How to Make a Buddhist Mala (Rosary)

Are you searching for a meaningful yet inexpensive gift for a discerning spiritualist in your life? If they're into Hinduism or Buddhism, then a mala might be just what they need. The mala, not unlike the Christian Rosary, is a beaded necklace used in the recitation of a mantra. The mala traditionally has one hundred and eight beads. This number is of significance in many ways throughout varying Buddhist and Hindu sects, representing the one hundred and eight delusions of human life, the twelve animals of the zodiac multiplied by the nine planets, and other sacred ideas.

There are variations on the mala throughout the cultures of the East, during its long history of use. Although traditional Hindu malas did not need to have a large center bead and a tassel, the practice has become standard in Buddhist design. The Guru bead, or Stupa bead, is not counted or prayed upon. It is, in a way, completely decorative, although the three descending beads have been said to represent the three jewels of Buddhism, or the three bodies of Buddha.

You will need one hundred and eight matching beads to make your mala. The type of material is almost entirely up to you, although wooden beads are probably most common, bone, coral, seashell, and gem bead malas were historically and remain presently used. Use small beads, unless of course, you want a gigantic mala, which could be fun. Using 3/8 inch beads will yield a mala with an 18 inch drop, about down to your waist.

If you wish to have a large central bead, or a Stupa bead, try to find one with three holes drilled in it. If you cannot, it will still be all right. Chinese Buddhist malas often have two morre large beads, dividing the one hundred and eight main beads into three sections of thirty six. These beads should match the style and relative size of the Stupa bead.

If you want to follow Tantric Buddhist tradition, use either three, five or nine strings held together to string your mala, representing the three kayas, the five Buddhas, and the nine vehicles. If you simply want a functional device, use a single solid string, preferably cotton or hemp cord. Estimate the length of your mala and cut an oversized piece of cord. Using an embroidery needle, pass the main one hundred and eight beads of the mala onto the cord. Do not make knots in between the beads. Leave enough cord at the ends to tie off the Stupa bead and tassel.

If you have a Stupa bead with three holes, pass the two loose ends of the cord through the holes and tie them together in a knot where they emerge together from the third hole. If you do not have a three hole bead, simply tie the two ends of the mala together in a square knot, and pass the remaining ends together through the Stupa bead. The beads on the mala should be loose enough to shift slightly.

String the two smaller beads below the large bead or use a cylindrical bead if desired. To create the tassel, you will need to cut twenty or so equal lengths of yarn or string. Red is the most traditionally Eastern color, but any color is acceptable. Hold the lengths of yarn together in your fingers. Place the center of the yarn bundle across the opening of the last bead on your center piece in between the two lose ends of cord. Tie the ends of the cord together in a square knot about 1/8 of an inch above the yarn and cut the ends down to the knot. Now grab both ends of the yarn bundle and pull them up and together. Select one strand of yarn and wrap it around the base of the bundle then loop it under its starting point and pull the opposite way. Loop it around five or six more times until the bundle is secure then tie the piece to itself and let it dangle with the tassel. Cut the ends of your tassel to desired length and general uniformity.

You now have a prayer mala. Use it to chant Hindu or Buddhist mantras, or give it as a gift to a spiritual friend.