What is a Mala?

About Prayer Beads

Malas are prayer or rosary beads used for reciting repetitions of prayers or chants called "mantras,"  and help to facilitate ritualized meditation practice. They have been used for thousands of years in Tibetan, Indian, Chinese, Japanese  Buddhism and Hinduism. Prayer beads in different forms are used in Christianity and Islam as well. 

What is a Mala?

A full mala is usually 108 counting beads with a formal three holed special finishing bead called a "guru" bead, "mother/parent" bead or "Buddha" bead. They are oftentimes additional marker beads that may or may not be counted that divide the mala into quadrants, constituting a sum of 108 counting beads.  We, at Sakura Designs, use 108 counting beads, with three additional marker beads. One marker is placed at number 21 on either side, as many mantra practices require 21 recitations, and at one marker 1/2 way through at number 54. The malas are then fastened with guru bead and tassel or with some styles, tied into knots.

Recitation of Mantra Prayers

Mantras are spiritual syllables or prayers and are usually repeated many times. In Tibetan Buddhism, one mala constitutes 100 recitations of a mantra. There are 8 additional recitations done to ensure proper concentration. One holds the mala with the left hand and begins to recite from the guru bead, clockwise around the mala.

"Jupshe"  or Mantra Counters

Once one has completed one entire mala, a 10 bead mantra counting beads called counters are used. One bead is moved to equate to 100 recitations. When one stand of counters is complete, another strand of counters is used, and one bead is the moved to account for 1000 recitations. Many mantra recitations can be counted, using a "jupshe." 

108 Beads- Tibetan

108 beads in Buddhism is considered an "auspicious number" often used.

108 beads in Buddhism is said to represent the  following formula:
6 x 3 x 2 x3 = 108
6 senses of a human being: sight, sound, smell, taste, touch, thought
3 times:  past, present, future
2 conditions of heart, mind or intention: pure or impure
3 disturbing emotional states or "kleshia":  like, dislike, indifference

108 Beads- Japanese

Number of beads- 108 plus 4 plus 1. The formal Juzu has 108 koshu 'children' or main counting beads, plus either one or two larger boshu 'parent' beads at the beginning or end. There are markers after  #7 and #21 on either side. The 108 koshu represent the 108  earthly desires, worldly & or confused  passions which the follower of the Dharma seeks to overcome.

Japa Mala

In Sanskrit, the word mala itself means necklace. Japa malas are usually worn around the neck when not in use. Hindus will recite mantras semi-audibly with their Japa Mala, holding the mala with the right hand. Hindu malas are usually made from earthy, natural materials including "Tulsi" (basil), Sandalwood, Lotus, Bodhi Seeds or Rudraksha beads.

Tasbih or "Worry Beads"

In Islamic culture, a 99 bead rosary, called a Tasbih, is used for daily prayer. The Tasbih is divided into thirds with a placeholder marker after each 33 bead. The Tasbih are finished with a cylindrical shaped finishing bead and tassel. These are known in popular culture as "worry beads," and are held as "good luck" charms. 

Power Beads or Wrist Malas

Smaller, handheld malas are often used. These recently entered popular culture and were known as power beads or hand malas. These are usually made from semi-precious stone or wood and have 21 beads, strung on a stretchy cord to be worn around the wrist. 

Hand Malas and Hand Juzu

In Tibetan Buddhism , a hand mala is most commonly used for prostrations, which is an active meditation form of bowing.  In Chinese or Pure Land Buddhism, the 27 or 36  beads mala called a Juzu is most common. In Japan the 27 or 36  bead handheld mala is called a Juzu or Ojuzu, and is used in prayer, wrapped around hands in prayer and bowing called "Gassho." Gassho is the gesture of closed  praying hands, held at the heart. 

Jodo Shin Shu

This 27 or 36 bead Juzu of the Jodo Shin Shu has 2 marker beads and the parent or 'Buddha Bead'  In prayer, the beads can be placed over the fingers of the center hand (or both hands) - letting them rest between the fingers and the thumb, while bring the hands into "Gassho."

Juzu or Ojuzu

The formal Juzu  has 108 main beads and two parent beads. There are markers after  #7 and #21 on either side.Each parent bead has two large tassles hanging from it. There are also 5 additional beads on the tassle- strings of one of the parent beads.In prayer, the doubled loop of beads can be placed over the fingers of both hands - letting them rest between the fingers and the thumb, while bring the hands into "gassho."