måla

A mãla, or mala, is a string of beads used as a counting and devotional tool in several Dharmic traditions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. The term derives from the Sanskrit word mālā, meaning garland or necklace. A typical mala consists of 108 beads, though other counts such as 27 or 54 are also common. The loop is usually divided by a larger guru bead, and many malas include a tassel at the end.

Bead materials vary widely. Traditional malas use rudraksha seeds, sandalwood, bodhi seeds, or tulsi, but malas may also be made from gemstones, glass, bone, or metal. Beads are often knotted between them to prevent wear and to separate sections of beads, aiding pacing during recitation.

Use and function: malas are primarily used for japa—repetition of a mantra, prayer, or breath cycle. A practitioner moves around the beads in one direction, reciting a mantra for each bead; the guru bead marks the starting and ending point, and is usually not crossed during counting. The practice fosters focus, calm, and spiritual intention, and the mala can also be worn as jewelry or kept as a devotional object.

Cultural context: malas are found throughout Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain communities, with regional variations in bead choice, mantra, and ritual. In contemporary times, mala beads are also popular in mindfulness practice and as fashion accessories. Care typically involves keeping the beads dry, avoiding harsh chemicals, and occasionally restringing to address wear.