So, What's a Mala?

by Tisha Tryens

Mala means “garland” in Sanskrit. Malas are meditation beads that have been used in the East for thousands of years to support the practice of meditation.

Traditionally used for “japa” meaning “to count” in Sanskrit, malas are tools used for the repetition of mantras. Originally a very devotional practice that is now used by many in The West as a means of focusing and calming the mind and attuning vibrations through the repetition of sound. Many  who  have found that traditional  meditation doesn’t “work” for them find japa a really useful practice to strengthen their dharana, focus. The  tactile experience of using mala beads can also help in tuning you out of your head and into your heart. 

How do you use a mala? 

As mentioned earlier, malas are used for the practice of japa, a meditation techniques where you recite a particular intention repetitively to invoke an aspect you  are trying to invite into or let go of in your life. 


Here’s a step-by-step guide to the practice of japa: 

  1. Begin in a seated position. Eventually your practice can be done anywhere but it’s always good to begin a japa practice seated with as little distraction as possible to really  tune into your mantra. Take a few breaths and come to stillness. 
  2. Begin with the first bead next to the Guru Bead held between your thumb and middle finger, tassel facing towards you. The Guru Bead is the large beas at the end of the mala representing the teacher within. When  practicing japa we try not to use our index finger as this signifies the ego in Eastern Mysticism. 
  3. Chant one round of the mantra of your choice. Typically, these mantras come from ancient yogic texts the Vedas and Tantras, but any mantra tied to your intention can be used. Some examples include: 
  • So Hum : That I  am / I am That 
  • Om Namah Shivaya : I bow to Shiva (destroyer of ego) 
  • I am Enough 
  • I am Loving Awareness 
  • Move your thumb and middle finger to the next bead and so on, chanting one round of mantra for each bead. If you  choose to do more  than 108rounds of mantra or one mala, don’t skip over the Guru  bead, simply flip the  mala so the tassel is facing you once more and continue.  

Japa practices are most effective when they are done consistently over a period  of time. Traditionally, it’s recommended to commit to either 11,000 or 54,000 rounds over the course of 21, 40 or 54 days to really invoke the specific properties of the mantra you choose.  But, if you find that intimidating don’t worry! Even one round can help calm the mind and focus your attention on your goals. 

 

What is the significance of 108 beads? 

Typically, malas have 108 beads. In the yogic tradition, 108 is considered to be a very sacred number, here are a few examples of its signifincane 

  • In Vedic astrology there are 12 solar houses and 9 lunar houses, 9 x 12 = 108.
  • The diameter of the sun is about 108 times that of the diameter of Earth.
  • The average distance between the Earth and the Sun is 108 times the sun’s diameter.
  • The average distance from the Earth to the Moon is 238,800 miles, about 108 times the moon’s diameter.  This makes it so the moon appears the same size as the sun during eclipses.
  • 108 is  a multiple of both 9 and 3, two other extremely auspicious numbers are evident in many aspects of science, nature and spiritual practices around the world, including the idea of the Holy Trinity which is seen in many religions and spiritual cultures worldwide.  

A mala is a constant reminder of this sacredness. Ready to start your japa practice?

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