what is Tulsi Mala 108 Beads?

A Tulsi Mala with 108 beads is a sacred string of prayer beads made from the wood or seeds of the Tulsi plant (Holy Basil). It is specifically designed for japa meditation, a practice in which a mantra or prayer is repeated 108 times. The number 108 holds deep spiritual significance in Hinduism, yoga, and other Eastern traditions.

Key Features of a 108-Bead Tulsi Mala:

1. Number of Beads:

   • 108 beads, which is considered a sacred number in Hinduism, Buddhism, and yoga.

   • An additional guru bead (or meru bead) marks the mala's starting and ending point and symbolizes the teacher or divine energy.

2. Material:

   • Made from the wood or seeds of the Tulsi plant, it is revered for its spiritual and medicinal properties.

3. Spiritual Significance:

   • The number 108 is considered highly auspicious and symbolic in many spiritual traditions. It is believed to represent the universe's wholeness and the connection between the individual and the divine.

   • Tulsi is associated with Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi, and using a Tulsi Mala is believed to purify the mind, body, and soul.

4. Purpose:

   • Used for japa meditation, where a mantra (such as "Om Namah Shivaya" or "Hare Krishna") is repeated 108 times, with each bead counted as one repetition.

   • Helps in focusing the mind, deepening meditation, and connecting with divine energy.

Why 108 Beads?

• Cosmic Significance: In Hinduism, 108 is considered a sacred number representing the universe's structure. For example:

  • There are said to be 108 Upanishads (holy texts).

  • There are 108 holy sites (Pithas) in Hinduism.

  • In yoga, there are said to be 108 energy lines converging to form the heart chakra.

• Astronomical Significance: The distance between the Earth and the Sun is approximately 108 times the Sun's diameter, and the distance between the Earth and the Moon is approximately 108 times the Moon's diameter.

• Mathematical Significance: 1, 0, and 8 represent one thing (the divine), nothing (emptiness), and infinity (the universe), respectively.

How to Use a 108-Bead Tulsi Mala:

1. Hold the mala in your right hand, starting at the guru bead.

2. Use your thumb to roll each bead toward you as you recite your mantra.

3. Continue until you complete all 108 beads, ending at the guru bead again.

4. Do not cross the guru bead; instead, turn the mala around and continue in the reverse direction if you wish to repeat the mantra.

A Tulsi Mala with 108 beads is not only a tool for meditation but also a sacred object that carries the divine energy of the Tulsi plant and the spiritual significance of the number 108. It is often worn as a necklace or kept as a personal spiritual item.