Tibetan Mala
Tibetan Mala - Find out all there is to know about this Buddhist rosary and its 108 beads.
Much more than a Buddhist jewel, the Tibetan mala can be worn as a necklace and bracelet but it is above all a powerful spiritual object.
History and Origins of Tibetan Mala
A Tibetan Mala, Mala bracelet or Mala necklace are Buddhist or Hindu rosaries used by Tibetan monks who have 108 beads of similar size, used for prayer, yoga or meditation.
Tibetan monks recite and repeat the same mantra for each of the 108 small beads that make it up, reaching a state of serenity, fullness, concentration, tranquility, depending on the quality of the mantra, or the name of the chosen deity.
Its name comes from the Sanskrit word "Mâlâ", which translates as necklace or garland. The 108 beads, a magical number sacred to Hindus, Jains and Buddhists, have several different meanings.
Tibetan Malas are usually made from sandalwood, Rudraksha, lotus or tulsi seeds, semi-precious stones and even bone.
Normally, the 108 beads of the same size are separated from each other by a knot. There is a pearl number 109, called Guru, which is larger than the previous ones and has a plume or acorn of thread hanging from it. The Guru represents the sacred mountain Meru, the home of the gods.
The first necklaces of this type were created in India 3000 years ago and then exported both to the East and West. These special jewels are still used today in the Hindu tradition, in Buddhism (from Tibet to Thailand, from China to Japan), in Yoga and, even under another name, in Christianity with a rosary.
The use of Mala
Malas are used to count mantra repetitions during meditation. They can be used as necklace or bracelet.
The Hindu and Buddhist traditions give great importance to this practice, which has a deep uplifting and cleansing power on the spiritual level.
In the Far East, Tibetan Mala is also used for ritual ceremonies, while in other regions it is offered to guests as a sign of honor, welcome and protection.
In addition to using it for meditation, you can wear traditional malas every day as a necklace or bracelet wrapped around your wrist to remind you to stay focused on the present moment.
Or you can hang it inside for protection or in the room where you practice yoga and meditate to bring positive energy.
108 is a sacred number in Hinduism
The number 108 is mystical for Hinduism. One of the major representations is that the Hindu religion is based on 108 philosophical texts called Upanishads. These are the main sacred texts written in Sanskrit between the 7th and 3rd century BC.
In the different Hindu traditions, the number has a great presence. For example, Shiva has 108 attendants: the followers of Shivaism (worshippers of this particular deity as the supreme of the Hindu pantheon) pray or meditate with Malas of 108 beads for this reason.
On the other hand, in some currents of Vishnuism, it is considered that Krishna had 108 followers or gopis. In his honor, his name is recited one by one after the Mala beads.
In another of the currents of Vishnuism, the one who worships Laksmí and Vishnu in a double way, it is considered that the 12 saints of Alvar kept 108 temples known under the name of Divya Desam. Finally, Vishnu has a total of 108 names.
A key figure in Jainism: 108 and karma
Jainism is one of the great Dharmic religions along with Hinduism, Buddhism and Sikhism. Within a common core of spirituality, they share certain doctrines and beliefs. Among them, the consideration of 108 as a magic number.
Jainism is a non-theistic religion that emphasizes karma. And how many influences (Aasrav) does Karma have? Exactly 108. Jainists consider that there are :
• 4 Kashays (passions): anger, pride, arrogance and greed.
• 3 Karanas (organs that participate in meditation): mind, speech and body action.
• 3 Planning steps: planning, obtaining and getting started.
• 3 modes of execution: clean action, execution and approval.
If one multiplies the Aasrv (4x3x3x3), one obtains the mystic 108, present in the Malas necklaces which are also used by the followers of Jainism.
A mystical number in Buddhism
Indeed 108 is the number of kleshas or mental obscurations that prevent us from really seeing and that must be overcome to reach enlightenment.
In Japan, for this reason, campaigns are played 108 times to celebrate the entry into the New Year, which represents the path to Nirvana.
Moreover for Buddhists, 108 are earthly desires, 108 are the lies that people tell, and 108 are human deceptions. This sacred number is also reached by multiplying :
• The senses of smell, touch, taste, hearing, sight and consciousness (6).
• If they are painful, pleasant or harmless (3).
• If they come from our inner or outer selves (2).
• If they occurred in the past, present or future (3).
• If you multiply 6x3x2x3, you get 108!
