A mala is simply a string of beads used in Buddhist meditation practice.
It's a tool to help you count mantras and acts as a tactile guide while you sit in silence. Malas can be made from various materials - we only use authentic gemstones, rudraksha seeds, and sandalwood. Additionally, we hand-knot each piece and bless them individually in Bali.
The Tassel in Mala Beads
The tassel's significance has multiple meanings. One that resonates with us is that when the strings come together to form the tassel, they represent our connection with the divine and with one another. We love the concept that it symbolizes unity.
The Guru Bead
The Guru bead is the bead that the tassel attaches directly to. When strung on a necklace, the Guru Bead is often the 109th bead. It's said that the Guru bead symbolizes the guru from whom the student has received a mantra to use or recite, paying homage to the teacher-student relationship.
Hand-Knotted
A true sign of traditionally made mala, the direct knotting not only makes the mala stronger, it also provides the perfect spacing for Japa meditation - a meditation that uses each bead to count one repetition of a mantra.
History of Mala Beads
Mala beads have been used by yogis and spiritual seekers for thousands of years to help keep their minds focused during meditation. Malas were created in India 3000 years ago (with roots in Hinduism and Buddhism) and have been used for a special style of meditation called Japa, which means "reciting."
The term 'mala' is a Sanskrit word meaning 'garland of meditation.'
