Why are there 108 beads on a mala?

The number 108 is significant for so many reasons.

Some believe there are 108 stages on the journey of the human soul, while others associate the possibility of enlightenment with taking only 108 breaths a day, while in deep meditation.

No matter who you ask, the answer will most likely be different each time.

The truth is — the significance of 108 beads on your mala is open to interpretation. Which we love.

As mala beads were traditionally created to be used as a tool in meditation, we like to associate it with the ideals of meditation.

However — we believe mala beads are also beautiful mediums to set intentions, manifest, and generally feel good. You don't have to meditate on the beads, although that's what they are made for in a practical sense.

Our malas are handknotted between each seed and gemstone, allowing one to chant their mantra — a sound or string of words — and keep track of were they are.

Our mala necklaces all reflect the number 108. Almost all of our malas have 108 beads, while some have 216 (double), or 54 (half).

Here are some more popular reasons behind the 108 mythology in mala beads.

Chakras
One of our favourite explanations for having 108 beads on a mala is related to the chakras (the seven energy points in our body).

It has been said there there are 108 energy lines connecting to the heart, with one of them believed to be the path to self realization.

Mantras
When using your mala beads in meditation and chanting your mantra, some have said you are complete once you have done it 100 times. The 8 extra beads are to account for errors. Or even more beautiful, are meant to be an offering to your guru.

Letters
Many choose to recite their mantra in sanskrit, the ancient script of India. Within the Saksrit alphabet there are 54 letters. Each letter has a feminine and masculine version — totalling 108.

http://www.malacollective.com/blogs/mala-collective/9321123-how-to-cleanse-your-mala 

How to Cleanse Your Mala Beads

Mala beads are believed to absorb and store energy, therefore depending on your preference you may wish to cleanse your mala beads from time to time.
We recommend that you do not lend or share your malas with others as not to transfer any energy. If this does happen you may wish to cleanse your mala.

How To Cleanse Your Mala

There are a few different ways you can cleanse your mala. Here are some of our favorite ways to cleanse ours:
- placing it in the sunlight or moonlight
- burning white sage
- by sound vibration such as a singing bowl or chanting
All of our malas are blessed in Bali and it is not necessary to cleanse before wearing.

Cleaning Your Mala

With regular use you may also wish to clean your mala from time to time. You can do this by placing the mala in warm water. You can also add a mild soap if you wish. Soak the beads for some time (some suggest leaving in over night). Use a delicate brush to scrub the seeds. Leave the beads to fully dry.
After cleaning you can also brush your mala with coconut oil, or sandalwood oil. Oiling will make the beads strong and they won't dry out.
If your mala is well loved you may also want to freshen up the tassel. One way to do this is by wetting the tassel and gently combing the strands.
If you have any other questions about cleansing or caring for your mala please email us at info@malacollective.com.

Find your perfect mala at www.malacollective.com

How do I choose my Mala?

Congratulations! You're taking a giant step towards finding inner peace, grounding, and overall self love.

Mala beads can help you with so much in your life. Especially the above.

Mala beads have been used in prayer and meditation for centuries. But are also known to help one find a calmer mind, body, and spirit by simply having them present. We believe they act as a reminder to be more conscious about what you're seeking, how you're acting, and what you're manifesting.



When looking to connect with your mala beads, there's a few things to keep in mind.

First and foremost — there is no wrong or right way to choose your mala.

And typically, we find that the mala chooses you. If you simply surrender to the process, and allow your heart and gut to guide you, you will be lead to the right set of beads.


We often tell people, whatever one you are drawn to, is the one that is meant for you. It most often reflects the intentions you are seeking.

However, if you are looking for more guidance in the process, here are a few suggestions.

Ask yourself, what intention are you seeking?

Our mala beads combine rudraksha seeds with gemstones. Rudraksha seeds embody a calmer mind, body, and spirit.

But each gemstone carries its own intention.
If you are seeking tranquility, and a closer connection to your spirituality, we would suggest a mala with amethyst.

If you are seeking balance or abundance, we would suggest green jasper.

If strength and clarity is what you're looking for, lava is the best stone.

And if love is something you are seeking — whether self, platonic, family, or relationship — we encourage using rose quartz.
There are numerous possibilities.

One of our favourites is turquoise, which protects on a journey, and increases love and destroys hatred.

You can also ask yourself — what will you use your mala beads for?

Will you use it for meditation? Or do you simply want a daily reminder to follow your intentions?

If you are looking specifically for meditation, that's great! All of our mala necklaces are hand knotted between each seed and stone. This helps in the meditation process of counting your mantras.

We also include the guru bead in our necklaces, to signify that you have counted all 108 beads.

If you are looking to use your mala as a daily reminder of something you want to manifest in your life, or an intention you want to be mindful of, that's a beautiful reason, too. You can do this with either bracelets or necklaces.  You can even combine different gemstones. We find many people will layer numerous bracelets, combining lava, rose quartz, and turquoise bracelets together.

Whatever your reason, enjoy the process!

You're in for a beautiful journey with your new mala beads.

Buying mala beads for someone else? Read more here.


This article was written by Mala Collective founder and journalist Ashley Wray.]
http://www.malacollective.com/blogs/mala-collective/9320873-how-do-i-choose-my-mala 

The meaning of malas

By Jennifer D’Angelo Friedman
We love to wear our yoga, from tees to tattoos to jewelry that expresses our devotion to the practice. Malas, strands of 108 beads traditionally used formeditation and prayer, are the newest trend in wearable yoga, with designers combining gemstones imbued with potent energies and sacred meaning to infuse your practice.

There are many theories behind the significance of the number 108, which has long been considered a sacred number in Hinduism. Logan Milliken, who designs malas for Silver & Sage jewelry, says that she was taught that the number 1 stands for God, the universe or your own highest truth; 0 stands for emptiness and humility in spiritual practice; and 8 stands for infinity and timelessness. (Lucky us: Silver & Sage has designed a beautiful turquoise magnesite mala exclusively for Yoga Journal. Click here for details.)

“It offers people a wearable reflection of something in their own journey, so in that way the mala really becomes whatever the wearer intends for it,” she says.

Kelli Davis, of Kelli Davis Designs in Boulder, Colorado, likes to make malas with pearls, adding other semi-precious stones to empower the strands with specific emphasis.

“Pearls are a great symbol for the grace we create, for the oyster creates its greatest work of art from an irritant. The decision to love even though it is sure to break our hearts, to meet challenge with our compassion is the yoga practice of life and makes it worth living,” she explains.

Davis agrees that ultimately, the mala becomes what the wearer wants it to be. “You engage the energy of the pearls and gemstones, with your prayers, your hopes and dreams.”

How to Use Your Mala

We asked Jenn Chiarelli, the yoga teacher who leads “Meditations & Malas” workshops in conjunction with Silver & Sage several times a year, how a beginner could get started using a mala.

Choose a spot and sit comfortably with your spine straight and your eyes closed. Take a few deep breaths to center and align yourself with your intention. If you have one, use a mantra for this practice, chanting aloud or silently. Place your mala in your right hand, draped between your middle and index fingers. Starting at the guru bead, use your thumb to count each smaller bead, pulling it toward you as you recite your mantra. Do this 108 times, traveling around the mala, until you once again reach the guru bead. If you want to continue the meditation, instead of passing over the guru bead, simply reverse direction and begin anew.

http://blogs.yogajournal.com/yogabuzz/2014/04/the-meaning-of-malas.html