How to make a Tibetan bracelet?

What is a Tibetan bracelet?

There are many types of Tibetan bracelets, each with its own use: the red Tibetan bracelet, the shamballa bracelet, the Tibetan braided bracelet, the lucky bracelet... But the most emblematic is the Mala bracelet.
In recent years, these bracelets made of beads or wire have become more than ever in vogue. The Tibetan bracelet has become a fashion accessory worn on catwalks and by influencers. It's appreciated by men and women alike. For some, it's a simple aesthetic object akin to ethnic jewelry; for others, however, it remains a spiritual object, a piece of jewelry used for its lithotherapy benefits, or a lucky charm bracelet.

What is a Tibetan Mala?

This long necklace is a traditional Buddhist rosary, said to have been created over 3,000 years ago. It has always been used by Tibetan Buddhist monks to count mantras while meditating or reciting prayers. Hence the name "mâlâ", which in Sanskrit means "meditation garland".
Today, it still fulfils its religious function among Buddhists and Hindus, but it is also popular with those with an interest in the latest trends, the Zen attitude or personal and spiritual development.

Mala is worn daily as a necklace or wrapped around the wrist as a multi-rang bracelet. But there's also a smaller version in the form of a Tibetan bracelet, usually made from elastic or waxed thread. In this case, Buddhist bracelets are worn on the right side to ward off negative energies.

Whether you're on a spiritual quest or looking for a trendy piece of jewelry, you've come to the right place to find out how to make a Tibetan Mala!

How to make a Tibetan mala?

Often sober, this lucky Tibetan bracelet is made of 6 to 8 mm beads for easier handling during meditation.

To make a mala bracelet or rosary, you need to string the beads in a very precise order.

Here's what you'll need:

• To make the Buddhist prayer beads, you'll need 108 beads. Why 108 beads on a Mala? To represent the 108 mantras recited by Tibetan monks (the most famous of which is Om Mani Padme Hum, invoking the benevolence of Chenrezig). 108 is a symbolic number in the Buddhist religion (the 108 names of Buddha, the 108 yoga and Tai-chi positions, the 108 Buddhist deities...).
  If you prefer to make an authentic Tibetan bracelet, you'll need a number of beads that is a multiple of 9 (18, for example, or 27, or 36 or 42, etc.).
  Make sure the diameter of the bead holes is large enough to thread the beads onto the wire.

• Provide four beads of different colors or sizes, called Chaturmaharaja. They represent four markers for keeping track of mantras already recited.

• A Guru bead (the spiritual guide bead) or Meru bead (the mountain bead), usually placed at the end of the necklace, just above the pompom. It consists of a 3-hole bead and a conical bead. This is the largest bead, often referred to as the 109th bead. It serves as a marker, letting you know when your eyes are closed that the necklace is complete.

• Spacers, charms (a lotus flower, for example) or gold or silver Rondelle beads for aesthetic appeal.
• A tassel in the color of your choice. Also known as a tassel.

  

• A sturdy thread for your beads.

When it comes to materials, opt for natural ones such assandalwood orrudraksha beads, as well as gemstones, bone or glass beads. Which stones to use to make a Mala? You can use beads made of tiger's eye, black onyx, labradorite, turquoise, amazonite or rock crystal....

which wire for a tibetan bracelet?

For a Mala bracelet or necklace, use an elastic thread, a Linhasita-style waxed thread that will enable you to make a sliding knot, a beaded cotton thread, a nylon thread, a cabled thread... Choose yarns made from natural materials such as linen, bamboo or silk.

Are you won over by this original bracelet? Try your hand at making your own Mâlâ by following our two tutorials. Get started!