Composition of a Mala Necklace: What are the different parts of a mala?

 

What are the different parts of a mala? A full mala necklace consists of 108 hand-knotted beads, a guru bead, a tassel and often counter beads. Each part explained here.


Composition of a Mala - What are the different parts of a mala?

Beads

A full mala consists of 108 beads, but you can use factors, such as 54, 36, 27 or 18 to create shorter malas that can also be worn as a bracelet. Traditional malas are made of wood beads like sandalwood or seeds, such as rudraksha seeds. Now it’s also more and more popular to add gemstones or crystals or make a mala entirely of gemstones or crystals. They add even more energetic significance to your mala.

 

      Counter beads/ Marker beads

      In Tibetan tradition an additional bead is added after every 27th bead, which divides the mala into 4 intervals. In some case you will also find the counter bead, or also called marker bead, after every 36th or 54th bead. They are there to help you stay focus and act as a reminder, in case your mind wanders off during meditation. At Gypsy Soul Jewellery, all our mala necklaces include at least one counter bead.

       

          Knots

          The knots between each bead make the mala stronger and they also provide the perfect space between each bead, so they don’t touch each other and crack over time. The knots also provide enough space for Japa Meditation, to count the repetition of a mantra. However, they also represent our challenges in life, as well as the divine link present among all living beings in the universe. It shows the bond and interconnectedness of everything in the Universe, as everything is connected, “tied” together.

           

              Guru Bead

              The guru bead is at the bottom of your mala, the bead that the tassel is attached to. If the mala doesn’t have any additional counter beads, the guru bead will be the 109th bead of your mala. It symbolizes the teacher or guru which supports you. It honors the student-guru relationship, your teacher in life and within yourself. In Sanskrit the word also means “bringer of light”. Once you did a full cycle of repetition of your mantra, this is the bead where you would pause, reflect and give thanks to your teachers and the teacher within you and reverse the process if you want to continue. You will never skip over the guru bead, as it’s regarded as disrespectful.

               

                  Tassel

                  The tassel is a string of beads at the bottom of the mala. The strings of the mala come together and literally bind the tassel. A pre-made tassel that is attached and added to the finished mala does not hold the same symbology, as a tassel that is made as an integral part of the mala. At Gypsy Soul Jewellery we honor that tradition which is why all our tassels are not pre-made or loosely attached. They are always knotted with the same string of the mala necklace. The strings that come together symbolize our connection to the divine, the energies of the Universe and one another. In Buddhist culture, the tassel is the symbol of the root of the lotus blossom which represent enlightenment and reminds the wearer of the analogy “no mud, no lotus”. For many centuries tassels are also used as a talisman which represents the fourth state of turiya, pure consciousness, the wearer’s whish to cultivate prana, which is the life force energy and one’s yearning towards moksha which means liberation.

                   

                    |  

                  More Posts

                  Mala Beads

                  VIP Club

                  Join the VIP Club and get 20% off your first order.

                  *By completing this form you're signing up to receive our emails and can unsubscribe at any time

                  Blog posts

                  Mala Beads Care - Gypsy Soul Jewellery

                  Mala Beads Care

                  Revitalize Your Mala Beads: A Complete Guide to Care and Cleansing for Spiritual Brilliance

                  In this comprehensive guide, we explore the art of mala bead care, from keeping them clean and shiny to storing them with intention. But it doesn't stop there. Learn the transformative power of cleansing your mala beads, ridding them of any stored energies that may have accumulated along the way. Dive into the wisdom of smudging, moonlight charging, and more, as we reveal the secrets to maintaining the purity and vitality of your beloved malas. Join me this journey of care, intention, and rejuvenation, and let your mala beads continue to serve as powerful companions on your path to spiritual growth and meditation

                  Read More
                  The Power of Full Moon and Supermoon Cleansing and Charging - Gypsy Soul Jewellery

                  The Power of Full Moon and Supermoon Cleansing and Charging

                  Elevate Your Crystal Connection: Full Moon and Supermoon Magic

                  Experience the magic of lunar energy with this guide to cleansing and charging crystals under the full moon and supermoon. Learn how to awaken your crystals to their full potential and how to align them with your intentions. Join me on a journey of cosmic rejuvenation and crystal empowerment.

                   

                  Read More
                  How to protect yourself during mercury retrograde? - Gypsy Soul Jewellery

                  How to protect yourself during mercury retrograde?

                  Mastering Mercury Retrograde: Navigating Cosmic Tides

                  Embrace the ebb and flow of Mercury Retrograde with confidence. Navigate life's quirks during this celestial event and embrace the magic of crystals as your cosmic allies. Welcome to your ultimate guide for harmony in a chaotic cosmos.
                  Read More