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Have you recently brought your perfect mala but need help figuring out how to get started with it?
Fear not, as today I’m sharing the 10 best mantras for mala beads. The following mantras have been used for centuries in Hinduism and Buddhism, each carrying powerful meanings within the sacred vibrations.
So grab your new prayer beads and give these mantras a go to see which resonates most with your soul.
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10 Sacred Mantras For Mala Beads Meditation
Sat Nam
Sat Nam is the most famous mantra in Kundalini yoga and other yogic traditions. Sat means truth, and Nam means name, but together, the phrase translates to “I am truth” or “Truth is my essence.”
Chanting Sat Nam is said to activate the chakras and the kundalini energy that resides at the base of the spine. Chanting it with mala beads in meditation can also help you connect to your inner truth and universal truth.
Learn the correct pronunciation and follow along with this guided mantra meditation.
So Hum
So Hum is a Sanskrit Hindu mantra that translates to “I am he/she/that”, but its concept is oneness. So, a better translation is “I am one with the Universe and all of creation.”
Thus, chanting these words with your prayer beads can help you deepen your spiritual connection, let go of things you cannot control, and find more faith in the universe”. So Hum reminds us that we are divinely supported, protected, and guided; all we have to do is trust.
Check out this Om So Hum Mantra Meditation to try it out for yourself.
Om Mani Padme Hum
Om Mani Padme Hum is a popular mantra from Tibetan Buddhism, known as the mantra of compassion. The most common translation is “The jewel is in the lotus,” and it is believed that everything the Buddha taught is contained in these four powerful words.
This mantra can activate the heart chakra and increase feelings of compassion and unconditional love for yourself or others. It can be beneficial when dealing with relationship problems, family disagreements, or any dispute or rivalry with someone.
This guided chanting meditation is easy to follow – plus, the music is incredibly peaceful!
Om Shanti, Shanti Shanti
Om Shanti is one of the most well-known mala mantras, used in various yogic traditions and practices. Shanti means peace so this powerful mantra invokes world peace and inner peace.
Shanti is chanted three times to send peace to the body, mind, and spirit. In addition, many people use the first Shanti to send health and harmony to themselves, the second to their loved ones, and the third to all sentient beings.
I recommend following this short video when chanting Om Shanti with your mala beads.
Om Namah Shivaya
Om Namah Shivaya is another of the most well-known Sanskrit mantras. Although it has been used in Hindu traditions for many years, it benefits modern-day meditators by melting all stress and worries away.
Chanting Om Namah Shivaya infuses your mind with positive energy while removing negative energy and thoughts. Thus, it can help your mind feel more settled and clear in just a few minutes.
I like to chant this mantra following this video as the pace is slow, so the words are clear and easy to follow.
Om Krim Kali (Kali Mantra)
The Kali mantra is chanted to honour the Goddess Kali, the protector of the earth and the goddess of destruction. Chanting these words is believed to bring protection against evil spirits, as Kali can destroy evil in all its forms.
It can protect you from accidents, diseases, and misfortunate events and deter any enemies you may have. Chanting the Kali mantra can also help to rid your mind of negative and self-destructive thoughts and thus promote purity in the mind, body, and soul.
You can chant Om Krim Kali following this simple guided practice.
Aham Prema
Aham Prema is a lovely Sanskrit mantra that translates to “I am divine love.” Aham means “I,” while Prema means “love” or “affection.” It reminds us that we are part of the universe and are all one and the same.
Chanting Aham Prema can also activate feelings of unconditional love, which is why it’s also known as the love mantra. It creates feelings of joy and peace, so it is one mantra you should turn to whenever you feel lonely or depressed.
The mantra is pronounced “ah-hee-pree-mah.” It is chanted 108 times in this video, making it helpful to consistently meditate with your mala beads.
Aham Brahmasmi
The Aham Brahmasmi mantra originates from the ancient Hindu text The Upanishads and literally translates to “I am Brahma.” The most common translation is “I am God” or “I am divine.” By chanting these words, you acknowledge that you are a part of the universe’s creation.
However, an easier way to understand the meaning of this mantra is with the translation “I am wholeness” or “I am fullness.” Chanting Aham Brahmasmi helps you detach from the ego and the individual self and instead see yourself as connected to the entire universe.
Check out this video to learn how to pronounce this mantra.
Om Tare Tuttare Ture Soha (Green Tara Mantra)
The Green Tara Mantra comes from Tibetan Buddhism and is about protection against negativity, abundance, and the transformation of suffering. The mantra centers around Green Tara, the female Buddha of Tibet, known as the “Mother of all Buddhas,” as she protects and guides all sentient beings toward freedom and enlightenment.
Om Tara Tuttare Ture Soha translates to “I prostrate to the Liberator, Mother of all the Victorious Ones.” It is said that chanting these words can help you attract guidance, compassion, strength, and healing.
Follow this guided mantra meditation to learn how to chant this mantra when using mala beads.
Lumen De Lumine
While Sanskrit mantras are commonly used for mantra meditation practice, Lumen De Lumine is a beautiful Latin prayer that will surely fill your soul with peace and love after just a few repetitions.
Lumen De Lumine means “to shed light on light,” which is better translated as “I bring Light, I give Light.” It is about spreading love and light to yourself and others while destroying negative energy in yourself and the outer world.
Lumen De Lumine opens the heart to help you feel more connected to the world. Chanting it will fill you with positivity, brightness, and energy and leave you feeling revitalized.
Check out this gorgeous song by Aureliaslight, which includes this sacred Latin prayer.
How To Use Mantras In Meditation Practice
So how do mala beads help with reciting mantras? Here’s how to use this sacred tool in your mantra meditation practice.
Many meditators like to set intentions at the beginning of each practice. This is an important aspect of meditating and using mala beads, as it helps you align your energy with the energy of your chosen mantra and get clear on what you want to gain from the practice.
Take a few minutes in silence with your eyes closed, holding your mala and thinking about your intention. This will also help you cultivate the focus and mindfulness needed for chanting. Focusing on your breath for a few minutes before beginning is also beneficial.
Hold your mala bead in your right hand with the beads between the thumb and middle finger and the index finger extended outward. Rest your left hand on your knee or in any mudra of your liking. It is believed the index finger represents “ego,” so it should not touch the beads.
- Moving between beads
You should start your 108 repetitions at the first bead next to the guru bead. Then, going clockwise, move to the next bead using your thumb and middle finger after finishing your chosen mantra’s first repetition. Repeat like this, turning one bead for one repetition. Note that one repetition is the entire mantra, not one word.
- Complete 108 repetitions
Most authentic mala beads have 108 beads – chanting a mantra 108 times is believed to be beneficial for spiritual progression (a sacred number in Hinduism and Buddhism).
You’ll know when you reach the end of your repetitions as you’ll return to the guru bead. Once here, take a few minutes in silence and observe how you feel after the meditation.
Final Thoughts On Mantras For Mala Beads
While you can simply wear mala beads as a reminder of spirituality, I find using them to recite mantras is incredibly beneficial. Chanting is an excellent way to calm the mind, improve focus and mental clarity, and reduce stress.
Looking for a new mala? Check out our recommendations for the most authentic Tibetan prayer beads.