What is a Mala? The uses and meanings of 108 Mala Beads

Accessories made from Agarwood from ancient times have been favored by Buddhists thanks to the ability to bring a good flow of feng shui energy. Despite the high price of Agarwood bracelets, they are still indispensable accessories in the closets of devout Buddhists because of their spiritual meanings. A typical example is the 108 mala beads Agarwood Rosary, which contains many obscure mysteries.

I. Introduction of 108 Beads Mala

108 beads mala is a string of beads, typically made of natural materials such as gemstones, wood, or seeds, used as a tool in spiritual practices such as meditation, yoga, and prayer. 

The mala consists of 108 beads and a larger bead known as the guru bead, which marks the mala’s beginning and end. The number 108 holds significant spiritual symbolism in various cultures and practices, making the 108 beads mala a powerful tool for spiritual growth and mindfulness. The beads count the repetition of mantras or prayers, allowing the practitioner to focus their mind and intention on the spiritual practice. Overall, the 108 beads mala is a sacred and powerful tool to deepen one’s spiritual practice and connect with a higher sense of purpose.

II. The old story about 108 Mala beads

Historically, King Ba Luu Ly of La Due Ky sent an emissary to a Buddhist place to seek a way out of the miseries of mundane life and see the light of a spiritual door. The Buddha gave advice and sent a message to the king that he should make a string of 108 beads and always bring it along, keep a clear mind and always be kind, think about the goodness

The Buddhist scriptures said that humans go on and on in samsara, originating from Avidyā. These things are generally known as the realms of sense.

III. Why Mala Has 108 Beads

Can is about physiologic: eyes, ears, nose, tongue, body and mind.

Tran is about physics: color, sound, flavor, taste, touch and dharma.

Thuc is about mentality: Eye consciousness, ear consciousness, nose consciousness, tongue consciousness, body consciousness and mind consciousness.

Six senses of organs contact with six senses of objects create six senses of consciousness. Consciousness creates karma, goodness or evil.

108 beads represent 108 Phap Tam Muoi, which are used to eliminate 108 afflictions worldwide. The number 108 is the result of serial summation. Firstly, 6 senses of organs plus 6 senses of objects plus 6 senses of consciousness equals eighteen dhàtu (18). Then eighteen dhàtu multiplied by six basic afflictions (including Greed, Hatred, Ignorance, Pride, Doubt and Wrong) equals 108.

Clearly, in the endless samsara, people have created 108 afflictions. Reciting the rosary 108 times when saying Buddhist chants shows goodness and determination to eliminate the 108 afflictions created in samsara. Eliminating affliction also helps purify the sense of organs, preventing mediocre desire from chasing mundane scenes.

READ MORE: MORE ABOUT THE AGARWOOD MALA (OR JAPAMALA)

IV. The Symbolic Meaning of 108 Beads Mala

In many spiritual traditions, the number 108 is considered sacred and significant. The use of a 108-bead mala is every day in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism, among other traditions.

Some symbolic interpretations of the significance of 108 beads on a mala:

• Spiritual completeness: The number 108 represents the completeness of the spiritual journey. There are 108 stages on the human soul’s journey, from ignorance to enlightenment.
• Sacred number: The number 108 is considered a sacred number in many spiritual traditions. It is said to have significance in astronomy, mathematics, and other areas of knowledge.
• Mantra repetition: In using a mala for meditation or prayer, a mantra is often repeated 108 times. This is said to help the practitioner focus and connect with the divine.
• Chakras: According to some interpretations, there are said to be 108 energy lines connecting to the heart chakra. Every 108 beads on a mala are believed to represent one of these energy lines.
• Sun, Moon, and Earth: In some traditions, the number 108 represents the distance between the Sun, Moon, and Earth. This distance is said to be 108 times the diameter of the Sun.
• Time and cycles: There are 108 stages in the cycle of life, death, and rebirth, and 108 earthly desires that a person must overcome to attain enlightenment.

Using a 108-bead mala is a powerful and symbolic spiritual practice and connection tool.

