What Are Mala Beads Used For?

Hindu, yogic and Buddhist traditions have used mala beads for centuries as an aid for meditation. They come in different shapes, sizes, and colors. Some malas are made with precious stones, crystals or natural materials like wood and seeds. Each type has its own unique properties. These garlands or strings of beads are traditionally used to count mantras or Sanskrit prayers, but mala beads are also used for many different things, including to bring good fortune, protect against negative energies, and increase spiritual awareness.

Why do yogis wear mala beads?

Wearing a mala bracelet or mala necklace acts as a reminder of the intentions and goals of our meditation practice. Seeing them around your neck or wrist encourages us to seek inner peace and tranquility during challenging moments. They help us to stay focused on our goals and aspirations and to focus on what we want to achieve and how we can get there. Wearing gemstone mala beads transmits their energy through physical contact, which allows you to receive their healing and transformative properties.

Why use mala beads?

Prayer beads have been used in many different traditions throughout history. They have been used in Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism, Christianity, Islam, Judaism, and other religions. In each tradition, prayer beads are used for different purposes. They use primarily mala beads in the Hindu and Buddhist traditions to count mantras or prayers, keep track of your spiritual progress, and to help you focus on a specific intention. Modern meditators use mala beads for many other reasons. We’ve created a list of 53 reasons people use mala beads!

1. To help you bring about positive change in your life.
2. To help you overcome obstacles.
3. To help you stay focused and improve your memory.
4. To help you gain clarity of thought.
5. To help you become more patient.
6. To help you be more mindful.
7. To help you develop concentration.
8. To help you learn how to reduce anger and frustration.
9. To help you release stress.
10. To help you overcome depression.
11. To help you increase self-esteem.
12. To help you find peace within yourself.
13. To help you achieve success in life.
14. To help you make decisions easily.
15. To help you manifest things quickly.
16. To help you build confidence.
17. To help you live a happier life.
18. To help you attract good luck.
19. To help you protect yourself against negativity and negative energy.
20. To help you reach enlightenment.
21. To help you attain higher states of consciousness.
22. To help you experience joy and happiness.
23. To help you overcome negative emotions such as fear, worry, anxiety, guilt, jealousy, and resentment.
24. To help you attract good luck.
25. To help you heal old emotional wounds.
26. To help you understand the true nature of reality.
27. To help you connect with the Divine Source.
28. To help you feel more peaceful inside.
29. To help you gain inner strength.
30. To help you achieve inner balance.
31. To help you have faith in yourself.
32. To help you feel safe and protected.
33. To help you become less judgmental.
34. To help you become kinder.
35. To help you become responsible.
36. To help you become successful.
37. To help you be grateful for what you have.
38. To help you become wise.
39. To help you become tolerant and understanding.
40. To help you become more forgiving.
41. To help you become more patient.
42. To help you become more loving.
43. To help you become more humble.
44. To remind you take slow deep breaths.
45. To help you deepen your spiritual practice.
46. To help align and open your chakras.
47. To help you become a better person.
48. To connect you to the healing powers of the gemstone beads.
49. To honor and respect the spiritual traditions of your teachers.
50. To help increase your intuition.
51. To help increase your wisdom.
52. To help increase your creativity.
53. To help improve your relationships.

Reflection

Why do you wear and use mala beads? Have you used your Japa Mala Beads for any of the above reasons? How has the use of malas helped you become a healthier, happier, and a better person?