Mala Beads have been worn for thousands of years in the traditions of Buddhism, Hinduism and Yoga. They are worn for their spiritual and healing qualities as well as a tool for certain types of meditation. The purpose of a Mala depends on the wearer's needs and when worn by intuitive prescription based on the type(s) of stone, it is a powerful amplifier of mental, physical and/or spiritual needs.

We all know, calming the mind is a bit tricky! Using a Mala in meditation can help quiet the mind and body so that meditation can become more meaningful. While sitting, a meditator may use a Mala by calmly & silently counting each stone or bead silently through their fingers. Others may use each bead as an opportunity to chant a mantra or positive affirmation to themselves, while other schools chant each of the 108 beads as a mantra aloud in a group. We have even heard that once you chant a Mala, all 108 beads, 108 times through that the Mala then powerfully radiates that mantra’s frequency.

Mala is a Sanskrit word, meaning garland. Our Malas are made with 108 rudraksha beads and/or semi-precious gemstones along with an additional bead known as a guru bead, the 109th bead of the string. These are powerfully sacred pieces and are usually separate from the full string of 108; this is to signify both the relationship of student and guru as well as a realization of the universal self. This bead is never passed over when used for mediation, when this bead is reached the student turns the Mala around and starts in the opposite direction.

Why 108, you ask?

108 is a sacred and spiritual number. The number shows up in many ancient wisdom paths. The ancient text that many yogis study is called the Upanishads which has 108 chapters. There are 27 constellations by 4 parts which is 108. The 12 zodiac signs by 9 planets is also 108. The Ganges river also is known to have 108 names and it is said that there are 108 energy lines converging to form the Heart Chakra.

In Buddhism 108 is said to represent the following formula: 6 x 3 x 2 x 3 = 108

• 6 senses of a human being: sight, sound, smell, taste, touch, thought
• 3 times:  past, present, future
• 2 conditions of heart, mind or intention: pure or impure
• 3 emotional states or "kleshia":  like, dislike, indifference

Our Malas are all hand crafted in the heart of Bali with precious stones & crystals from around the world.

Which ones speaks to you?