The tradition also explains that there were 108 questions that Mahamati asked Buddha, which make up the Bodhisattva's path. There is also a list of 108 Buddha's denials.
For all these reasons, Tibetan Buddhism uses the 108 Japa Malas beads, but also the Zen current, which calls them juzu.
Other reasons for the 108 beads of the Tibetan Mala Bracelet
108 is such a powerful number that it has even more signs of its mysticism and its uses in practices related to these religions, such as yoga.
Below are some curiosities related to the Vedic traditions:
• It is considered a perfect number to have 3 digits, being a multiple of 3 and adding 9 (3 times 3).
• It represents the fullness of existence.
• There are 108 holy places in India.
• The body has 108 sacred areas or pressure points (marma).
• Some modern views encode the stages of the path of the soul at 108.
• A deep meditation consists exactly of 108 deep breaths.
• 108 sun salutations must be done to receive the vernal equinox.
• Finally, if you analyze each figure of the Eastern traditions, 1 is unity, 0 is emptiness and 8 is infinity.
As you can see, there are a wide range of reasons why the number of beads on a Tibetan Mala is 108.
What is a Tibetan Mala made of?
Traditionally, all Malas are made of 108 beads, the thread that connects them, the knots that separate each ball, the guru bead and the pompom with which the necklace is finished.
Each of these elements, in addition to fulfilling a specific function, has a symbolism that transcends our daily life.
1- The pompom: Not always present on a mala, it symbolizes the energy born of meditation. Each of the threads that make up the tassel represents the mobility of the individual which flows in constant change. It is the constant change within the immutable, the illusion of separation and the reminder of non-attachment to the non-permanent. The threads that make up the acorn also represent the thousand petals of Sahasrara, the crown chakra, which signifies fulfilled spiritual enlightenment.
2- The beads: The traditional Tibetan Malas are composed of 108 beads, which can be made of rudraksha, sandalwood, semi-precious stones, seeds and other woods. They have an extra larger bead at the end of the Mala and before the acorn, called the guru. This is usually the same material from which the beads are made.
3- The guru: This represents the teacher who is connected to his student by the "thread of life". Out of respect for the figure he represents, at the end of the mantra of the 108 beads, you should never step over the teacher, but turn back or do another cycle of mantras or breaths, if desired. The guru is also a symbol of the union of our inner being with the elements of the universe.
4- The Knot: Traditionally, beads are connected by a satin thread and a knot is made between each one of them, which gives them strength and security. This symbolizes the forces of the universe that support and sustain everything. The knot creates a space between each ball. This knot represents the divine link between all created things.
5- The thread: it keeps all the beads together. It is like our link to the universe, which unites us all to everything. The interconnection with the divine energy.
What Mantras should I use to meditate with a Tibetan Mala?
A mantra is a word, sound or phrase that is repeated to help you stay focused during meditation. When using a mantra to meditate, it is believed that intentions and positive action fill the mind and are able to eliminate negativity.
A mantra can be a simple word that represents the qualities you are trying to develop in yourself, such as "Love", "Acceptance", "Strength" or "Lightness", but statements such as "I am complete / or "," I am strong "or" I am divine".
If you wish to use a Sanskrit mantra instead, the expression Ohm shanti, shanti, shanti is wonderful to begin with, as it represents the peace that surrounds us all. But there are many others like Om Namah Shivaya (meaning "I honor the divinity within me"), Sat Nam ("true identity") or simply the powerful and primordial sound of Om.
Many practitioners are fortunate enough to have been initiated to a mantra by a master. In any case, you can always choose to recite a mantra that makes sense to you and symbolizes what you want to cultivate in your life.
When you choose a mantra, you should always consider the deeper motivations that motivate you to meditate.
How to use a Tibetan Mala to pray?
Tibetan mala is often used to count mantras during meditation. A mantra is a repetitive word or sound that helps you to concentrate during meditation.
Here is how you use the necklace during meditation:
1. Find a quiet place and sit in a good posture. For example, you can choose a meditation cushion for extra comfort or set up meditation music with a Tibetan bowl for a pleasant and relaxed atmosphere.
2. Choose an existing mantra or invent a positive affirmation for yourself. For example: I am good the way I am.
3. Close your eyes and make contact with your breath. Rest!
4. Keep your mantra in mind or follow your breath.
5. Take the first bead between the fingers of your right hand and let it rest freely on your ring finger or middle finger. Place your thumb on the guru's bead. (the first bead is always to the left of the guru).
