malas

A mala, from the Sanskrit word meaning necklace or garland, is a string of beads used for prayer, meditation, and mantra repetition in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. Practitioners move along the beads, reciting a mantra or focusing on breath, often returning to the starting point after reaching the guru bead.

Traditionally malas have 108 beads, a number with symbolic significance in many spiritual traditions. Shorter versions with 21 or 27 beads are also common. A larger bead near the end, called the guru bead, marks the cycle's start and finish and is not counted as part of the repetitions. Beads are made from a variety of materials, including seeds, wood, and stones. Common choices include rudraksha seeds, sandalwood, tulsi, bodhi seeds, and gemstones such as lapis lazuli, quartz, or jade. Malas are usually finished with a tassel, which can symbolize a connection to the universe or unity.

Culturally, malas are associated with different traditions. In Hindu practice, rudraksha malas are linked to Shiva reverence and spiritual discipline. In Buddhist contexts, malas are used for japa meditation and the recitation of mantras like om mani padme hum, among others. Malas may also appear in Jain and other contemplative practices. While traditionally devotional, modern malas are also worn as jewelry or used as mindfulness aids, appealing to a broad audience beyond their religious origins.

Care and handling vary, but malas are typically kept clean and stored dry, with care given to the threads and knotting to prevent wear. See also: prayer beads, meditation tools.