Mala Beads: Meaning, Benefits and How to Use

What Are Mala Beads?

Malas, commonly referred to as yoga beads or japamalas, consist of 108 beads and serve as a beautiful accessory for enhancing spiritual practice. Derived from the Sanskrit word "mala" meaning "garland," these necklaces exude a professional and informative aura, perfect for those seeking to deepen their spiritual journey.

Mala beads have a long history, being made in India for over 3,000 years. They originated in Hinduism and Buddhism and serve as a tool for focusing the mind during meditation.

Mala beads typically consist of 108 beads with the largest bead, known as the guru, positioned at the center. According to tradition, this bead is believed to hold the energy accumulated during one's practice.

The number of beads on malas is always 108, symbolizing "Om", a significant spiritual sound in meditation. Additionally, the 108 beads represent the connection between one's internal and external surroundings.

Traditional mala bead makers utilize overhead knotting to increase strength and allow for "japa" meditation, where each bead is counted for each mantra.

Mala beads are imbued with deep spiritual significance, making them a key element in mindful meditation and yoga. These powerful tools can greatly impact your cognitive well-being by directing your mind towards discovering your authentic self.

View Our Mala Beads Collection

What is the Meaning of Mala Bead Materials

The materials used in mala beads are not just ornamental; they carry deep spiritual meanings and energies. Understanding these materials can help you choose a mala that resonates with your intentions and enhances your spiritual practice.

Sandalwood

Sandalwood has been cherished for its calming aroma and meditative benefits, making it a staple in spiritual practices. Hailing from the Indian subcontinent, specifically southern India, it has been utilized for centuries in religious rituals and in the creation of malas due to its fragrant qualities and its connection to sacredness. Spiritually, sandalwood encourages serenity, heightened awareness, and enhanced meditation, fostering a connection between the mind and higher levels of consciousness.

Wood Mala Beads

Mala beads made of wood are commonly used and offer various spiritual benefits, each type of wood having its own unique significance. Here are some well-known types of wood used in mala beads and their corresponding meanings.

Rosewood

Rosewood beads are highly valued for their symbolic connections to love, compassion, and healing, making them an essential component in heart-centered practices. Sourced mainly from India and Central America, these beads are prized for their vibrant hue and strong composition, as well as their ability to channel positive energy. On an energetic level, rosewood promotes the flow of love and empathy, enabling the opening of the heart chakra and promoting emotional stability.

Tulsi Wood

Tulsi wood, also referred to as Holy Basil, holds a significant place of reverence in Hinduism due to its purifying and safeguarding properties. Originating from India, it is widely grown and incorporated into malas due to its sacred significance and its ability to purify and protect the mind. With its energetic associations to spiritual wellbeing, devotion, and protection, tulsi wood is a potent material for enhancing spiritual practices and shielding against detrimental energies.

Bodhi Seed

Bodhi seeds hold great meaning in the Buddhist tradition, representing the Buddha's enlightenment under the Bodhi tree. These seeds are commonly obtained from Bodhi trees in India and Nepal, and are often used in malas for their spiritual significance and lasting, organic nature. Symbolically, Bodhi seeds embody the journey towards enlightenment and serve as a tool for developing mindfulness, wisdom, and spiritual evolution.

Gemstone Mala Beads

Explore the energizing and spiritually-enhancing properties of gemstone beads. These precious stones hold unique meanings and are carefully chosen to align with the practitioner's intentions.

Rose Quartz

Rose quartz beads are known for their association with love and healing emotions, making them a valuable tool for centering the heart. This stone is commonly found in Brazil, Madagascar, and South Dakota, where it is extracted for its soft pink hue and its ability to support emotional wellness. Spiritually, rose quartz promotes compassion, tenderness, and emotional equilibrium, aligning with the heart chakra to foster love and harmony in both personal and spiritual relationships.

Turquoise

Turquoise beads offer protective and healing properties, earning them a top spot among those seeking balance and stability. Mined in regions like Iran, the southwestern United States, and Tibet, turquoise has adorned jewelry and spiritual artifacts for centuries due to its bold hue and shielding capabilities. With its calming and balancing energy, this stone serves as a powerful source for grounding and spiritual strength, safeguarding against negative forces.

Amethyst

Amethyst beads are highly valued for their ability to induce a sense of calm and possess strong spiritual properties, making them a perfect choice for deep meditation and other spiritual practices. These beautiful stones are sourced from regions like Brazil, Uruguay, and parts of Africa, where their rich purple color and spiritual significance are greatly prized. With its energizing effects, amethyst is known to enhance spiritual growth, sharpen intuition, and foster inner peace.

Tiger’s Eye

Tiger's eye beads are valued for their ability to enhance courage, confidence, and personal power. Originating from South Africa and Western Australia, this stone's striking appearance and grounding properties make it highly sought-after. Its energetic effects include boosting clarity and confidence, aiding in decision-making, and empowering personal will and strength through alignment with the solar plexus chakra.

Lapis Lazuli

Lapis lazuli beads are highly regarded for their symbolic representation of wisdom, truth, and inner vision, making them an ideal choice for enhancing intellectual and spiritual pursuits. Sourced mainly from Afghanistan, Chile, and Russia, they have been prized for centuries for their rich blue hue and versatile use in spiritual and ornamental objects. Spiritually, lapis lazuli ignites the thirst for knowledge, improves communication, and encourages genuine self-expression, while also aligning with the third eye chakra to heighten insight and perception.

Other Semi-Precious Gemstones

Each semi-precious gemstone, such as aventurine, jasper, and agate, possesses distinct properties which can be chosen based on their unique energies and the intentions of the practitioner.

