Meaning and How to Make the Best Use of Buddhist Malas

Mala is a Sanskrit word, and it is made up of beads used for counting mantras and offering prayers. People often use Malas to count mantras and these prayer beads are very popular in Tibetan Buddhist communities. Wrapped around the wrists or worn as necklaces, BuddhistMalas hold a special place in the lives of many people. 

 

Let's understand the meaning of Malas...

Mala, a Sanskrit word, and often come with 108 prayer beads that are used to count the number of times a mantra is recited by the practitioner. Buddhist prayer beads, also known as 'Japa Malas', are similar to other forms of prayer beads as the purpose in same that is to offer prayers. In Tibetan Buddhism, 108 beads are used while some practitioners also use 21 or 28 beads for doing meditation.

The main use of religious Malas is to count mantras and these can be recited for different purposes such as for peace of mind, to improve concentration, and more. These beads can be made from the Bodhi beads, Rudraksha, or from the wood of Bodhi tree. Lotus root or rattan seeds are also used to make some general-purpose Malas.

Let's understand how to use Malas...

A Buddhist Mala usually contains the 108 prayer beads, counter, spacer, bum counter, marker, Guru bead, amulet and tassel. The number of beads represent 108 times of the mantra words and the spacers divide the Mala into four parts. When using it, pass a bead by left hand and recite the prayer words one time, then go to the next bead. When you pass the space beads, you need not to recite mantra as they are meant to know how many beads you passed.

Counting all the beads means you have done with reciting mantra words 108 times and then you can continue with doing it again. Keep moving the bum counter bead and finish moving it 108 times, which means you have completed the mantra words 108,000 times. A blessed Mala is more powerful as compared to a general-purpose Mala.

Blessed prayer beads are believed to protect the practitioners, calm heart, and keep away all the evils and negativity. The main purpose of such religious ornaments is to drive away evil and bring peace and bliss. If you wish to buy these ornaments, you can buy them from online stores at a reasonable price.

Make sure that you always keep religious Malas at a clean place and do not wash them with any chemical liquid.