Yes Mala Beads are a beautiful adornment, and some will don them as a necklace but they are actually a powerful spiritual tool that can enhance and deepen peaceful states - your meditations or for use to becoming more spiritually aware!
Did you know Malas always have 108 Beads!
But why? And what is the significance of mala beads? And how do you use them?
Besides being beautiful and energized with the infused gemstones’ vibrations but also the gems unique properties, using a mala during meditation or stressful times can help focus your mind and your breathing which in turn blisses you out ! The act of rolling a bead between your fingers is a reminder of the intention you set at the outset, and prompts you to return to your breath and refocus your attention when your mind wanders—and it will wander!
why 108? I’m so glad you asked! There are Many theories behind the significance of the number 108, It is a sacred number in many religions and cultures. There are so many connections to the number 108 that you could read on for days about this lovely number… - in Buddhism….108 represents the number of mortal desires of mankind which one must overcome to achieve Nirvana. in Hinduism... number 1 stands for God, the universe, or your own highest truth; 0 stands for emptiness and humility in spiritual practice; & 8 stands for infinity & timelessness…There are 108 energy lines leading to the heart chakra, There are said to be 108 stages to the human journey.. the list goes on !
Ps A guru bead is an extra, often larger, bead on a mala (109) - The guru bead indicates the starting and ending point of the prayer beads. Once you reach this bead, you can stop chanting or go again. If you are using the Mala bracelet alongside your meditation practice, you will repeat your chanting 108 times; one cycle for each bead.
Tassel
The tassel symbolizes eternity and is usually pointed towards you when you begin meditating with the Mala necklace. Alternatively, the tassel can symbolize a lotus blossom, which is a symbol of enlightenment.