Amethyst Jap Mala

The word 'Mala' means 'Garland'. Mala beads can be made from wooden beads, seeds, semi-precious or precious stones or gems. A full size Mala consists of 108 beads. The number 108 is a sacred, auspicious number in many cultures but particularly in the Hindu tradition. The number comes from multiplying the 12 astrological houses by the 9 planets. Each Mala also has a Guru bead, or tassel to remind us of the teachers in our lives.

Traditionally, the mala is held between the thumb and middle finger and as each bead is passed through the finger and thumb, a mantra or god is said silently, quietly or out loud. The most powerful mantras are said to be those repeated silently in the mind. This is done until the Guru bead is reached (but not counted), the the Mala is reversed and the process goes on until the Guru bead is reached again. Repeating a mantra in this way is an excellent way of calming the mind and keeping thought of 'The Divine' (whatever that is for each one of us, whatever culture, religion or belief we hold) in our everyday lives.