📿 All About Buddhist Malas
Discover their meaning, forms, and Japanese traditions
🪷 What Is a Mala?
A mala is a prayer bead necklace or bracelet used in meditation and mantra recitation. It's a spiritual tool to aid concentration and mindfulness.
📿 Mala Necklaces
Traditional malas usually have 108 beads and one larger guru bead. They're worn around the neck and used for full meditation cycles.
- Sandalwood – calming and classic
- Bodhi seeds – symbol of enlightenment
- Semi-precious stones – like jade, lava stone, rose quartz
🧘 Mala Bracelets
Shorter malas with 18, 21, or 27 beads, worn on the wrist. Ideal for everyday use or brief meditations.
Often worn as a personal talisman or intention reminder.
🏯 Japanese Malas (Juzu / Nenju)
In Japan, malas are known as juzu or nenju. They are used during sutra chanting, rituals, and temple visits in Zen, Nichiren, and Jōdo Shinshū Buddhism.
- Often two bead loops with symmetrical layout
- Usually 108, 54, or 27 beads
- Two tassels in symbolic colors
- Refined, elegant craftsmanship
🎎 Use and Meaning in Japan
The juzu is considered a personal and ceremonial object. It is used for:
- Sutra recitation
- Funeral and memorial services
- Temple visits and the Obon festival
It is held in both hands during gassho (prayer gesture) as a sign of respect and devotion.
📊 Summary
| Type | Beads | Use | Form |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mala Necklace | 108 | Full meditation cycles | Necklace |
| Mala Bracelet | 18–27 | Short meditation, daily wear | Wrist |
| Japanese Juzu | 108, 54 or less | Chanting, ceremonial | Double loop with tassels, Wrist |
🙏 How to Use a Mala
Hold the mala between thumb and middle finger. Start at the guru bead and move one bead per mantra repetition. Move clockwise, with focus and intention. End at the same bead or pause for reflection.