What are Buddhist Prayer Beads?
Buddhist prayer beads, commonly called mala beads, are traditional strings of beads used to count mantras, prayers, chants, or breaths during Buddhist practice and meditation. They are also used as a physical reminder of Buddhist teachings, mindfulness and spiritual intention.
A traditional mala often has 108 beads, although Buddhist prayer beads are also made in smaller counts such as 54 or 27. The beads may be made from wood, seeds, bone or other natural materials, and different Buddhist traditions have developed their own styles and ways of using them.
Today, mala beads are used by Buddhist monks, lay practitioners and people who use meditation and mantra practice without belonging to a particular Buddhist tradition.
At Monk Mala, we specialise in traditional Buddhist prayer beads from Thailand, including simple wooden and seed malas similar to those commonly used by Buddhist practitioners and Monks in Thailand.
What Are Buddhist Prayer Mala?
The word “mala” comes from Sanskrit and means “garland.” A mala is a string of beads used as a practical aid during meditation, prayer and mantra recitation. Buddhist prayer mala are a string of beads designed to help a practitioner keep track of repeated prayers, mantras, chants or breaths. The beads provide a simple physical counting system. Instead of trying to remember how many times a mantra has been repeated, the practitioner moves from one bead to the next.
For example, one repetition of a mantra can be counted with one bead. After moving through the complete strand, the practitioner has completed one cycle.
The word ‘Mala’ is now widely used in English for Buddhist prayer beads, although different Buddhist cultures have their own names and forms. In Tibetan Buddhism, prayer beads are commonly called trengwa. In Japan, Buddhist prayer beads are generally known as juzu or nenju. Chinese Buddhist traditions use terms including nian zhu, meaning recitation beads.
The basic idea is similar, but the appearance, number of beads and method of use can vary between Buddhist traditions.
Why Do Buddhist Prayer Beads Have 108 Beads?
The number 108 has a particularly important place in Buddhist and Indian religious traditions. There is, however, no single explanation for why Buddhist malas contain 108 beads that is accepted by every Buddhist tradition. Different traditions have developed different explanations and symbolic associations.
Some Buddhist explanations connect 108 with the number of mental afflictions or defilements that practitioners seek to overcome. Other explanations found within Indian religious traditions connect 108 with sacred texts, cosmology, astronomy, the human body and other symbolic systems.
The traditional explanations should therefore be understood as religious and philosophical interpretations rather than as a single historical explanation for the origin of the 108-bead mala.
The truth is, if there is a single reason why Buddhist Prayer Beads have 108 beads it has been lost to time, with only speculation left as to the meaning of why there are 108 Beads in a Mala Prayer Necklace. The most common explanations for the meaning of 108 beads is
1) Signifying the 108 mortal desires of mankind
2) Allows for 100 Mantas plus 8 mistakes in counting.
3) 27 Constellations x 4 Padas (parts) = 108
4) 12 Zodiac Houses x 9 Planets = 108
5) Upanishads or the Scriptures of the Vedas = 108
Thus, when we recite or recount number 108, we are actually remembering the entire universe. This reminds us of the fact that the universal self is omnipresent, that is the innate nature of the self. This is it’s simple form is the Buddhist Prayer Beads Meaning.
What Is the Guru Bead?
Most traditional long malas have a distinctive bead at the point where the two ends of the string meet. This is commonly called the guru bead, although different Buddhist traditions use different names. The guru bead is normally larger or different in appearance from the other beads. It marks the beginning and end of a complete cycle.
The 108 counting beads are counted, while the guru bead is generally not counted as one of the 108.
When a practitioner reaches the guru bead, many traditions teach the practitioner to turn the mala around and continue in the opposite direction rather than simply passing over the guru bead. The practice varies between Buddhist traditions, so there is no single rule that applies to every mala. The guru bead can also have symbolic associations with the teacher, the Buddha, Mount Meru or the completion of a cycle of practice.
History of Buddhist Prayer Beads
The history of Buddhist mala is connected with the development of Buddhist practice across Asia, but the precise origins of counting beads are difficult to establish.
Prayer and counting beads have a long history in South and Central Asia, and Buddhist traditions developed their own forms of mala as Buddhism spread beyond India.
As Buddhism travelled through regions including Tibet, China, Korea, Japan and Southeast Asia, different Buddhist communities developed their own traditions concerning prayer beads, including differences in bead numbers, materials, construction and use.
A Traditional Buddhist Account of the 108-Bead Mala
One of the best-known traditional Buddhist stories concerning prayer beads appears in the Muktāvalī, a Buddhist text traditionally associated with the King Vaidunya and the Buddha.
