What is a mala (AKA chanting beads)?
Mala beads are a string of beads used to help chant a mantra. Also known as prayer beads or a rosary, they play a key role in many spiritual traditions. In Hinduism, a mala typically has 108 beads, considered a sacred number (more on this later). There’s an additional bead, called the Guru Bead or Meru Bead, that hangs perpendicular to the circle. When chanting, this bead should not be crossed.
How to Use a Mala
Any mantra can be chanted with a mala, such as OM Nama Shivaya or OM Namo Narayanaya. These mantras connect us with specific aspects of the Divine. Over time, consistent chanting can lead to Self-Realisation. Traditionally, malas are made from Rudraksha seeds or Tulasi wood, though rosewood or crystals can also be used. In the yogic tradition, malas support japa meditation, where mantras are recited in deep, focused absorption.
Why are they used?
Malas are primarily used to count mantras in meditation. They help maintain focus and ensure a set number of repetitions each day. Many spiritual traditions suggest 16 rounds, which totals 1,728 mantras (16 x 108) daily. The history of mala beads dates back to around the eighth century B.C. in India. Many world religions also use chanting beads to meditate or recite prayers. The word ‘bead’ comes from the Anglo-Saxon words bede and bidden, meaning ‘prayer’ and ‘to pray.’
If you’re interested, you can find malas at our BhaktiShop.
Is it OK to wear them around my neck?
Although some media may promote wearing malas as fashion, most spiritual traditions do not recommend this. Wandering monks in India may wear them around their neck due to their vows of renunciation, but they certainly don’t do so for appearance. The beads are sacred and help aspirants on the path to Self-Realisation. In the Vishnava tradition, the mala is kept in a small bag to protect it from touching the floor or dirty surfaces. This bag can be attached to the wrist or hung around the neck for easy access during chanting.
Why does a mala have 108 beads?
There are many explanations for why a mala has 108 beads:
- Grammar: The Sanskrit alphabet has 54 letters. Each letter has both masculine and feminine energy. 54 x 2 = 108.
- Astronomy: The diameter of the sun is 108 times the diameter of the earth.
- Desires: There are said to be 108 earthly desires in human beings.
- Time: We have 108 feelings, with 36 relating to the past, 36 to the present, and 36 to the future.
- Astrology: There are 12 constellations and 9 arc segments, as well as 12 houses and 9 planets. 12 x 9 = 108.
Adding the digits in 108 (1+0+8) equals 9, which symbolizes completion. This number, along with the circle of beads, represents the sun and moon’s path across the sky. Ancient Indian astronomers divided this elliptic into 27 nakshatras (equal sections). Each nakshatra has four steps, called padas, adding up to 108 steps in total.
What about tradition?
When reaching the Guru Bead, the 109th bead, tradition suggests flipping the mala to start again. This action represents moving backward along the path, reflecting the cyclical nature of time and the universe. The Guru Bead symbolizes the sun’s solstices, where it appears to pause and reverse its direction. Just as a pendulum swings, so too does the sun, which is why we flip the mala.
In conclusion
When learning about yogic techniques, it’s easy to get lost in the details. However, the deeper reason for using a mala is to build a relationship with the Divine. Even if your mala had fewer beads, chanting with focus and surrender can have the same effect. Some yogis even chant without a mala in a state of ajapa-japa, where the mantra repeats itself effortlessly.
In Bhakti Marga’s yoga and meditation courses, we advise setting aside time each day to chant with focus and devotion.
Check our events calendar for upcoming chanting courses.
Mantras act like a megaphone calling out to God. The more you chant, the more the Divine can manifest within you. So, just chant and let the journey unfold. Jai GuruDev!