MALA
The Mala is a prayer strand originating from India, China or Tibet. Little Buddha
Japa Mala or Mala
- The Japa Mala or Mala is a Buddhist prayer strand. Normally, it is made from 108 beads, however, in some Buddhist religions it consists of 27 or 60 beads. The strand of beads is mainly used for counting the mantras that are recited. In principle, it serves the same purpose as the rosary. The beads are made from wood or, for instance, Bodhi seeds and are suitable for many purposes; counting the mantras, prayers, bows, walk-arounds, etc. "
- The Mala is used to keep track of the counting of a mantra, a verse for a specific God or saint. This practice is called Japa in Sanskrit. Mantras are often repeated hundreds or thousands of times. The Mala is used in such a way that you can only think about the meaning of the mantra, without really counting. One mantra equals one bead, so, if you have done the whole strand, you have recited the mantra 108 times. Usually, you turn around each bead with your thumb in a clockwise direction. However, in some traditions or in specific practices you turn counter-clockwise.
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The fingers can be also be used in a specific way (a Mudra) as is depicted/pictured here.
When the main bead is reached, de Mala is turned and then you return in the same direction. This makes the Mala supple.
- If there are more than 108 recitations, the recitations are sometimes counted with grains of rice in Tibet. Before the chanting begins, the grains of rice are placed in a bowl. Every time a complete Mala (108) has been recited, one grain of rice is removed from the bowl. This continues until the bowl is empty.
- The 109th Mala bead is called the Sumeru, Bindu, Stupa or Guru bead. The counting should always start with the bead next to the Sumeru. There are a lot of explanations for the number 108. This number has special religious significance in both Buddhism and Hinduism.
- Explanations for the number 108:
There are 108 human sins in Tibetan Buddhism.
There are 108 different names for the Hindu Gods.
This is why reciting the name 108 times is a holy activity. This is often done during religious ceremonies.
Krishna danced with 108 "Gopis" (cow-women) and later married 108 women.
Siva Nataraja dances his cosmic dance in 108 poses.
There are many points that have a reference to the number 108 in the temple of Angkor Wat. This played a large role in the symbolic of the layout of the temple.
In Japan, a bell is rung 108 times at the end of the year to close the old year and to mark the New Year.
Zen priests wear a Juzu with 108 beads around their wrists.
Many of the stairs of Buddhist temples have 108 steps.
- What is the Mala used for?
- To appease
- To increase (our positive characteristics)
- To overcome
- To tame by forceful means
- Hindus hold the Mala in the right hand and flick from one bead to the next with the thumb while counting. The Mala is draped over the middle finger. The ring finger represents the ego and is considered best avoided when chanting on the Mala.
- Materials
Malas are made from many materials.
- In Hinduism and Vaishanavas, they are made from Holy Basil, Rudraksha wood from the Rudraksha tree (Shiva's tears became seeds from which a tree grew, the Rudraksha tree). -
- In Tibetan Buddhism, bone is usually used to make a Mala, normally the bones of a Yak. Sometimes, human bone is used, from an important deceased teacher. -
- Others use wood from the Bodhi tree or the seeds of the Lotus plant. -
- Semi precious stones, like crystal amethyst or carnelian can also be used. -
- Sandalwood is often used because of its scent and structure. -
- Pearls and mother-of-pearl are also used. The beads must be white or clear because of the purifying effect. This to purify obstacles such as illness or other calamities, and to restore balance. -
- The strand can consist of nine threads that symbolise the Buddha. -
- The large bead at the end represents the wisdom that realises the void and the cylindrical bead above that bead represents the void itself. Together, they symbolise the defeat of all opponents. -
- To overcome something a mixture of sandalwood and saffron are usually used. -
- Raksha seeds and bone are used to pray for others who are weighed down by negative forces or demons. The Mala has 60 beads in that case. The mantra is recited to, for instance, tame the demon. However, this can only be done to help those who suffer and not for personal gain. -
- Seeds from the Bodhi tree are used for several practices, for prayers, bows and walk-arounds. -
- In the Buddhist Tantra and Varjayana, colours and materials can relate to a specific practice.
Malas - Malas and wrist malas
A Mala originally is a prayer strand with 108 beads, but nowadays it's also in to wear it as a necklace or bracelet.
Read more about the Mala here.
All malas are authentic, handmade and blessed by monks.
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