In the story, King Vaidunya asks the Buddha for a simple method of practice that can help people during a difficult period. The Buddha instructs him to make a string of 108 Bodhi seeds and use the beads while reciting the Three Jewels.
The story is important because it provides an early traditional Buddhist explanation for the use of 108 beads.
However, a traditional religious account should not automatically be treated as archaeological proof of the precise historical origin of Buddhist malas.
Did the Buddha Use Prayer Beads?
There is no clear evidence that the historical Buddha personally used a mala in the way Buddhist practitioners commonly use prayer beads today.
This does not mean that malas are unrelated to Buddhism. Buddhist traditions developed a wide range of practices involving prayer, chanting, mantra and meditation, and malas became established as a useful counting aid within many of those traditions. Over time, their use became an established part of Buddhist practice in several regions and schools, although the form and significance of the beads vary.
It is therefore more accurate to say that Buddhist prayer beads developed within Buddhist traditions than to claim that the Buddha himself introduced the modern mala. Different Buddhist schools also have different attitudes toward prayer beads. Some practitioners use them regularly for mantra recitation, chanting or meditation, while others may rarely or never use them. The use of a mala is therefore an established Buddhist practice, but it is not a universal requirement of Buddhism.
What Are Buddhist Prayer Beads Used For?
The main purpose of Buddhist prayer beads is counting and maintaining attention during repeated practice.
They may be used to count:
- Mantra repetitions
- Buddhist prayers
- Chanting
- Recitation of the Buddha’s name
- Breaths during meditation
- Repeated devotional practices
The beads also provide a tactile point of attention. Rather than thinking about how many repetitions have already been completed, the practitioner can concentrate on the words, sound, breath and meaning of the practice while the beads keep track of the number.
This makes a mala a practical meditation tool as well as a traditional religious object.
Buddhist Prayer Beads and Mantra Meditation
The most common form of Meditation in both Hindu and Buddhist forms is the called Mantra Meditation or Japa Meditation. Mantras are a slogan or statement used to focus the wandering mind to a central theme or baseline position. Using a Meditation Mantra is called Japa Meditation and each Mantra is repeated hundreds or even thousands of times during a Japa meditation practice. Focusing on the Mantra, allows the person performing meditation to zero in on just one thought and aids in the purpose of stilling the Mind.
The purpose of meditation is to still the mind, and keeping track of how many mantras you recite during your Japa meditation requires concentration and active conscious thinking. The mala is used so that one can focus on the meaning or sound of the mantra rather than counting its repetitions. One repetition of the mantra is usually said for each bead while turning the thumb around each bead.
This process is repeated and when arriving at the head or guru bead, the person meditating turns the mala around and then goes back in the opposing direction. Typically one cycle of Mantras is about 100, (sometimes 108) but generally what ever philosophy of Japa you are using, by the time you reach 108 counts you start a new cycle.
If more than 108 repetitions are to be done, or the style of mediation requires suggested numbers of mantra repetitions then counting devices can be added to the Mala. What are Buddhist Prayer Beads
The 109th bead on a mala is called the sumeru, bindu, stupa, or guru bead. Counting should always begin with a bead next to the Guru. In the Hindu, Vedic tradition, if more than one mala of repetitions is to be done, one changes directions when reaching the Guru Bead rather than crossing it.
For more: …. Step by Step Instructions on Mala Counting for Meditation
Are Buddhist Prayer Beads Only Used for Prayer?
No. Although they are commonly called “prayer beads” in English, Buddhist malas are used for more than prayer in the Western sense.
They can be used for:
| Use | How Buddhist Prayer Beads Are Used |
|---|---|
| Mantra recitation | Repeating a Buddhist mantra a set number of times. |
| Meditation | Using the physical movement of the beads to support concentration. |
| Chanting and recitation | Keeping track of repeated Buddhist chants or names. |
| Breath counting | Some practitioners use beads to count breaths during meditation. |
| Mindfulness | The physical sensation of moving from bead to bead can provide a simple anchor for attention. |
| Spiritual remembrance | Some people wear or carry a mala as a reminder of Buddhist teachings, values or personal practice. |
Some people wear or carry a mala as a reminder of Buddhist teachings, values or personal practice. At Monk Mala we refer to these as “Protection Mala“. The exact use depends on the Buddhist tradition and the individual practice.
Buddhist Prayer Beads and Connection/Protection
A largely unknown use of Buddhist Prayer beads but one with long traditions is as a sacred and blessed object used as a charm of talisman. Especially popular with local peoples of many Asian cultures including Thailand, the Mala is blessed by a Monk and worn as not only a reminder to live a good life, but as a magical source of luck and protection.
