What are mala bracelets?
Mala bracelets are a form of spiritual jewelry used to remember one’s intentions, as well as a meditation tool used to chant Sanskrit mantras. Mala bracelets are similar to rosaries, except they have a different number of beads and rarely contain religious imagery. The word “mala” means “garland” in Sanskrit, and different eastern spiritual practices have used these strands of meditation beads for hundreds of years.
Also known as meditation bracelets, wrist malas, Buddhist prayer beads, or mantra bracelets, these simple yet powerful pieces of jewelry are designed to help you focus your mind using japa or mantra meditation. As you hold the mala in your hand and touch each bead with your fingers, you chant a mantra or prayer. After each single recitation, you progress to the next bead, using the bracelet as a way to count up to 108 repetitions of the mantra.
How many beads are in mala bracelet?
There are 108 beads in a traditional necklace mala, so an authentic mala bracelet will usually have 27 beads or another division of 108, like 18 or 36. There will also be one guru, meru or mother bead at the end of the strand of beads. A traditional mala has a tassel at the end of the guru bead. The guru bead is a symbol of completion and represents the end of a practice session of 108 repetitions of your mantra.
What are mala bracelets made from?
Mala beads are made from a variety of materials, including wood, stones, metal, seeds, and crystals. Rudraksha, tulsi and sandalwood malas are especially popular in the yoga and Hindu traditions. Modern malas are often made from gemstones like amethyst, citrine, jade, etc. Mala bracelets are usually strung on an elastic cord so they can easily be put on and off the wrist.
Mala bracelet tassels
An authentic mala bead bracelet will have a tassel at the end. The tassel symbolizes power, protection, prestige, and spiritual connection. The binding of the main cord of the mala with additional yarn symbolizes our connection to the Divine and the inherent oneness of all reality. A mala’s tassel can also symbolize the fourth state of turiya (pure consciousness), the wearer’s wish to cultivate prana (life force energy), and one’s yearning towards moksha (liberation).
Some people find the tassel on a mala bracelet to be distracting or problematic when washing hands. If so, trimming the tassel back to make it as short as possible can be helpful. Another option is to flip the tassel up and pull the mala down your arm a little to keep it out of the way when washing your hands.
The benefits of wearing mala bracelets
There are several benefits of using and wearing a mala bracelet. Mentally focusing on repeating mantras while holding the beads in your hand can help calm your mind and reduce stress. Using a mala bracelet can help you develop concentration and focus during meditation sessions. Many people who wear a mala say that it helps them feel grounded, connected to their inner self, and more mindful throughout their day. Some people even use a mala bracelet as a reminder to stay calm, positive, and focused throughout the day.
There are many different types of malas, including those designed specifically for meditation, healing, protection, prosperity, love, friendship, abundance, wisdom and success. Each mala has specific benefits associated with it, based on the gemstones and type of wood and seeds used. Individual gemstones and crystals have traditional physical healing properties as well as benefits to the mind and emotions. For example, most black stones protect against negative energy and psychic attack, while clear or white mala beads purify negativity and balance the chakras.
There are also gemstone malas for activating one or more specific chakras. For example, if you want to activate the heart chakra, you would select a green or pink stone or crystal. You could also wear a wrist mala that corresponds to one of the elements. For example, if the element is fire, you might choose a red mala.
You can get even more benefits from having a collection of different malas. You can use each mala for its intended purpose, wear them together, or mix and match them according to what you need.
Using mala bracelets to set intentions
Mala bracelets can be used to set intentions, prayers and goals to further increase their benefits. Setting your intention requires you to contemplate what you want from your meditation or mindfulness practice and what is realistic for you to attain at your current level of practice.
This visualization process can be very powerful because it allows you to get crystal clear on what steps are required to make your dreams come true. You may wish to write your intentions down to review them before practice or to reflect and refine them on a regular basis.
After practicing with your mala beads and intentions, wearing the mala bracelet during your day allows you to connect with your intention and gain clarity about what choices will bring you closer to your goals. When wearing a mala bracelet, you feel empowered and confident to overcome obstacles and reach your goals.