Among many types of beads, guru beads are among the most easily recognizable ones. They are either bigger than regular beads or have a unique shape that distinguishes them from regular beads. They come in a wide range of materials and are sometimes the most crucial aspect of beaded accessories. Needless to say, this scenario is primarily found in accessories where the guru bead is the only bead used, with the prime example being hand-knotted wrist mala.
But what even is a guru bead, and how to use a guru bead? We will be answering this question. So, without any further ado, let’s get started!
What is a Guru bead?
Guru directly translates to “Teacher” in many Southeast Asian languages, including Hindi and Nepali. As such, Guru bead literally translates to “Teacher Bead” and is an accessory traditionally used in beaded mala accessories such as beaded mala necklaces and beaded wrist mala bracelets. These beads can be made from almost any material, and each guru bead has a unique set of significances. Regardless of the materials used, they share a common significance of signaling the end of a prayer cycle.
What is the function of Guru Bead?
Similar to its significance, the specific function of the Guru bead also depends widely on the type of material it is made from. Depending on the specific material, the Guru bead can function as a Vitality booster, spiritual enhancer, protector or enhancer of fortune. The most common areas where Guru Beads are used include Japa Mala Meditation and Lucky Charm Necklaces.
That said, since the Guru bead is a special type of bead, it has the additional function of holding in the prayers and intentions while you meditate and perform spiritual activities.
This covers the basic gist of the introduction.
How to use guru bead in Guru Beads Mala?
These beads are powerful materials that can be used in many ways. The most common method to use guru mala beads is in Beaded Mala accessories such as Beaded Mala Necklaces and Beaded Wrist Mala Bracelets. However, you can also use these beads as a charm in a pendant and locket and regular bracelets.
But regardless of how you use guru beads, you will need to add guru beads to either a locket, bracelet, or beaded accessory. The crux of the problem lies in how to add guru beads into guru bead mala and guru bead necklaces.
Here we will provide you with the required materials and a step-by-step guide on how to use the guru bead.
Do note that we are talking about using two-part guru beads here. Using guru beads with just one part is the same as using any other bead, as they are just bigger versions of regular beads.
Materials required to use Guru beads
The primary materials needed to use these beads are:
- Needles:
- Stainless Steel Big Eye Collapsable/Curved Needle
- Quantity: 2
- Beads:
- Guru Beads
- Size: 6 mm, 8 mm, 10 mm
- Quantity: 1
- Thread: As required by the accessory
Note* Colllapsable needles or curved needles are a type of flexible needles that can easily be bent. You can find collapsable needles in both single-use and reusable varieties.
And these are all the materials you require to add use these beads. Before using the beads, you need to know how to make a beaded mala necklace and beaded mala bracelets. If you are curious about the process of making mala necklaces and beaded mala bracelets, we also have articles about that. Do give them a read.
Now, let’s talk about how to use guru bead in a guru bead mala.
A Step-by-Step guide to using Guru beads in Guru beads mala
The following is a step-by-step guide to using the guru beads.
Step 1: Gather all the materials
The first step is rather obvious, as you cannot make or use beads without the materials. Since we have already discussed the required materials earlier, we can skip this step and jump to the next one. Just be sure to gather the materials required for your primary accessory before starting the process.
Step 2: Curl the needle
In this step, you will need to curl the collapsable or curved needle by pulling the needle between your thumb and index finger. Depending on the quality of the needle, this may take a few tries. You should repeat this process until it forms the shape of a fish hook.
Step 3: String the thread through the needle
After curving the needle, you should string the end threads of your beaded necklace, wrist mala, and/or other accessories. This process should be repeated with the other end of the thread at the end of your accessory.
Step 4: Pull the chords through the beads
Once you do this, the next step is to pull the chords through the top hole of the guru beads. This is where the specialty of collapsable needles/ curved needles comes into play, as the curve of the needle makes this process a lot easier.
Side note* Yes, you can do this process with a straight needle and a hook, but it will be a lot harder.
Step 5: Thread the strings through the second part
In this step, you should thread both strings through the single hole on the second part of the guru beads. This might take a few tries as the hole in the second part of the mala beads will be smaller than the primary bead.
If you have previous experience in beading and are confident, you can discard the needles at this step.
Step 6: Tie a knot
This is the final step in the process of adding a guru bead to your accessory. As the title says, you must secure the guru bead by tying a not at the end.
Step 7 (Optional): Add the tassel
This is an optional step where you add tassels at the end. You can either pre-plan this step or implement this step if you have lots of excessive strings remaining even after making the accessories and adding in beads. If you want to know the details of how to add tassels, we have covered this in greater in our previously linked article regarding how to make mal bracelets.
You can use this method of adding and using these beads in any form of religious and spiritual accessories as long as the accessories contain the use of threads and chords. Do note that the thicker the cord, the harder it is to use guru mala beads. The same principle applies even if you are using metal chords. As long as the metal chord is flexible and thin enough, adding and using a guru bead should not be much of an issue.
Where to buy Guru beads and Guru beads mala?
In the end, the only question that remains is – where can you find the best guru beads and guru beads mala? Well to answer your question, you can buy loose guru beads in any major religious location in Southeast Asia. But if you are looking for the best guru bead wholesaler then you can buy the best Guru beads and products with guru beads from Nirvana Mala, one of the best wholesalers and distributors in Nepal!
In the end,
The guru bead is an important aspect in a wide range of religious, spiritual, and meditational accessories and is most commonly used in beaded mala and beaded wrist mala. That said, Guru beads are not limited to beaded mala accessories, as you can use guru beads in any necklace, bracelet, pendant and even ring.
Depending on the type of accessory, the implementation of guru bead may vary, and the specific use entirely depends on your choices.
We hope you found this helpful. And as always, thank you for reading till the end.
FAQ
Q: How to attach guru beads to mala?
A: To attach a guru bead, you will need to:
- Gather the materials
- Curl the needle
- Thread the needle
- Pull the chords through the Guru bead
- Tie a knot at the end
Q: How do you use spiritual beads?
A: You can use spiritual beads in a wide range of ways which includes
- Using spiritual beads as charms,
- In beaded mala necklaces
- In wrist mala bracelets
- Counting beads
- For Japa mala meditation practice
- As Spacer beads
Q: What is a guru bead for?
A: Guru bead stands for the bead of teaching and retention and is primarily used to signify the end of a prayer and Japa mala mantra cycle.