The 108 mala beads has its origins in Buddhist tradition, representing the 108 earthly desires or afflictions that practitioners seek to overcome. The number 108 is believed to be significant as it symbolizes the journey to enlightenment. Every bead represents a step along this spiritual path, with practitioners using the Mala for meditation, mantra recitation, and mindfulness. Apart from the main beads, several accessories play an important role in enhancing the 108 beads’ function and aesthetic value.
1. Spacer Beads
Spacer beads are decorative beads placed between the main beads, top bead, waist bead, and three-way bead. Their purpose is to maintain balance and prevent the Mala from becoming too crowded. The color of spacer beads should not differ too much from the main beads to avoid disrupting the overall visual harmony of the Mala.
2. Counter Beads
Counter beads are small beads that hang from the Mala, typically placed near the 27th bead from the Guru bead. They assist in counting the recitations, with each string often containing ten small beads. Common materials for counter beads include metals like silver or copper, and stones such as turquoise, amber, or coral.
3. Back Cloud Beads
Back cloud beads, also called "back fish," hang below the Guru bead, acting as a decorative element that connects the top and bottom parts of the Mala. They are often made from materials such as turquoise, bone, mammoth ivory, amber, or coral. The size of the back cloud bead should be smaller than the three-way bead to maintain a balanced look.
4. Pendants
Pendants are decorative pieces that hang from the three-way bead. They come in various shapes, sizes, and materials such as gemstones, miniature wood carvings, or amber. The pendant should not be too large to avoid overshadowing the Mala's overall aesthetic.
5.Counters
Counters are often made of metal and are used to mark the position of the 18th bead from the Guru bead. They can be adjusted along the Mala to assist in counting or tracking recitations.
6. Top Bead
The top bead is located at the very top of the Mala, representing the highest point of the spiritual journey. Historically, in imperial Chinese jewelry, the top bead symbolized power and status. In Mala design, it serves as a decorative finishing touch. Common materials for top beads include turquoise, bone, mammoth ivory, amber, or coral. The top bead is typically slightly larger than the regular beads but smaller than the Guru bead.
7. Waist Beads
Waist beads are placed between the top bead and the Guru bead, usually after every 27 beads. They divide the Mala into four sections and are often similar in size to the main beads. They can be made from materials such as turquoise, amber, or coral and come in various styles, such as round beads or those with intricate patterns.
8. Guru Bead
The Guru Bead, or "three-way bead," is the largest bead in the Mala. It is typically made from materials such as turquoise, bone, mammoth ivory, or amber. The Guru bead is the focal point of the Mala and should be oriented toward the wearer, with the back cloud bead positioned at the back.
9. Running Rings
Running rings are a modern addition to Mala design. These rings are shaped like small, movable beads that can slide along the string of the Mala, offering an interactive and dynamic feature.
10. Tassel
The fringe tassel, also known as "Fu Chen," is a line of cotton threads or a decorative string that hangs from the top of the Mala, typically beneath the Guru bead and back cloud. It is often made by hand and adds a traditional touch to the Mala. In some cases, the fringe tassel can replace the disciple bead or pendant.
11. Disciple Beads
Disciple beads are smaller than the regular beads and are usually grouped in sets of ten or twenty. They are typically placed at the other end of the Mala, with each set representing a certain number of recitations. The number "ten" in the disciple bead represents the "Ten Perfections" in Buddhism.
