Meditation has neurological and physiological benefits. The practice is meant to connect you to your deeper inner self, and it’s great for stress reduction, managing emotions, and improving attention span. 

A mala is a string of beads used to focus our awareness and concentration during spiritual practice, meditation, yoga, prayer or reflection. Malas are also known as japamala, yoga beads, prayer beads, or Buddhist rosaries.

Mala beads were originally created in India over 3,000 years ago. They are rooted in Hinduism and Buddhism. They have a deep connection to mental grounding and opening your mind to your inner self and mindfulness.

The craft of mala

Mala strands traditionally have 108 beads and one guru bead, which is the largest bead, in the center. The guru bead is said to hold the energy generated during your practice. The number 108 is sacred in many Eastern religions including Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism.

Some malas will have “counter” beads. These are usually set at every 27 beads or only at the halfway point of 54. These are meant to refocus your mind in case of distraction. These are also larger like the guru bead and are not counted in the 108 mala beads. Some malas are crafted using only 27 or 54 beads for this reason. Malas are also typically adorned with a decorative silk tassel or a sacred pendant.

How to use a mala

To use a mala strand, drape the mala in your hands holding the guru bead with your dominant thumb and index finger, set your intentions. Then move to each bead repeating your mantra, phrase, affirmation or other until you return to the guru bead; pause and reflect. This signifies one complete round. If another round is desired, reverse back from the guru bead instead of “crossing over” the guru bead. This practice is also performed with breaths instead of mantras. Taking a deep breath in through your nose and out through your mouth with each bead.

Many people wear their mala as a necklace. Wearing your mala throughout the day not only looks beautiful, but serves as a constant reminder of your intentions.

Why 108?

There are many reasons and beliefs on the significance of the 108 beads. The following are some of the most popular.

• The Sanskrit Alphabet

There are 108 Buddhist prayer beads is because of the Sanskrit alphabet. This alphabet has 54 letters in it. Each one of them is feminine and masculine - or Shiva or Shakti. This means there are 108 letters.

• The Heart Chakra

Each chakra runs along energy lines in the body. There are 108 energy lines that are used to create the heart chakra. One of these, the Sushumna, goes into the crown chakra. This energy line is called the path to self-realization. If you are looking into the benefits of meditation, these are two of the chakras that you will come across.

• The Sun and The Earth

The sun and the Earth play a role in why there are 108 Buddhist prayer beads as well. The sun’s diameter is 108 times more than the Earth’s diameter. In addition, the distance going from the Earth to the Sun equals 108 times the Sun’s diameter. Since there is a natural connection made when meditating, it only makes sense to reference the Sun and the Earth’s size in counting the meditation beads.

• Astrology

Astrology seems to play a big role in meditation. The number 108 connects in astrology, too. There are 9 planets and 12 houses in astrology. When multiplying these numbers, you get 108. If you look more into astrology, you will see that there are many astrologists who meditate.

• A Harshad Number

108 is a Harshad number. A number is a Harshad number if it's evenly divisible by the sum of its digits. Harshad means "joy giver" in Sanskrit. Very fitting for the world of meditation and prayer, as well.

• The Ganges River

The Ganges River symbolizes a spiritual journey in Buddhism. This sacred river follows a longitude of twelve degrees and a latitude of nine degrees. When you multiply these two numbers, you get 108.

• The Numbers Themselves

Some people say there is a meaning behind numbers 1, 0, and 8? The meaning for the number one is a higher truth. The meaning for the number zero is completeness in spirituality. The meaning behind the number eight is eternity.

• Pranayama

Pranayama is the practice of controlling the breath to enhance life energy(prana). Pranayama is another connection to 108 mala beads. Pranayama cycles are often repeated in 108 times. It is believed that if an individual can be so calm as to only breathe 108 times in one day, enlightenment will be achieved

• Om

The number 108 is often described as the numerical equivalent of “Om,” one of the most important spiritual sounds in meditation.