The Spiritual Power of the Buddha Mala Necklace: Meaning, Uses, and Benefits

What is a Buddha Mala Necklace?

The Buddha mala necklace is not just a strand of beads — it is a sacred tool meant to ground your thoughts, deepen your practice, and connect you to something bigger than yourself. Rooted in Buddhism and Hinduism, these necklaces usually hold 108 beads, a number believed to reflect spiritual wholeness and cosmic unity.

People wear them during meditation, chanting, or even day-to-day as a gentle reminder to stay centred and intentional. In this post, we will break down everything you need to know about mala beads, from their origins and symbolism to how they are used and the meaning of different materials like tiger eye, amethyst, and agarwood.

A Buddha mala necklace is more than spiritual jewellery. It is a meditation tool and a symbol of mindfulness. Traditionally made with 108 beads (plus a guru bead), malas are used to count mantra repetitions or breaths during meditation. The beads help you stay focused and bring rhythm to your practice.

Each mala is unique. Some are made from semi-precious stones, others from wood or seeds—each material adding its own energy. Worn around the neck or wrapped around the wrist, a mala is both a physical and spiritual accessory.

The Symbolism Behind Mala Beads

Each bead in a mala represents a step on the journey toward mindfulness. Touching the beads one by one while reciting a mantra brings calm and focus. Even outside of meditation, wearing a mala can serve as a quiet reminder of your intention to live with awareness and compassion.

Over time, your mala absorbs the energy of your practice, becoming a spiritual companion. The more you use it, the more personal and powerful it becomes. Your thoughts will be in a state of harmony and purpose.

Stories of Transformation: Mala Beads in Everyday Life

Eleanor Wiley, co-author of A String and a Prayer, started making beads later in life and found herself on an unexpected spiritual path. What began as simple jewellery-making turned into something much deeper after she discovered the roots of the word "bead" — from the Anglo-Saxon bidden, meaning "to pray."

For Eleanor, mala-making became a way to practice mindfulness and connect with others. People would stop her in public, curious about her beads. The malas sparked spontaneous conversations about faith, healing, and intention. One piece led her from a long-time career in healthcare into a life of creative and spiritual exploration.

Her co-author, Maggie Shannon, created her first mala for her 40th birthday. Each bead was gifted by a close friend, each with a unique story and symbolism. It became a necklace not just of prayers, but of memories, friendships, and intentions—a wearable altar she could carry through her day.

How Mala Beads Are Used in Spiritual Traditions

In both Hinduism and Buddhism, mala beads are known as “japa malas"—used to count repetitions of a mantra during prayer or meditation. Sliding each bead through your fingers helps link the mind and body, creating a full-circle moment of focus.

Every repetition of a mantra or prayer channels energy. Some believe it opens spiritual pathways that lead to healing, self-awareness, and enlightenment.

Prayer Beads in Buddhism and Hinduism

In both Buddhism and Hinduism, prayer beads—known in Sanskrit as japa malas—are trusted companions in spiritual practice. They're used to count mantras during prayer or meditation, helping keep the mind focused and the practice grounded.

With each repetition of a mantra, energy flows through the body, gently opening the heart to healing, self-love, and deeper awareness. And something is calming about the physical act, too—sliding each bead through your fingers, one by one. It becomes a rhythm, a ritual, a moment where body, mind, and spirit come into sync.

How to Wear Mala Beads for Spiritual Practice

You can wear mala beads around your neck or wrist. Each option carries the same spiritual power—it’s about your intention, not the placement. Around your neck, they rest closer to the heart. Around the wrist, they’re easier to carry and touch throughout the day.

Just remember to treat them with care. Mala beads are sacred. Don’t let them drag on the ground or toss them into a bag. When not in use, store them in a clean, respectful space.

Mala Necklace vs. Mala Bracelet

Full-length mala necklaces usually have 108 beads, perfect for full meditation sessions. Mala bracelets are shorter—often 18, 21, or 27 beads—and great for quick moments of mindfulness or prayer during a busy day.

Some prefer the feel and tradition of a necklace. Others like the portability of a bracelet. Many people use both, depending on their daily rhythm or mood.

The Guru Bead: A Moment to Pause

The guru bead is not just another bead at the end of the strand—it holds deep meaning. It is where your meditation begins, and where it gently comes to a close. When your fingers reach this bead, you do not continue. You stop. You breathe. You take a moment to reflect. You might offer a quiet thank you for the practice, for any peace you found, or for whatever insight came through.

It is a reminder that every spiritual journey is supported. Whether through a teacher, a life experience, or your own inner wisdom, there is always guidance helping you move forward.

Choosing the Right Mala Material

The beads on a mala can be made of many materials, each with its energy. Here are a few popular ones:

• Tiger Eye: Builds courage, protection, and willpower.

  

• Amethyst: Aids in clarity and spiritual awareness.

