108 ~ Mala Meditations
Over the past few years I have been curious about the number 108. I have created 2 card decks, the Divine Feminine and the Divine Masculine, together there are 108 cards. I also created a card game called Portals with 108 Cards. More recently I have created 2 more card decks called Sacred Union, 108 images that expand the imagination and with poetic writing.
In keeping with this theme I decided to take a Mala making Workshop. It was a creative and very enjoyable experience. Now I have my own Mala that has symbolism that is special to me. There is one large main bead, and 3 slightly smaller large beads which divide the Mala into 4 groups of 27 beads that correspond with the 4 Relational energy fields of Learning, Growing, Loving, and Evolving - a theory of life that I include in all my writings and teachings. On the back of the Mala are 54 small hearts. On the front a large heart, an elephant, and a laughing Buddha.
In keeping with this theme I decided to take a Mala making Workshop. It was a creative and very enjoyable experience. Now I have my own Mala that has symbolism that is special to me. There is one large main bead, and 3 slightly smaller large beads which divide the Mala into 4 groups of 27 beads that correspond with the 4 Relational energy fields of Learning, Growing, Loving, and Evolving - a theory of life that I include in all my writings and teachings. On the back of the Mala are 54 small hearts. On the front a large heart, an elephant, and a laughing Buddha.
Creating meaning, symbolism, and an intentional state of being
Spiritual & Sacred Meaning
- 108 symbolizes the process of a spiritual cycle and developing a higher awareness
- In yogic philosophy, there are 108 energy lines (nadis) converging at the heart chakra
- The distance between the Earth and the Sun is about 108 times the Sun’s diameter. The distance between the Earth and the Moon is about 108 times the Moon’s diameter. These relationships give the number 108 a sense of cosmic harmony
- Many yoga traditions perform 108 sun salutations during solstices or transitions
- In Tantra, 108 reflects the integration of body, heart, and spirit—a sacred union.
- In Sacred Geometry and Energy there are approximately 108 feelings that converge on the heart chakra to guide us in our daily living
- Repetition, Mantras & Meditations, purify the body and mind, connecting the practitioner to the divine, creating a more peaceful and harmonious flow of energy.
- Tantra is about spiritual awakening, and the alignment of a person with the universe.
- 108 represents Completion, Sacred unity, Transformation, Divine Wholeness, and the bridge between being human and the divine
A Mala Meditation Practice
Here’s a guided Mala meditation you can follow. You can read about the meditation and meaning of 108 and then practice with your beads.
Types of Mala Meditations & Setting Your Intention
Types of Mala Meditations & Setting Your Intention
- No thinking meditation, each bead is connected to one complete breathe, an inhalation and exhalation
- Affirmation Mantras e.g. ‘I am calm and centered’ or ‘I love myself’
- Or a traditional affirmation, Om Mani Padme Hum: A sacred mantra that symbolizes the union of compassion and wisdom, guiding the practitioner towards enlightenment and inner transformation
- Ask yourself: “What do I need most right now?” Whatever you need and is in your highest and best interest, create a mantra that you repeat 108 times with each bead on your Mala
- Visualization e.g. A warm sunny golden sandy beach by the ocean, or in your garden, or sitting in a forest, or…..
1 Prepare Your Space
2 The Practice
- Sit comfortably (chair, cushion, or floor)
- Keep your spine upright but relaxed.
- Take a few deep breaths. With each exhale, let go of tension in your body.
- Invoke a feeling state of Gratitude
- Cultivate your inner smile
2 The Practice
- Close your eyes and place your Mala in your hand
- Begin at the bead next to the large bead
- Rhythmically take one bead at a time. Combine with breathe or affirmation or visualization
- As you inhale, silently or softly say your mantra, affirmation or visualization
- As you exhale, move to the next bead with your thumb and finger(s)
- Continue bead by bead, letting the rhythm of your breath and words guide you.
- If your mind wanders, gently return to the mantra and the next bead.
Repetition is the essence of Practice
3 Completion
Suggestion: If 108 beads feels too long, you can start with a Half-Mala (54 beads) or even a quarter round (27 beads). The important part is intention, not completion.
- When you reach the large bead again, pause
- Place both hands over your heart
- Take a deep breath and silently offer gratitude — for yourself, your practice, or for someone you wish to send blessings to. A Namaste.
- Then sit quietly and in stillness for a few breaths without moving the beads.
- Let the effects of the practice settle.
- When ready, open your eyes slowly.
Suggestion: If 108 beads feels too long, you can start with a Half-Mala (54 beads) or even a quarter round (27 beads). The important part is intention, not completion.
108 represents the wholeness of existence, the journey from from birth to
death, from the material to the spiritual