6. Inhale and exhale, on which you say your first mantra.
7. You can follow your mantras or breaths by sliding the beads with your fingers on each breath you take.
8. Continue to breathe until you reach the guru.
9. Another trick? Don't go past the guru's bead, but turn the mala half a turn and continue in the opposite direction.
10. At this point, you can also choose to use the guru as a kind of "break bead" to stop for a moment and think about your intentions.
How to choose your Tibetan Mala?
There are different types of Buddhist rosary 108 beads. If the form and structure of the mala are always the same, the materials and colors of which it is made change.
Indeed one can make it from stone, bone, wood or even seeds. Each material has its own characteristics and knowing its properties, you can already make a first choice.
• Stone: gives resistance, especially when you are not stuck in your positions.
• Bone: gives stability, creates the basis for construction and strengthens the will, reminding us of the impermanence of the situations around us.
• Wood: vibrates with the hardness in us and reminds us to be more flexible and adaptable.
• The seeds: they are the call to origin, they contain the primordial force of life and give life to new moments, new times.
When buying a Tibetan mala, it is important to count the beads and that there are 108 of them, this indicates that the supplier is serious and reliable.
So how to choose the right mala necklace? Some material knowledge is useful but the choice of your mala will be made instinctively.
Choose the one that attracts you by its spirituality and aura. If it is energetically charged in a positive way, it also becomes a protective tool.
How to energetically charge your Mala Necklace before using it for the first time?
Well, there are several methods or schemes used by Hindus and Buddhists that allow you to fill each of the beads that make up the garland with intention and energy.
1- Start by finding a Zen place, which soothes you and is clean. A space where you consider that no one will disturb you for a while, and which is at the same time your ideal space for meditation. If you could do it in a natural place, that would be even better.
2- Prepare the right atmosphere, light a candle to feel close to the "LIGHT", and incense the scent you like the most. You can also accompany yourself with quartz or precious stones that you own and feel energetically in tune with you.
3- Sit down with your Mala bracelet in your hands.
4- Prepare your body and mind, take a long and deep breath, visualize in your mind the intention of what you want your Mala to work for you. In other words, your Tibetan Mala can be used for one or more purposes, for example: use it only for protection, healing, meditation, inspiration, etc. Only you have to program each intention one by one and separately.
5- Browse through each bead by imbuing and filling in that thought or intention.
6- Chant the mantra Om Hrim Namah Shivaya Om, at least 3 times, and this will help you to activate and seal the energy of Mala. This mantra is very powerful and is traditionally used for this type of ceremony.
7- Concentrate and feel this moment, enjoy it and perceive the inner peace and clarity that this meditative state brings you.
Now, as we mentioned before, in case you want to use it for more than one purpose or intention, you will need to program or boost it for each of them but with a specific session for each intention.
In other words, if your Mala bracelet focuses its intention on healing and abundance, you will have to do two different sessions. In this way, you can use the same Mala bracelet for several intentions, or have several Tibetan Malas with unique and different intentions for each.
Imagine that they are the medicines in a "spiritual first aid kit", and that they are there for your use and disposal whenever you need them.
Offering a Tibetan Mala: an ideal gift
When it's Christmas or someone's birthday, it's often difficult to find an original idea that combines both aesthetics and benefits to our daily lives.
Indeed, offering a Mala bracelet or Mala necklace to a family member or a friend is more than a gesture of affection or an obligatory ritual.
A Tibetan Mala is much more than a decorative accessory: it is a sacred object that connects us to the divinity. A Mala is a type of rosary widely used in Asian spirituality, from Hindu to Buddhist, Jain to Sikh.
Offering a Tibetan Mala is a wish for the well-being of the person to whom it is offered. First, for the object itself, which will have a positive effect with even the most skeptical because of its own beauty, combination of materials and colors.
Most importantly, it opens a new spiritual path for the person receiving it. Offering a Buddhist rosary conveys greater inner peace and contemplating life in a more spiritual, less material way.
For these reasons, a Tibetan Mala will help the recipient to feel calmer, less stressed, simply by holding it in their hands.
Conclusion on Tibetan Mala
Much more than a fashion jewel, the Tibetan mala is a Buddhist symbol of compassion and harmonization. As a necklace or bracelet, the Tibetan mala is a powerful jewel that will help you find peace and enlightenment. It is an ideal and original gift, much appreciated by yogis and meditation practitioners.