  

• Rose Quartz: Promotes self-love and emotional healing.

  

• Sandalwood: Calms the mind and uplifts spiritual energy.

• Rudraksha Seeds: Associated with divine blessings and spiritual protection.

  

• Agarwood: Known for its grounding scent and meditative qualities.

  

  You can also blend Agarwood and other gemstones to make your own mala

Let your intuition guide you when choosing your mala. The stone or material that draws you in often holds the energy you need most.

Understanding the Sacred Number 108 in Malas

Why 108 Beads?

The number 108 has deep roots in spirituality. In yoga, it’s believed that there are 108 energy lines connected to the heart. In Buddhism, there are 108 earthly desires to overcome. Chanting a mantra 108 times is believed to align your energy and invite higher consciousness.

Shorter malas (like 27 or 54 beads) still work—they are just easier to carry. They are usually used in multiples of 108.

Why 108? In both yoga and Buddhism, 108 is considered a sacred number. It symbolises the universe’s wholeness, reflecting the 108 energy lines that connect to the heart chakra. Chanting a mantra 108 times aligns your energy with divine frequencies and invites blessings.

Shorter malas (like those with 27 or 54 beads) are often used as multiples of 108 for more compact use.

How to Use a Mala Bead Necklace for Meditation

Using a mala for meditation involves a simple but intentional practice:

1. Hold the mala in your right hand.

2. Start at the first bead next to the guru bead.

3. Use your thumb to move each bead, with the index finger extended (not touching the beads).

4. With each bead, mentally repeat your chosen mantra.

5. When you reach the guru bead, pause, reflect, and do not cross over.

This process fosters calm, focus, and a deepened spiritual connection.

Spiritual Benefits of Wearing a Mala

Wearing a Buddha mala necklace daily can lead to profound inner transformations. These sacred garlands carry with them the vibrations of mantras, spiritual intent, and the natural energies of the stones or wood they're made from. Whether it’s for a daily meditation practice, casual wear, or part of your yoga routine, malas are subtle guides toward balance and awareness.

Some of the most recognised benefits include:

• Inner Peace & Calm: The repetitive use of prayer beads fosters serenity.

• Self-Love & Compassion: Rose quartz malas help open the heart chakra.

• Clarity & Focus: Stones like amethyst sharpen the mind and aid in decision-making.

• Courage & Strength: Tiger eye promotes grounded confidence in life’s challenges.

• Spiritual Protection: Materials like agarwood and sandalwood are believed to ward off negative energy.

These powerful tools are not just about tradition—they are practical aids in today’s hectic world, helping you stay aligned with your higher self.

Wearing and using a mala is not just a ritual—it becomes part of how you live, how you breathe, and how you connect with yourself and something greater.

One woman in the book A string and a prayer: How to make and use prayer beads (Wiley & Oman Shannon, 2002) shared that after a traumatic car accident involving her entire family, she clung to her prayer beads. She said that simply holding them, moving her fingers along the strand, gave her peace when everything around her was chaos. She didn’t have words for what she needed, but the beads grounded her.

The authors explain that this is one of the core spiritual benefits: tangibility. Fingering the beads gives your hands something to do, which frees your mind to go deeper. When the world feels overwhelming, the beads offer a physical way to stay rooted in the present. They act as a bridge between your body and your spirit.

Even just wearing the mala keeps your intentions close. Throughout the day, the feel of the beads can bring you back to the moment, reminding you to breathe, to listen, to stay open. Some people use their mala during transitions (walking from one task to another, beginning the day, winding down at night) to reset and refocus.

In moments of worry, fear, or doubt, malas also offer grounding. Holding the beads brings awareness back to the now, instead of spinning in the past or stressing about the future. The book highlights that even when the mind is foggy or unfocused, the act of simply holding a mala can itself be the prayer.

For many, wearing a mala becomes more than just a spiritual practice—it becomes a quiet, constant source of strength, healing, and connection.

Tiger Eye in Malas: A Stone of Courage and Protection

The tiger eye is a striking gemstone with a golden-brown sheen. Known as the “warrior’s stone,” it has been used for centuries to invoke bravery, protection, and sharp mental clarity.

In a mala necklace or bracelet, tiger eye:

• Ground spiritual energy in the body

• Increases motivation and willpower

• Helps dissolve fear and anxiety

• Balances the solar plexus chakra, empowering the wearer to act with intention

  

This stone is ideal for those who seek to walk their spiritual path with confidence and strength.

Rose Quartz in Malas: A Stone of Love and Healing

Rose quartz is easily recognized by its soft pink glow. Known as the stone of unconditional love, it’s been cherished for centuries for its gentle, nurturing energy and its ability to open the heart.

