A mala is simply a string of beads that are used in a Buddhist meditation practice.
It is a tool to help you count mantras, and acts as a tactile guide when sitting in silence. Malas can be made from several materials - we only use genuine gemstones, rudraksha seeds and sandalwood. Plus, we hand-tie knots and bless each piece in Bali.
The tassel in the mala beads
The meaning of the glans has multiple meanings. One that resonates with us is that when the strings come together to form the glans, they represent our connection to the divine and to each other. We love the concept that it represents unity.
The Guru's Pearl
The Guru pearl is the pearl to which the glans attaches directly. When attached to a necklace, the Guru Bead is often the 109th necklace. The guru bead is said to symbolize the guru whose mantra the student received used or recited, and to honor the student-guru relationship.
Hand tie
A true sign of a traditionally made mala, direct knotting not only makes the mala stronger, it also provides the perfect space for Japa meditation - a meditation that uses each bead to count one repetition of one mantra.
Story of a Mala
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 3,000 years ago (with roots in Hinduism and Buddhism) and were used for a special style of meditation called Japa , which means, “to recite.”
The term 'mala' is a Sanskrit word meaning 'meditation garland'.