Modern Yoga practitioners have also started to use the Mala as a personal devotion jewelry item that is worn as jewelry. Often referred to and sold as ‘Inspired Jewelry’ incorporating gemstones and objects from a variety of philosophies that each individual Yoga practitioner decides is a right fit for them.
At Monk Mala, we provide authentic Buddhist Mala that have been blessed by Monks and made with simple, native and natural materials found in the local area. These Mala have been Blessed by one of many specialized Monks with a personal protection prayer to be worn as Buddhist Monk Jewelry.
It is the ideal of wearing your Buddhist Prayer beads as a protection amulet that created the use of ‘worry beads’. In times of stress, one can fiddle with the Worry Beads, creating a personal contact and connection to the Protection Blessing it contains
Find your Perfect Buddhist Mala
How Are Buddhist Prayer Beads Used?
The exact method differs between Buddhist traditions, but a common form of mala practice is straightforward.
- Hold the mala comfortably in your hand.
- Begin with the bead next to the guru bead.
- Recite your chosen mantra, prayer or phrase.
- Move to the next bead.
- Continue one repetition per bead.
- Continue until you reach the guru bead.
- If you wish to continue, turn the mala around and begin moving back in the opposite direction.
There is no need to rush. The purpose of the beads is to support the practice, not to turn meditation into a race to complete 108 repetitions. For a more detailed guide, see our article How to Use Buddhist Prayer Beads.
Buddhist Prayer Beads in Different Traditions
Buddhism developed across many countries and cultures, so Buddhist prayer beads are not identical everywhere.
| Buddhist Tradition | Common Name | Typical Beads & Materials | Common Uses & Characteristics |
|---|---|---|---|
Tibetan Buddhism | Trengwa | Often 108 beads. Wood, seeds, bone and various stones are used. | Commonly used for mantra recitation and other Buddhist practices. Some practices prescribe particular materials or bead arrangements. |
Thai Buddhism | Buddhist prayer beads | Wood and natural seeds are commonly used. | Used by some Buddhist Monks and lay practitioners for meditation, chanting and personal practice. Beads may also be worn or carried as a reminder of Buddhist teachings. |
Chinese Buddhism | Nian zhu | Often 108 beads. Wood, seeds and other natural materials are commonly used. | Used particularly for Buddhist recitation and devotional practice. The structure and use can vary between traditions and religious settings. |
Japanese Buddhism | Juzu or Nenju | Different numbers and arrangements of beads depending on the Buddhist school. | Used for Buddhist recitation and devotional practice. Some forms also have ceremonial significance. |
This is one reason it is better to think of Buddhist prayer beads as a family of related traditional objects rather than a single standard design.
What Are Buddhist Prayer Beads Made From?
Traditional Buddhist malas are made from many different materials.
The material can reflect local availability, Buddhist tradition, the intended practice or simply the preference of the practitioner.
| Material | Connection to Buddhist Prayer Beads | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
Wood | One of the most widely used materials for prayer beads across Buddhist traditions. | Durable, lightweight and comfortable to hold. Common examples include sandalwood, teak and other natural woods. |
Bodhi Seeds | Strongly associated with Buddhism and the Buddha’s awakening beneath the Bodhi tree. | Lightweight with a naturally textured appearance. Often chosen for their connection with Buddhist tradition. |
Lotus Seeds | The lotus has an important symbolic place in Buddhist traditions and is commonly associated with purity and spiritual development. | Lightweight and comfortable for regular use, with a natural appearance. |
Rudraksha | Strongly associated with Hindu devotional traditions, but also used in some Buddhist and yoga mala practices. | Naturally textured seeds commonly used for malas in South and Southeast Asian spiritual traditions. |
Bone | Particularly associated with certain Tibetan Buddhist practices. | Can carry associations with impermanence and the nature of existence. Not representative of all Buddhist traditions. |
Gemstones | Used in some Buddhist malas, although many traditional malas use simpler natural materials such as wood or seeds. | Available in many varieties and colours. Some modern gemstone malas are inspired by Buddhist traditions rather than being traditional Buddhist prayer beads. |
What Is the Difference Between Mala Beads and Buddhist Prayer Beads?
The words mala and Buddhist prayer beads are often used interchangeably, but they are not exactly the same thing.
“Mala” is a Sanskrit term meaning a garland or string of beads, and the term is also used in Hindu traditions and other spiritual practices.
“Buddhist prayer beads” is a broader English description for bead strands used in Buddhist practice.
A Buddhist mala is therefore a type of mala associated with Buddhist practice, but not every mala sold today is Buddhist.
This distinction is especially important because modern wellness and jewellery markets use the word “mala” for many decorative bead necklaces that may have little connection to a particular Buddhist tradition.
