How to chant 108 times on a mala: which fingers, the sumeru bead rule and how to sit
Quick answer: A japa mala has 108 beads and one larger bead called the sumeru. Hold the mala over the middle finger of your right hand and pull one bead at a time towards you with the thumb; the index finger does not touch the mala. Say the mantra once per bead. On reaching the sumeru, don't cross it: turn the mala around and go back the other way for the next round. Sit on a clean mat with a straight back.
At a glance
- Beads
- 108 + 1 sumeru (guru bead)
- Hand
- Right hand, near the heart
- Fingers
- Mala on the middle finger, moved with the thumb; index finger kept away
- Mala type
- Rudraksha (Shiv), tulsi (Vishnu/Krishna), sandalwood, crystal
How to chant on a mala, step by step
- After bathing, sit on a clean mat (kusha grass, wool or cloth) facing east or north, cross-legged or in lotus pose, with a straight back.
- Remember God and decide in your mind how many rounds you will chant.
- Drape the mala over the middle finger of your right hand and begin at the bead next to the sumeru.
- Pull one bead towards you with the thumb and say the mantra once. Keep the index finger away from the mala.
- After 108 beads you reach the sumeru. Don't cross it; turn the mala around and start the next round going back the way you came.
- When you finish, touch the mala to your forehead, bow, and keep it in its gomukhi bag or a clean box.
Three ways of chanting
Tradition describes three ways to chant: vachik (aloud), upanshu (moving the lips softly so others can't hear) and manasik (silently in the mind). Beginners usually find aloud or whisper chanting easier; silent chanting comes with practice.
Do
- Try to chant at the same time and place every day.
- Chant with the mala inside a gomukhi bag, or covered with a cloth.
- Keep your japa mala only for chanting.
- If you don't have a mala, you can count with our online chanting counter.
Don't (common rules)
- Don't put the mala on the floor or let it touch your feet.
- Don't cross the sumeru bead.
- Avoid talking or using your phone while chanting.
- Don't lend your japa mala to someone else for their chanting.
- Don't let the mala hang below the navel; keep your hand near the heart.
Rules about fingers, posture and the mala differ between sampradayas and gurus. If you are initiated, follow what your guru taught you.
Frequently asked questions
Why isn't the index finger used in mala japa?
In tradition the index finger is linked with ego and pointing at others, so it is kept away from the mala.
Why is the sumeru bead not crossed?
The sumeru is seen as the place of the guru or God, so instead of crossing it the mala is turned around.
Why does a mala have 108 beads?
108 is a sacred number in Hindu tradition, with many explanations given, such as 12 zodiac signs × 9 planets or 27 nakshatras × 4 quarters.
Can I chant without a mala?
Yes. You can count on the joints of your fingers or use a counter. Attention and devotion matter most.
Can I wear my japa mala around my neck?
In many traditions the japa mala is not worn but kept in its bag. Keep a separate mala for wearing.