Mala beads are usually worn on the left wrist or worn on the neck of almost every Buddhist. Mala beads are a Buddhist prayer beads/rosary used to count mantras when chanted or mentally keeping track of mantras. A traditional mala has 108 beads, but some can have 16, 27, or 54 beads; the 108 beaded malas are usually the most common – 100 for the mantra recitations and 8 to amend any mistakes. However, there are malas that have a little over 200 beads, which is a mala I wear on my wrist strictly for reminders to be mindful and remember my practice, but I use another mala for mantras.
Malas are made from a variety of different materials, the most common being made from sandalwood. However, it’s believed that different materials can do different things and are for different purposes. An “all purpose” mala are often made from the wood of the Bodhi tree, Bodhi seeds, or rattan seeds.
Pacifying mantras use white-colored malas made from crystal, pearl, shells, or mother of pearl. These malas are used to purify the mind and clear obstacles such as illness, bad karma, or mental disturbances. Though long and repeated use of these materials can destroy their iridescent layer.
Increasing mantras should be recited using malas of gold, silver, copper and amber. The mantras counted on these can “serve to increase life span, knowledge and merit.”
Mantras for magnetizing should be recited using malas made of saffron, lotus seed, sandalwood, or other forms of wood including elmwood, peach wood, and rosewood.
Mantras to tame by forceful means should be recited using malas made of Rudraksha beads or bone. Reciting mantras with this kind of mala is said to tame others, but with the motivation to unselfishly help other sentient beings.
All malas have a “Guru” bead. That big “center” bead on the mala is the Guru bead. Your counting should be done clockwise, using your thumb to pull the beads towards you. Once you’ve made a repetition and have reached the Guru bead, you can start again going backwards.
Smile and be well!