Mala or beaded necklaces are among the most iconic and ancient forms of religious and spiritual accessories out there. These religious and spiritual accessories have been used in many forms in many locations across the world. Some use it for religious practices, while others use this beaded accessory for spiritual purposes. Some even use mala beads and mala necklaces purely for aesthetics as well. But what are mala actually used for? Before we even begin to talk about the uses of mala, what even is a mala?
In this blog, we will talk about what a prayer bead/ mala beads is, what they are used for and how to care for mala.
So without any further ado, let’s get started!
What is a Mala bead?
In simple words, a mala is a string of beads, generally transformed into a necklace. This necklace is then taken as a spiritual object and used in religious and spiritual practices. This form of usage can be found in many Eastern religions, such as Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. In Sanskrit, the word mala directly translates to “Garland”. As such, when put into the right context, a mala can be a garland of anything. Mala beads / prayer beads are the beads used in Mala necklaces.
That said, when we speak about mala beads, we generally mean beaded necklaces. So for the rest of the content, we will refer to the mala beads as simply Mala. You can apply the information we provide for both Mala beads and beaded mala necklaces.
So, in essence, a mala is a beaded garland that people use for spiritual and aesthetic accessories.
What are Mala used for?
As we have hinted earlier, mala beads / prayer beads are often used for spiritual and religious practices. These practices include a wide range of activities. Besides religious and spiritual accessories, Mala is also used for fashion purposes. Keeping this in mind, let’s take a deeper look at some more specific use for mala.
1) Meditation aid
One of the best and most well-known uses of mala beads is to aid users in their meditation practice. They act as visual and physical aid to enhance focus and concentration during meditation. During the meditation, the malas act as a grounding device that keeps you grounded in reality. If you want to know how to use mala for meditation aid, we have covered how to use mala in Japa Mala Meditation practice earlier. Do check it out.
2) Mantra recitation
Another primary use of mala beads / prayer beads is to aid the user in the mantra recitation. This is a lot like using mala in meditation. You take the mala in the right hand and then count the beads. You chant your manta with each count of the mala. You can maintain a steady rhythm and track the number of repetitions deepening the connection to the mantra’s meaning.
3) Mindfulness and Stress Reduction
Mindfulness is the process of being aware of every small detail in our surroundings or within a specific range. Mala can be useful in your mindfulness practice by allowing you to focus specifically on the feel and the act of counting the beads. Additionally, this form of using mala can also be used for stress reduction and provides you with a greater sense of calmness.
4) Symbolism
Depending on the type of beads used, a mala can carry deep meanings. The significance of the mala will vary depending on the materials used. For instance, if the mala is made from Rudraksha beads (rudraksha mala), it is a symbolic representation of lord Shiva. Furthermore, the specifics of this significance will vary depending on the Mukhi of the rudraksha. Similarly, if the mala is made from Tulsi beads, it can symbolize the lord Vishnu. By selecting the mala made with the appropriate, you can invoke different symbolism.
5) Spiritual connection and introspection
Mala and mala beads can also be used to find or enhance the personnel connection. In this process, a mala can be used as an object of devotion and represent your commitment to the spiritual path. You use the mala as an anchor for connecting yourself to your spiritual self. In a similar vein of thoughts, you can use mala for introspection as well. You do this through a combination of meditation and mindfulness. However, instead of focusing on the divine or meditation, you become mindful of your own self and thoughts.
6) Ritual Ceremony
One of the most common and well-known uses of Mala beads is being used for ritual ceremonies. The specific use of mala in rituals will vary depending on your religion of choice. In some religions, wearing mala is used as a means for chanting mantras; in other religions, mala is used as a sacred object. Additionally, mala can also be used as a means to connect you closer to the lords of worship.
7) Healing and Transformation
Mala beads can also be used for healing and transformation. While the method of using mala for healing and transformation is through meditation and mantra recitation, the intention is to heal your mental and emotional wounds rather than connect with the spiritual world and the divine.
These are just some uses of Mala. As you may have noticed, the general way to use mala is through meditation, chanting, and mindfulness. Regardless of how you use the mala, if you want to use it for a long period, you should take good care of it.
How to care for your mala?
Taking care of mala beads and mala is rather simple. All you need to do is ensure that the mala is stored properly and clean it occasionally to wash off dirt and grime. Mala should be cleaned regularly to maintain their beauty, integrity, and energetic qualities. Following are some of the ways to take care of your mala.
- Store your mala in a safe and clean place when not in use. You should consider keeping the mala in a soft pouch and jewelry.
- You should clean your mala regularly to remove dirt and oils. You can do this by wiping them with a soft damp cloth or using mind detergent for deeper cleaning.
- Avoid tugging or pulling the beads forcefully to avoid breakage.
- Try to avoid excessive moisture, as excessive moisture can damage some malas.
Now these are just the generic ways to clean your mala. Depending on the type of mala and the religious significance behind it, the specific cleansing and cleaning methods will vary. So before you go through the cleaning process, be sure to look up the specifics.
Conclusion
Mala are among some of the most ancient forms of religious and spiritual accessories. They are beads used as tools for spiritual meditation, mindfulness, mantra recitation and other forms of spiritual and religious activities. To ensure that you can keep using Mala for a long time, it is always a good idea to keep it clean.
Here we talked about what the mala is, what it is used for, and how to keep it clean. We hope you found this helpful. If you want more information regarding the mala and other spiritual accessories, do check out some of our other blogs. And as always, thank you for reading till the end.
FAQ regarding Mala beads
Q: How do you pray with mala beads?
A: To pray with mala beads, you can follow the process below.
- Hold the mala with one hand
- let it drape across your hand
- Count mala bead at the rate of one bead per chant or breath
- Finish at guru bead to complete the chant
Q: What is the purpose of 108 beads on a mala?
A: As per traditional Buddhism, there are 108 worldly desires that you need to face before attaining Nirvana.
Q: Which finger should not touch Mala?
A: You should not touch the mala with your index finger, as the index finger represents ego.