Yoga Mala Beads
Traditional 108 Bead Mala for Yoga, Japa and Meditation
Yoga Mala beads, also known as Japa Mala, are traditional prayer and meditation beads used to count repetitions of a mantra, prayer or sacred phrase. A traditional Yoga Mala commonly contains 108 beads and a larger Guru bead.
During Japa meditation, the practitioner moves through the beads one at a time while repeating the chosen mantra. The beads provide a physical way to keep count, allowing greater attention to remain on the mantra and meditation rather than on counting repetitions.
Monk Mala offers traditional-style Yoga Mala made from natural materials including Rudraksha, Bodhi seed and Lotus seed. Based in Chiang Mai, Thailand, selected Mala can also be taken to a Buddhist Monk for blessing before being sent to you.
What are Yoga Mala Beads?
A Yoga Mala is traditionally a string of beads used during Japa, the practice of repeating a mantra, prayer or sacred phrase.The word “mala” means “garland”, while “Japa” refers to recitation or repetition.
A Japa Mala therefore provides a physical method for counting each repetition. Rather than trying to remember how many times a mantra has been repeated, the practitioner moves from one bead to the next.This simple action allows the mind to concentrate more fully on the sound, meaning and rhythm of the mantra.
For full description you can read “What are Yoga Mala Beads?
Why Do Yoga Mala Have 108 Beads?
108 is one of the most recognised numbers associated with Mala in Indian religious and spiritual traditions. There is no single explanation for why a traditional Mala contains 108 beads. Different traditions have developed different explanations and associations for the number. Within Yogic and Indian traditions, 108 has been associated with sacred texts, places, points of the body, cosmology and other symbolic systems. The practical purpose, however, is straightforward.
A 108-bead Mala provides a complete cycle for mantra or prayer repetition.
The practitioner moves through each bead once, completing 108 repetitions before reaching the Guru bead.The 108-bead Mala remains the most widely recognised traditional form, although shorter Mala with different numbers of beads are also used
For more details read “Why do Buddhist Mala have 108 Beads?”
Which Yoga Mala Is Right for You?
Traditional Mala are commonly made from natural materials such as seeds, wood and other naturally occurring materials. The material can vary according to the religious tradition, region,intended use and personal preference of the practitioner. Some of the best-known materials used for Yoga and Japa Mala include
Rudraksha, Bodhi seeds, Lotus seeds and wood.
| Material | Traditional Association | Why Choose It? |
|---|---|---|
| Rudraksha | Strong association with Hindu religious traditions and Shiva. | A traditional choice for Japa and meditation. |
| Bodhi Seed | Associated with awakening and the Buddha’s enlightenment. | Particularly meaningful for Buddhist practitioners. |
| Lotus Seed | Associated with purity, growth and spiritual development. | Lightweight and comfortable for use as a natural Mala. |
| Wood | Simple and natural, with a long history of use in prayer beads and Mala traditions. | Practical and comfortable for regular meditation. |
The meanings associated with Mala materials vary between Buddhist, Hindu and other spiritual traditions. We describe these associations as part of their traditional and cultural history rather than making unsupported claims about healing powers.
Shop Yoga Mala Beads Necklace
Japa Meditation Yoga Necklace Blessed by a Buddhist Monk
Every 108-bead Yoga Mala Necklace includes a Certificate of Authenticity and Thai Silk Bag.
Monk Blessed Yoga Mala Beads: 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 Yoga Mala Beads Necklace with us for a special blessing for our customers. The Sak Yant co-op also allows Monk Mala to source it’s Authentic Indian Yoga Mala Beads Necklaces from various suppliers of Japa Mala Necklaces in India.
To find out how to Use your Yoga Mala Necklace for Meditation, read “How to Use Buddhist Prayer Beads“
What Is Japa Meditation?
Japa is the repetition of a mantra, prayer or sacred phrase. During Japa meditation, one repetition is generally performed for each bead. The practitioner moves through the Mala until reaching the Guru bead, marking the completion of a cycle. The Mala therefore has a practical purpose as well as a spiritual one. It provides a physical rhythm for the practice and removes the need to mentally count each repetition. When another cycle is required, the Mala is traditionally turned around at the Guru bead rather than passing over it.How Are Yoga Mala Beads Used?
To use a traditional Yoga Mala, hold the beads comfortably in one hand.- Begin with the bead next to the Guru bead.
- Repeat your chosen mantra once, then move to the next bead.
- Continue through the Mala, using one bead for each repetition.
- When you reach the Guru bead, the traditional practice is to turn the Mala around and continue in the opposite direction rather than passing over the Guru bead.
- The Mala can be used for mantra repetition, prayer, affirmations or, depending on the practitioner’s tradition, counting breaths.
Traditional Yoga Mala vs Modern Mala Jewelry
Today, the word “Mala” is used for both traditional prayer beads and modern spiritual jewelry. Modern Mala jewelry may include gemstones, decorative beads, charms and other elements selected primarily for appearance or personal symbolism. A traditional Japa Mala has a different purpose. Its bead count, materials and construction are connected with an established practice of mantra repetition, prayer or meditation.
There is nothing inherently wrong with modern Mala jewelry. The important thing is understanding what you are buying and whether it is intended as jewelry, a meditation tool, or both.
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