What are Mala Beads?
Mala beads are used as a tool for meditation. Mala means a string of prayer beads (garland) and traditionally consists of 108 beads, a guru bead and a tassel.
THE GURU BEAD
The Guru bead is known as the 109th bead which hangs at the bottom of the necklace. It is traditionally larger than the other beads, and it signifies the starting and the ending point of the prayer beads. It symbolizes the "teacher", "wise one", or "guru" that is there to guide you in your spiritual journey. Never pass over this bead when chanting your mantras / intentions. It is simply the point where you pause, reflect and give thanks.
THE TASSEL
The tassel symbolizes 1,000 petals of a lotus flower. A lotus, which grows in muddy waters, yet blooms so beautifully, symbolizes spiritual growth and the ability to rise above obstacles. It, just like us, can rise from the mud, bloom out of the darkness and radiate into more enlightened times.