Natural Mala Beads

Mala beads, made from seeds, bones, and shells, provide a strong bond with nature and are frequently utilized for their grounding and spiritual qualities. Here are some of the most commonly used natural materials in mala beads.

Lotus Seed Beads

Lotus seed beads hold significant symbolic value, symbolizing purity and spiritual growth, much like the lotus flower that emerges from the mud and blossoms. These beads are typically acquired from areas in India and Southeast Asia, where the lotus is revered and utilized in different spiritual traditions. From a spiritual standpoint, lotus seed beads aid in the progression from unawareness to illumination, embodying the transformative potency of spiritual awakening and purity.

Rudraksha Beads

Rudraksha beads have long been valued for their potent spiritual and therapeutic qualities, making them a crucial aspect of Hindu traditions. Originating from the Elaeocarpus ganitrus trees that thrive in the Himalayan region, Indonesia, and Nepal, these beads have been central to malas for centuries due to their inherent connection to Lord Shiva. Spiritually, they provide protection, amplify spiritual strength, and promote inner peace, aligning with the wearer's spiritual path and safeguarding against negative energies.

Mala Beads and Meditation

Mala beads are a key component of spiritual and mindfulness practices, growing in popularity alongside meditation and yoga in the U.S.

However, these items are not simply fashionable accessories. Rather, they possess a strong tie to strengthening one's mental foundation and unlocking a deeper understanding of spiritual matters.

Meditation incorporates both Ayurvedic and yogic principles. Ayurveda, a traditional Indian healing system, is often referred to as "the science of life." According to Ayurveda, meditation is a multifaceted method aimed at improving self-awareness. Additionally, it has been scientifically proven to provide neurological and physiological advantages.

Increase mindfulness and reduce stress with meditation. Enhance emotional management and attention through regular practice.

Pros of Mala Beads for Your Mental Health

Implementing mala beads may enhance your mindfulness and focus during meditation and yoga. This can lead to:

Less need for medications

By incorporating mala beads into your yoga and meditation routine, the need for medications as you age can be reduced. This holistic approach to maintaining mental and physical well-being can help prevent symptoms of potential future conditions.

Physical health benefits

Increase your physical well-being by incorporating regular meditation and yoga into your routine. These practices have been shown to lower blood pressure, decrease heart rate, and improve cholesterol levels. Additionally, mindful meditation can enhance your brain's functioning and help regulate bodily functions.

Stress reduction

Additional studies have proven the effectiveness of meditation in reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression. The practice of meditation and yoga may also be beneficial in managing pain, a possible contributing factor to psychological issues.

Cognitive benefits

Meditation has been proven to benefit cognition, with studies demonstrating improved focus and memory. It also aids in delaying cognitive decline and preventing dementia in older individuals.

Begin your mindfulness journey early by incorporating mala beads and meditation. This combination can have long-term effects on your personal growth. Mala beads make for a powerful addition to reaching your full potential.

Mala beads are useful for both experienced yogis and beginners, offering a means to begin incorporating meditation into their spiritual wellness journey.

Optimize your meditation practice by utilizing mala beads as a tool for counting mantras. Select from various designs, each featuring a unique guru or gemstone at its core, for enhanced focus and ease in your practice.

How do I use them?

Consider incorporating mala beads into your meditation practice, utilizing effective techniques like breath control and mantra repetition.

Controlling your breath

By focusing on your breathing, you can engage in a simple yet effective form of meditation. This practice is convenient and can be done in any location.

To use mala beads for controlling your breath:

Hold your mala with one hand.

Gently drape the mala over your fingers to allow for smooth movement. Then, with a gentle pinch, hold onto one of the beads near the guru bead. In certain religious practices, the index finger may be avoided and the thumb and middle finger may be used instead.

Complete one full breath (inhale and exhale).

Finish at the guru bead to complete 108 breaths.

Move your fingers to the next bead, breathing in and out once per bead.

To complete another round, simply reverse the direction of your finger movement until you once again reach the guru bead.

Repeating a mantra

During meditation, a mantra is a powerful tool that can help focus your awareness. While "Om" is widely recognized, there are numerous other options to choose from.

Craft your own reassuring or calming mantra, such as "I am calm," "I am safe," or "I am loved." The mantra you choose may change based on your present circumstances.

For using mala beads with a mantra, follow the same process for controlling your breath. However, instead of exhaling and inhaling at each bead, simply repeat your mantra. It can be whispered, said aloud, or mentally repeated - whatever feels most comfortable.

Choosing your beads

Malas are available in various styles and colors, with beads made from seeds, precious or semiprecious stones, wood, or other materials commonly used.

Selecting beads that bring you a sense of calm and relaxation is essential when using the mala. It is important to find the perfect fit for your preferences as there is no correct or incorrect decision.

“Look for a mala that speaks to you,” Schmidt says.

When looking at a specific mala, she advises asking yourself:

• Is it beautiful to me?
• Does it feel good to touch?
• Is it made out of a stone or seed that has a special meaning to me?

If any of these apply to you, the mala should function properly for your needs.

The Conclusion

Mala beads are aesthetically pleasing and comforting, but they are not just fashionable accessories. These necklaces are potent instruments that can aid and improve mindfulness techniques.

Mala users often report improved concentration and a more beneficial meditation experience, making them a valuable tool for meditative practices.

Consider selecting or crafting a mala that aligns with your personal energy and intentions, as the use of gemstones or costly materials is not necessary for its effective use. Trust your intuition and find a mala that resonates with you, rather than solely focusing on material worth.