In a mala necklace or bracelet, rose quartz:

• Encourages self-love and compassion

• Heals emotional wounds and past trauma

• Promotes forgiveness and emotional balance

• Supports the heart chakra, deepening your connection to yourself and others

This stone is perfect for anyone looking to lead with love—toward themselves, others, and the world around them. Below is one customised mala made by Liliane to Helen (pseudo name - private client)

"I’m honestly at a loss for words. This mala is more than beautiful—it feels like it was made just for me. The soft pink rose quartz, the grounding agarwood, the gentle gold details… everything about it brings a sense of calm and warmth. Even the pink tassel feels like a quiet hug. I can’t fully express how much I love it, but I feel it every time I wear it. Thank you for creating something so meaningful."

Agarwood Mala Beads: Scented Wisdom for Deep Meditation

Agarwood, also known as “the wood of the gods”, is revered for its sacred aroma and deep spiritual resonance. It's a rare, resin-infused wood used in temples and by monks during Buddhist prayer and meditation.

Benefits of agarwood malas and agarwood tea:

• Induces a profound sense of calm

• Elevates the meditative state

• Enhances one's connection to the divine

• Clears mental fog and uplifts the spirit

When worn or used in chanting, agarwood beads guide the mind inward, helping release attachments and enter deeper layers of awareness.

For more information visit our Agarwood mala and Agarwood bracelet collection

Wrist Malas: Powerful Tools for On-the-Go Meditation

For those with a busy lifestyle, wrist malas offer a more portable form of spiritual support. These mala bracelets, typically with 18 or 27 beads, are wrapped around the wrist and serve as instant reminders to stay mindful.

You can use them during short prayer sessions, breathwork, or simply as wearable inspiration during your daily life. They’re a fusion of fashion, function, and faith, often paired with tassels or metallic charms to enhance their aesthetic and symbolic appeal.

Incorporating Mala Beads into Yoga Practice

Combining mala beads with yoga amplifies the transformative energy of both disciplines. Before your session, you might set an intention using your mala, or finish practice with a few minutes of meditation, holding the beads and silently repeating a mantra.

Mala beads deepen spiritual awareness, assist with breath synchronisation, and bring focus back to the present moment, reinforcing the union of body, mind, and spirit.

Mala Beads as a Gorgeous Gift of Spirituality

Gifting a mala necklace or bracelet is a meaningful gesture filled with thought and intention. Whether for a birthday, spiritual milestone, or as a symbol of support, malas carry blessings, healing, and beauty.

When choosing a mala as a gift, consider:

• The recipient’s birthstone or astrological sign

• Their personal spiritual goals

• Preferred materials (e.g., rose quartz for self-love or amethyst for protection)

It’s a gorgeous way to support someone’s spiritual journey. If you have a design in mind, let us know, we will make for you. It does not have to be Agarwood, it can be gemstones only

Caring for Your Mala Necklace or Bracelet

To preserve the spiritual and physical integrity of your mala, it’s important to care for it properly:

• Store it in a clean, sacred space when not in use

• Avoid water exposure unless it’s specifically waterproof

• Cleanse it regularly with incense, moonlight, or sound

• Rebless your mala with intention or a short prayer

Proper care ensures that your mala continues to serve as a sacred conduit for your spiritual practice and energy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)

1. Can you wear mala beads every day?
Yes, many people wear their mala beads daily as a reminder of their spiritual intentions. Just be sure to treat them with respect and care.

2. What is the first bead on a mala called?
The first bead is called the guru bead. It signifies your teacher or divine guide and should never be counted or crossed during meditation.

3. How do I choose the right mala for me?
Choose based on your spiritual goals, preferred stones, and how you’ll use it—whether for meditation, yoga, or as a bracelet or necklace. You might also be interested in how Tibetans use a mala to predict an outcome.

4. Can mala beads be worn as jewellery?
Yes, mala beads are often worn as necklaces or bracelets, blending spiritual intention with style. However, always wear them mindfully.

5. How do I activate or bless my mala beads?
You can bless your mala by holding it during prayer, repeating your mantra, or placing it in moonlight or sunlight for energetic cleansing.

6. Why do malas have 108 beads?
The number 108 holds spiritual significance in many traditions. It represents the cosmic order, with 108 energy lines said to converge at the heart chakra.

Let Your Mala Walk With You

Whether you have been on a spiritual path for years or are just beginning to explore it, a Buddha mala necklace can be a quiet, powerful support and nurture spiritual growth. It is more than something you wear—it is something you live with. Each bead offers a chance to pause, breathe, and reconnect with your centre.

From the grounding strength of tiger eye to the soft heart-opening energy of rose quartz, every part of your mala holds meaning. And when your fingers find the guru bead, it is a reminder that you are not alone—your journey is being guided.

So let your mala be more than just beautiful. Let it be a companion that reminds you who you are, what matters to you, and where you are headed. Once again, if you have a mala in mind and want us to make it for you, simple text Liliane in Whatapp

+61 430 284 329

It can be purely Agarwood mala, a blend of gemstone and Agarwood or a blend of gemstone.