening.
- Dharma means the right way of living or cosmic order.
- Sangha means community or association.
It was from the Mokugenji Sutra that the number of 108 beads in a mala necklace originated, but there are many suggestions that the Buddha derived the importance of 108 beads to ancient times. The number 108 has limitless meanings across various philosophical, scientific and religious beliefs. A few of them are that;
- 108 is a sacred number in Hinduism.
- The Sanskrit alphabet has 54 letters, each has a masculine and feminine, Shiva and Shakti, so, 54 x 2 = 108.
- There is said to be 108 energy lines converging to form the heart chakra.
- Sun & Earth - The diameter of the sun is 108 times the diameter of the Earth.The distance from the sun to the Earth is 108 times the diameter of the sun.
- Moon and Earth - The average distance from the moon to the Earth is 108 times the diameter of the moon.
- Planets & Houses - In astrology there are 12 houses and 9 planets, 12 x 9 = 108.
- 1,0,8 - Some say that the 1 stands for God or higher truth, 0 stands for emptiness or completeness in spiritual practice, and 8 stands for infinity or eternity.
Malas are often made from a combination of natural gemstones, crystal, pearls, wood or seed beads, some are adorned with talismans or amulets depending on one's personal preference or tradition.
Mala Terminology
Mala - A word from Sanskrit language of ancient India and Nepal, translates to 'garland' in English, as the word rosary (Latin term) means 'garland of roses.'
Bead - Comes from the Anglo-Saxon words 'bede' and 'bidden' which mean 'prayer' and 'to pray.'
Guru Bead - The guru bead is the 109th bead in the Mala and is never counted among repititions, but used as a marker for the start and end of a cycle and is often larger than the other beads.
Tassel - Throughout history tassels have served as a talisman and symbol of power, protection, prestige and spiritual connection. They represent connection to spirit or your higher self. In Buddhism, the tassel represents the roots of the lotus plant to remind the wearer of the analogy 'no mud, no lotus.' They symbolize lotus blossom, the symbol of enlightenment.
