How to get a Real Buddhist Prayer Beads

Buddhist prayer beads or Mala (Sanskrit: mālā “garland”) are a traditional spiritual device used to

a) Count the number of times a mantra or breaths are taken during meditation or

b) Used as a piece of magical jewelry blessed with a special charm

Buddhist Beads, Prayer beads or Monks beads are similar to other forms of prayer beads used in various world religions and therefore the term “Buddhist rosary” is also used.  The Buddhist Mala derived from the Hindu ‘japa mala’ used in meditation and was adapted to also include being a magical charm of protection.

Buddhist tradition counts the beads at 108, signifying the mortal desires of mankind.  As Buddhism spread and was influenced by various cultures, each sect would develop their own traditions associated with the Mala.  Some sects made them decorative and would use different materials or stones, others preferred plain and simply designs to highlight the simplistic non material thinking associated with enlightenment.

If you look at any photographs of Monks wearing a Mala (Buddhist Prayer Beads) you will notice they are made with simple components such as wood, seeds and stone to emphasis the spiritual quality of separation from material possessions. In recent times, westerners who practice Yoga have often created and sold their own Mala Prayer Beads which have added separator beads and use colorful precious stones making the Mala more attractive looking (essentially jewelry) for the western user.  The Thais and Tibetan people (and indeed Monks generally) do not tend to go for the shinny glittering Malas, preferring instead the original and basic Mala.