Mala beads, also known as yoga beads or japamalas, are a loop of prayer beads commonly used in Dharmic religions such as Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism, and Sikhism for counting recitations when performing japa (reciting a mantra or other sacred sound) or for counting some other sadhana (spiritual practice) such as prostrating before a holy icon. They are similar to other forms of prayer beads used in various world religions, such as the "misbaha" in Islam and the "rosary" in Catholicism. The main body of a mala is usually 108 beads of roughly the same size and material as each other, though smaller versions, often factors of 108 such as 54 or 27, exist. A distinctive 109th "guru bead", not used for counting, is very common. Mala beads have traditionally been made of a variety of materials such as wood, stone, seeds, bone, and precious metals—with various religions often favoring certain materials—and strung with natural fibers such as cotton, silk, or animal hair. Nowadays, mala beads can be found which are made from synthetic materials such as plastic or glass beads, and nylon cords whether braided string or monofilament.

Mala beads have been around for thousands of years, created in India over 3,000 years ago. They are rooted in Hinduism and Buddhism and are meant to help you focus your mind during meditation. Mala beads traditionally have 108 beads. The largest bead, in the center, is known as the guru. It is said to hold the energy generated during your practice. There are always 108 beads on malas. The number is often described as the numerical equivalent of “Om,” one of the most important spiritual sounds in meditation. Also, the relationship between your inner and outer environment is described by the 108 beads. People who make traditional mala beads use overhead knotting so they’re stronger. This method also makes space for “japa” meditation, in which you repeatedly count each bead per mantra.

Mala beads can help you with different aspects of meditation, which is why they are used in spiritual and mindfulness practice. They’ve been used for centuries by a range of religions, from Hinduism to Catholicism. Today, they’re sometimes used as a mindfulness aid without any religious affiliation. They traditionally include 108 beads in addition to a guru bead, which is larger than the rest of the beads and often has a tassel. Malas come in a range of styles and colors. The beads themselves can be made from seeds, precious or semiprecious stones, wood, or other materials. Since you’ll use the mala to promote calm and relaxation, it’s important to choose beads that feel good to you. There’s no right or wrong choice here. “Look for a mala that speaks to you,” Schmidt says. When looking at a specific mala, she advises asking yourself:

• Does it feel good to touch?
• Is it beautiful to me?
• Is it made out of a stone or seed that has a special meaning to me? If your answer to any of these is “yes,” the mala should work just fine for you.

In summary, mala beads are a type of prayer beads used in various religions for counting recitations when performing japa or for counting some other sadhana. They are traditionally made of a variety of materials such as wood, stone, seeds, bone, and precious metals, and strung with natural fibers such as cotton, silk, or animal hair. Mala beads have 108 beads of roughly the same size and material as each other, though smaller versions, often factors of 108 such as 54 or 27, exist. A distinctive 109th "guru bead", not used for counting, is very common. Mala beads can ...