How to get Authentic Buddhist Prayer Beads

Real Buddhist Mala Beads for Japa Meditation

Buy Real Buddhist Prayer Beads and Japa Meditation Mala Beads Blessed by Monks used by Sak Yant Chiang Mai

Each Buddhist Mala Bead Necklace has been Blessed by Thai Buddhist Monks for

Safe Travel
Inner Peace
Good Luck and
Personal Protection

Buddhist Prayer Beads or Buddhist Mala Beads (Sanskrit: mālā “garland”) are a traditional spiritual device used to

a) Count the number of times a mantra or breaths are taken during meditation or

b) Used as a piece of magical jewelry blessed with a special charm

Buddhist Beads, Prayer beads or Monks beads are similar to other forms of prayer beads used in various world religions and therefore the term “Buddhist rosary” is also used. The Buddhist Mala derived from the Hindu ‘japa mala’ used in meditation and was adapted to also include being a magical charm of protection.

Buddhist tradition counts the beads at 108, signifying the mortal desires of mankind. As Buddhism spread and was influenced by various cultures, each sect would develop their own traditions associated with the Mala. Some sects made them decorative and would use different materials or stones, others preferred plain and simply designs to highlight the simplistic non material thinking associated with enlightenment.

If you look at any photographs of Monks wearing a Mala (Buddhist Prayer Beads) you will notice they are made with simple components such as wood, seeds and stone to emphasis the spiritual quality of separation from material possessions. In recent times, westerners who practice Yoga have often created and sold their own Mala Prayer Beads which have added separator beads and use colorful precious stones making the Mala more attractive looking (essentially jewelry) for the western user. The Thais and Tibetan people (and indeed Monks generally) do not tend to go for the shinny glittering Malas, preferring instead the original and basic Mala.

Can't get to Thailand?

These real and Blessed Buddhist Prayer beads can be purchased online

Buddhist Prayer Beads Mala - Blessed by Monks

For those who desire the Spiritual values of Non-Materialism over custom jewelry Mala's

Why use Buddhist Mala Beads over Yoga Mala?

Each Buddhist sect (and indeed each type of Yoga) uses the traditional 108 beads in their Mala Prayer beads as a focus for meditation or as a wearable charm. Over time as the Mala has become popular as a piece of jewelry, the components used to construct the Buddhist prayer beads have become more elaborate (and more like jewelry). As the purpose of meditation and Buddhism in general is to remove the desire for the material world – it seems ironic to use or wear a Buddhist Mala that has been made with prized or expensive materials.

The Mala used by Buddhist Monks in Thailand have kept the traditions of being non material and make their Prayer beads from basic materials of wood, stone or seeds and a tassel. For those who wish to have a Buddhist Prayer Mala that is authentic and serves the Spiritual nature of meditation, or those who want a magical charm over flashy jewelry – the Thai Buddhist Mala is often the first choice.

At Sak Yant Chiang Mai, in addition to offering the Magical Sak Yant Tattoo, we also provide 100% authentic Thai Mala Buddhist Prayer Beads (The same as would be worn by real Monks) for each guest to take to the Sak Yant Monk and have blessed. This has become a very popular activity among our guests who are seeking the real Blessing and power of the Sak Yant Monks, often purchasing the beads for family and friends back home.

Now you do not need to travel to Thailand to get a Sak Yant Tattoo in order to get your Mala Buddhist Prayer Beads. We provide people from all over the world the opportunity to get the genuine article, free from the commercialization of fashion and jewelry designers. AND when we say “blessed” we are not just using a marketing term to describe the Mala’s as a scared object. We actually take your individual purchase to a Monk to have the Necklace or Bracelet Blessed before mailing it too you

The Power of a Sak Yant Monk

The Sak Yant is a thousand year old Thai Cultural practice that has been incorporated into the Thai Buddhist Monk tradition. The Sak Yant is a Magical Tattoo that provides it’s wearer of protection and special blessings. Monks who develop an interest in the Sak Yant are required to undergo years of training in both the magical arts, and performing Blessings. They are in effect, specialist Monks who are sought out for their extra power and influence in protection and Blessings by other Monks and Thai people alike.

If you are going to use your Mala as a protective charm – you might as well have it embodied with power from the most skillful Sak Yant Masters. We present each Mala purchase to the Monk individually for it’s blessing before sending your Mala to you.