A mala is a loop of beads, traditionally 108 in number, used to count the repetitions of a mantra or simply to give your hands something calm to do while the mind settles. It is a humble tool, and that is part of its charm. Whether you have just received your first one or have owned one for years, here is a gentle guide to using it.
Why 108 beads?
The number 108 appears throughout Hindu, Buddhist and Jain traditions, and each tradition tells its own story about it. Some say it points to the 108 names of a deity. Others mention the 108 energy channels that are said to meet at the heart in yogic teaching. There is also a mathematical reading: 108 divides neatly in many ways, and the distance from the Earth to the sun is roughly 108 times the sun's diameter.
You do not have to choose one explanation. In practice, 108 gives you a full and rounded cycle of repetitions, long enough for the mind to quiet down and short enough to finish in around ten to fifteen minutes. Malas with 54 or 27 beads exist as well; you simply go around two or four times.
The parts of a mala
Look closely at your mala and you will notice one bead that stands apart. This is the guru bead, sometimes called the sumeru or meru bead. It is usually larger than the others and often carries a tassel. It marks the beginning and the end of each round, and traditionally it stands for gratitude towards your teachers and towards the practice itself.
Many malas also have small knots or spacer beads between the beads. These help your fingers feel the rhythm and keep the beads from rubbing against each other.
How to hold and move the beads
- Sit comfortably with your spine tall and your shoulders relaxed. A chair is perfectly fine.
- Let the mala rest over the middle finger of your right hand, with the beads falling into your palm. Traditionally the right hand is used and the left hand rests in the lap, but do what feels natural to you.
- Start at the first bead next to the guru bead. With each repetition of your mantra, draw one bead towards you with your thumb.
- Traditionally the index finger stays away from the beads. Many people simply let it rest straight or tucked in.
- When you reach the guru bead, you have completed 108 repetitions. Do not pass over it. Pause for a breath, then turn the mala around in your hand and continue in the other direction if you wish to go on.
Let the beads hang freely and try not to let them touch the floor. If you lose count or your mind wanders, that is completely normal. Simply return to the next bead without judgement.
Simple mantras to begin with
A mantra can be a single sound or a short phrase. You can chant it aloud, whisper it, or repeat it silently, which is the traditional way for a deeper practice. A few gentle starting points:
- Om: the sound often described as the root sound of the universe. Easy to begin with, and lovely to feel in the chest.
- So Ham: meaning “I am that”. Silently say So on the in-breath and Ham on the out-breath.
- Om Namah Shivaya: a salutation to Shiva, often translated as “I bow to the inner self”.
- Om Mani Padme Hum: the well-known Tibetan Buddhist mantra of compassion.
- Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu: “may all beings be happy and free”.
You can also use a phrase in your own language, such as “I am calm” or “thank you”. If a mantra comes from a tradition that is not your own, it is kind to learn its meaning and to pronounce it with care.
Choosing a mala by material
The best mala is the one you enjoy holding. Here are some common materials and what people traditionally appreciate in them:
- Sandalwood: light and warm, with a soft natural scent that fades slowly.
- Rudraksha seeds: textured seeds traditionally linked to Shiva and worn by many practitioners.
- Tulsi (holy basil) wood: valued in Vaishnava traditions as a devotional material.
- Gemstones: amethyst, rose quartz, tiger's eye or lava stone feel cool and weighty in the hand. Many people choose a stone because its traditional meaning speaks to them, but the real value lies in the habit it supports.
Beyond the material, think about weight and size. Beads of 6 to 8 mm are comfortable for most hands, and a knot between each bead makes the mala more durable. If you also want to wear your mala, a lighter one is more practical.
Caring for your mala
A mala grows more personal with use, and a little care keeps it beautiful for years.
- Keep it dry. Take it off before showering, swimming or washing up, especially wooden and seed malas.
- Wipe it gently with a soft, dry cloth. Perfume, lotion and oils can build up on porous beads.
- Store it in a pouch or a small bowl, or hang it on a hook, away from direct sunlight, which can fade colours.
- Check the cord and knots from time to time. A damaged cord is best restrung before it breaks.
- Treat it with respect: many people avoid putting it on the floor or taking it into the bathroom.
Some people like to hold a new mala between their hands for a quiet moment and set an intention before the first round. It is a personal ritual, and there is no wrong way to do it.
If you are curious about malas in sandalwood, rudraksha or gemstones, you are welcome to take a slow look around our shop. Choose the one that feels right in your hand, and let the practice grow at its own pace.