What Are Monk Beads?
Monk beads is a term commonly used for traditional Buddhist prayer beads associated with Buddhist Monks and practitioners.
In Thailand, simple wooden and seed bead necklaces can be seen in Buddhist communities and are used as practical religious objects rather than as fashion jewellery.
The term “Monk beads” is also used commercially today, so it is worth asking where a particular mala comes from and whether it actually has a connection to Buddhist practice.
At Monk Mala, our focus is on traditional Buddhist prayer beads from Thailand, rather than creating Western-style jewellery that is simply inspired by the appearance of a mala.
Common Questions regarding Buddhist Prayer Beads
Are Buddhist Prayer Beads Required in Buddhism?
No.
A person does not have to use prayer beads to practice Buddhism. Mala are a practice aid, and their use differs between Buddhist traditions, teachers and individual practitioners. Some people use them every day for mantra or meditation practice. Others may use them only during particular practices, while some Buddhists do not use prayer beads at all.
This is important for anyone new to Buddhism: owning a mala does not make someone Buddhist, and being Buddhist does not require owning a mala.
Can anyone use Buddha prayer beads, regardless of their religious beliefs?
Absolutely! Buddhist prayer beads are not exclusive to any particular religion and can be used by anyone seeking spiritual growth and mindfulness.
Buddhist prayer beads come in handy for meditation purposes. They provide a person with a way to keep track of breathing techniques and mantras as they go along the mala.
In addition to using the mala beads for meditation, they can also be worn as an accessory and a way to embrace their energy on a continual basis. Individuals who want to wear the Buddhist prayer beads can do so by wearing them as a necklace. Monk Mala Buddhist Prayer Beads have been Blessed by Monks so this initial energy will be within the Mala Bead Necklace. Over time your own energies will begin to infuse and reinforce this Monks Blessing.
However you choose to wear your Buddhist prayer beads, you should try to not let them touch the ground as this may ground the energies contained within them. So keep this in mind when taking them off and storing them.
What is the meaning of the Buddhist Mala Guru Bead?
The primarily use of the Prayer Mala Guru Bead is as a measure of counting the cycles of Mantra. It allows the user to know without any conscious effort when a cycle has been completed. The guru bead represents the relationship between the student and the guru or spiritual method being used.
Once you have completed a full circuit of the mala and reached the guru bead again, you reverse direction by flipping your mala. Then you continue again in reverse order. Most people believe that you do not cross over the guru bead as a sign of respect towards one’s spiritual teachers.
Choosing the Right Prayer Bead Mala for You
Incorporating Buddhist prayer beads into your spiritual practice can be a transformative experience. As you explore the world of malas, you open the door to deeper self-awareness, inner peace, and a profound connection to the universe. So why wait? Begin your journey with these sacred beads today!
Today there are many people selling many different types of Buddhist prayer beads. The mala beads come in various styles, colors, and materials. When you choose your Buddhist prayer beads, you should keep the following considerations in mind:
- Real and Authentic Buddhist Mala Beads: Buddhist prayer beads are made by many different people ranging from the Authentic Buddhist Mala Beads found at Monk Mala to fashioned jewellery made by people who work in Yoga studios. Here you need to consider the intention behind wanting a Buddhist Prayer bead … do you want the pure and traditional item or something that was created with intentions influenced by a individual new age philosophy?
- Type of material: Real Buddhist prayer beads are made of just a few different materials. Usually holy woods and seeds, and on rare occasions Gem Stones. The variety of different gemstones sold in today’s market often come from regions not natural to Buddhist countries.
- Color: The color of the mala may be chosen simply for aesthetic purposes while other times you might want to choose a certain color based on what it represent
- Tassel or pendant: Many Buddhist prayer beads have tassels or pendants on them. Real Buddhist Prayer beads tend to just have beads or a tassel on them. Decorations tend to be a western influence.
- Guru bead: The guru bead is also unique in its color and design, so you can choose a mala with a guru bead that best speaks to you
Buddhist Mala Blessed by Monks in Thailand
Monk Mala is based in Chiang Mai, Thailand, and our work with Buddhist Monks gives us a direct connection to the traditional Buddhist environment in which many of our customers want their malas to be used.
Selected malas are taken to Buddhist Monks in Thailand for blessing before they are sent to customers. The blessing is not a replacement for the practical purpose of the mala. A mala can still be used to count mantra or prayer repetitions while also carrying personal and religious significance associated with its blessing.
Blessings Included
Safe Travel
Inner Peace
Good Luck &
Personal Protection
Resource to What are Buddhist Prayer Beads? wikipedia
Find your Perfect Buddhist Mala