What is Mala?

A Mala is simply a string of beads that are used in a meditation practice. It is a tool to help you count mantras and acts as a tactile guide as you sit in silence. Malas can be made of many materials — we only use authentic gemstones, rudraksha seeds and sandalwood.  We also bless each of our Mala’s before they leave the Boutique.

We can also Custom Design a Unique Mala just for you, email us! jamdesignsboutique@gmail.com

The tassel’s significance has multiple meanings. One that resonates with us is that as the strings come together as one to form the tassel, it represents our connection to the divine and to each other. We love the concept of it representing oneness.

The Guru Bead is the bead that the tassel attaches directly to. When strung on a necklace, the Guru Bead is often the 109th necklace. The Guru Bead is said to symbolize the Guru from who the student has received a mantra being used or recited and pay homage to the student-guru relationship.

A true sign of a traditionally crafted mala, overhand knotting not only makes the mala stronger, it also provides the perfect space for Japa Meditation – a meditation that uses each bead to count a repetition of a mantra.

Mala beads have been used by yogis and spiritual seekers for thousands of years to help keep their minds focused during meditation. Malas were first created in India 3000 years ago (with roots in Hinduism & Buddhism) and were used for a special style of meditation called Japa, which means, “to recite”. The term ‘mala’ is a Sanskrit word for “meditation garland.”