Meditation Mala Beads

Traditional Mala Beads for Meditation, Mantra & Japa

Monk Mala offers meditation malas made from traditional wood, seed and natural materials. Based in Chiang Mai, Thailand, we also offer the opportunity to have your mala blessed by a Buddhist Monk before it is sent to you.

What are Meditation Mala Beads?

A meditation mala is a string of beads traditionally used to count repetitions during meditation, mantra practice or prayer. Many traditional malas contain 108 counting beads and a larger guru bead marking the beginning and end of a cycle. Buddhist Meditation Mala are similar to other forms of prayer beads used in various world religions and therefore the term “Buddhist Rosary” and “Buddha Beads”are also used. The Buddhist Mala originally derived from the Hindu ‘Japa Mala’ used in meditation, consisting of 108 beads, and used as a counting device for reciting Mantra.

The bottomline is that not all forms of Mediation are Buddhist, and so we include in our Mediation Mala selection all of the types of Mala we have that can be used for Meditation.

Why Do Meditation Malas Have 108 Beads?

108 is the most familiar traditional number of beads used in a mala. During meditation or Japa, the practitioner moves from one bead to the next while repeating a mantra, prayer or other phrase. One complete cycle through the 108 counting beads provides a simple way to keep track of repetitions without having to count mentally.

$29.95

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12mm teak wood Buddhist Prayer Bead Necklace Black Tassel

Meditation Mala

8mm Teak Wood Buddhist Prayer…

$25.95

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Every 108 Buddhist Meditation Mala sold includes includes a Certificate of Authenticity and Thai Silk Bag included free

Monk Blessed 108 Prayer Beads Mala: Monk Mala is part of Sak Yant Chiang Mai; which is a small co-op of over 10 Sak Yant Monks and Ajarns providing Sak Yant Tattoo’s in Chiang Mai Thailand.

With regular Visits to Temples for the Monks Sak Yant Tattoo, we are able to take each Buddhist Monk Bead Necklace with us for a special blessing for our customers. The Sak Yant co-op also allows Monk Mala to source it’s Authentic Buddhist Monk Bead Necklaces from the same small local suppliers that the Monks and Ajarns themselves use.

Deciding What Buddhist Meditation Mala is right for you!

How to Use a Meditation Mala

Hold the mala comfortably in one hand.
Begin with the bead next to the guru bead.
Repeat your chosen mantra, prayer or phrase.
Move one bead after each repetition.
Continue through the 108 beads.
When you reach the guru bead, traditionally turn the mala around rather than passing over it.

Read our complete guide: How to Use Buddhist Prayer Beads

What Makes a Good Meditation Mala?

What to Consider	Why It Matters
Bead Size	Larger beads can be easier to handle during meditation.
Weight	Some people prefer a lightweight mala, while others prefer the tactile feel of heavier beads.
Construction	Look for secure stringing, good knots and a clearly identifiable guru bead.
Material	Choose a material appropriate to your tradition or simply one you enjoy handling.
Purpose	Consider whether the mala will primarily be used for meditation, mantra practice, prayer or also worn as a necklace.

The best meditation mala is one that feels comfortable and encourages you to use it regularly.

Which Meditation Mala Should you Choose?

Different Mala materials have their own appearance, feel and traditional associations.
The best meditation Mala is one that feels comfortable to use and suits your personal
practice or tradition.

Type of Mala	Best For	Why Choose It?
Wood Mala	Simple, traditional meditation practice	Lightweight, tactile and simple, making wood a practical choice for regular meditation.
Bodhi Seed Mala	A strong Buddhist connection	Bodhi seeds have a particularly strong association with Buddhism because of the importance of the Bodhi tree in Buddhist tradition.
Rudraksha Mala	Traditional Indian Japa practice	Rudraksha has a long association with Indian religious traditions and is widely used for Japa and meditation.
Lotus Seed Mala	Lightweight natural Mala	Lotus seed beads are lightweight and have established associations with Buddhist and Indian spiritual traditions.
Natural Stone Mala	Those who prefer heavier, solid beads	Natural stone provides a different weight and tactile feel while functioning in the same way as other meditation Mala.

Basic Meanings of Meditation Mala Materials

Mala materials can have different meanings and associations depending on
the Buddhist, Hindu or other spiritual tradition in which they are used.
The meanings below describe common traditional associations rather than
fixed or universal meanings.

Material	Basic Traditional Meaning or Association	Common Use
Bodhi Seed	Awakening, enlightenment and the Buddhist path. The Bodhi tree is traditionally associated with the Buddha’s enlightenment.	Buddhist meditation, prayer and mantra practice.
Rudraksha	Spiritual practice, devotion and protection within Hindu traditions, particularly through its association with Shiva.	Japa, meditation and Hindu devotional practice.
Lotus Seed	Purity, spiritual development and awakening. The lotus is an important symbol in both Buddhist and Hindu traditions.	Meditation, prayer and spiritual practice.
Wood	Simplicity, naturalness and connection with traditional meditation and prayer practices.	Everyday meditation, mantra practice and prayer.
Natural Stone	Meanings vary considerably according to the type of stone and the tradition in which it is used. Many modern associations are personal rather than traditionally Buddhist.	Meditation, personal practice and contemporary Mala use.

Remember: The material of a Mala does not determine whether it is suitable for meditation. A Mala is primarily a practical tool for counting mantra, prayer or meditation repetitions. Choose a material and bead size that feels comfortable in your hand and meaningful to your practice.

Why Buy from Monk Mala?

Based in Chiang Mai, Thailand – A real physical presence in Thailand.

Buddhist Monk Connections We have direct relationships with Buddhist Monks.

Monk Blessing Meditation Mala Beads are taken to a Monk for blessing.

Traditional Materials Wood, seeds and natural materials associated with established Mala traditions.

International Shipping Your Mala can be sent from Thailand

Find the right Buddhist and Yoga Prayer Beads for you

Whether you’re beginning a meditation practice, looking for a traditional 108-bead Japa Mala, or want a natural mala to accompany an established practice, choose a Mala that feels right for the way you intend to use it.