V. The Significance of 108 Beads Bracelet

The 108 beads bracelet holds great significance in many cultures and traditions, especially in Hinduism, Buddhism, and yoga. Here are a few possible reasons why:

1. Spiritual Significance

In Hinduism and Buddhism, 108 is considered a sacred number with deep spiritual significance. It is believed that there are 108 energy lines connecting to the heart chakra, and each bead on the mala represents one of these lines. Chanting mantras while counting the beads on the mala is said to help bring focus, clarity, and spiritual awareness.

2. Astrological significance

In Vedic astrology, there are 12 zodiac signs and 9 planets, which create 108 celestial bodies. It is believed that wearing or using a 108 beads bracelet can help balance the energy of the planets and bring good luck and prosperity.

3. Mathematical significance 

108 is a multiple of 9 (1+0+8=9) and 12 (the number of zodiac signs). It is also the sum of the first nine digits (1+2+3+4+5+6+7+8+9=45, and 4+5=9). These mathematical relationships have been interpreted as representing the completeness and unity of all things.

VI. Agarwood – gifted produce converging the essence of heaven and earth

Agarwood is a product crystallized from the wound-healing process of the Gourd tree (Aquilaria tree). When living in the wild, Aquilaria trees can be injured due to external factors such as weather, insects or war. To protect itself from mold and harmful bacteria, the tree creates a resinous zone to form around the wound. Over decades of dew and wind, this oil penetrates the wood fibers, creating Agarwood. 

“The pain becomes Agarwood”, Folk handed down this saying as a testament to the value of Agarwood. Agarwood is obtained from the pain of the Gourd tree, perhaps because of that, heaven and earth give it the ecstatic scent that touches people.

People call Agarwood the wood of heaven, must also have a reason because few fragrances stick to people as long as Agarwood. It persists over time, making people feel as pure as returning to their ego.

VII. Wonderful uses of 108 beads mala

Agarwood and 108 beads are a harmonious combination. Tram Huong helps to bring positive feng shui energy to the body, helps the wearer have good luck, and avoids bad luck. 108 Agarwood beads will help the wearer get rid of 108 sorrows, help the wearer have a comfortable and peaceful life, satisfied with the fullness of life.

1. The uses of 108 mala beads in Spiritual

It is no coincidence that burning incense has become a cultural feature in life. That is because burning incense brings plenty of spiritual aspects. Agarwood is considered the mascot to absorb the essence of the Sky and Earth. With the strong Yangqi, Agarwood also has the effect of chasing lousy luck and disaster. Burning incense increases the effect of bringing good luck to homeowners. Many people believe that incense can purify the badness of people, help us get rid of negative energy, and calm the mind to prosperity.

2. The uses of 108 mala beads in Feng Shui 

Since ancient Egypt, Jewelry has been widespread. The primary purpose was to use them as amulets. Over time, feng shui jewelry was more than just a spiritual meaning. Today, they are used for each person’s beauty or appearance. Feng shui jewelry includes bracelets, necklaces, rings, and earrings, … in many types and models.

Feng shui jewelry gives owners beauty and high aesthetics. Besides, it also helps attract fortune and luck. Therefore, it is very popular to use in today’s life.

Address to buy 108 Beads of Mala made from real Agarwood

Nowadays, the 108 beads Agarwood bracelets are used by devout Buddhists in prayer meetings and by households as an item placed next to Buddha statues or as an accessory to carry with them. Visibly, the value of 108 mala beads Agarwood is worn out over time and nurtured by people.

So you can choose and buy this product at both of Thien Moc Huong stores:

Store HCM: 71 Nguyen Khac Nhu Street, Co Giang Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

Store HN: 120 Hai Ba Trung, Hoan Kiem District, Ha Noi

Hotline: 0933.348.368 (HCM) – 0818.348.368 (HN)

READ MORE: AGARWOOD PRICES – POSSIBLY THE MOST EXPENSIVE NON-TIMBER WOOD ON EARTH