Japa Malas

What is a japa mala? A garland of beads used in spiritual practice. A loop of beads used for counting recitations of mantra. A Mala assists to keep the mind clear and focused while chanting or meditating.⁣
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A full mala contains 108 counting beads plus one guru bead. A mala can also be strung as a half mala containing 54 beads, or as a wrist mala with 27 counting beads to be worn as a bracelet. The number of beads is multiple of nine. The guru (teacher) is often larger than the other counting mantra beads and it provides a starting and ending point for counting the repetitions of the mantra. A tassel is connected to the end of the guru bead. ⁣
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“The tassel represents enlightenment, opening the third eye, and the tassel threads represent the roots of the lotus that rises from the muck to flower.”⁣