How To Choose Mantras For Mala Beads And 21 Mantras To Consider

Thinking about using mala beads to work with mantras?

The practice can enhance your meditation and mindfulness efforts — but how does it work?

More importantly, what mantras should you use?

To help you navigate the terrain, today we’re breaking down mala bead mantras and how to set intentions using them.

How to Choose A Mantra for Your Mala Beads 

Mala beads come in a variety of shapes, types, and sizes.

So how do you choose sets that are right for you? Ultimately, follow your gut. But you may also want to consider a few other things. 

Set an Intention

If you plan to use your mala beads for a specific purpose, set an intention for that goal. Doing so will help lead you to the best mala garland for your needs.

Do Research

Before choosing, do some research. Look into Buddhist and Hindu chants. Do they resonate?

Or would you rather use an affirmation in your native language? Neither is better or worse. The aim is to find phrases that work for you.

Meditate on It

Before pulling the trigger, meditate on it. Narrow it down to three or four options, then quiet your mind and let the Universe guide you.

Do a Test Drive

No rule says you can only use one mantra. If you try one and it doesn’t resonate, try another. Just remember to energetically cleanse your beads between trials.

How Do You Set Intentions with Mala Beads?

Setting intentions into your mala beads is part of the process. For what will you use them?

Do you have specific goals? Once you’ve answered those questions, follow these three steps.

  1. Sit quietly with your mala beads in your hands.
  2. Imagine a bright light surrounding your strand and say your intention aloud. If you’re a visual person, conjure an image in your mind.
  3. After your intention has been set, put your strand around your neck or arm and proceed with your meditation. If you’re using them to count mantras, it’s fine to continue holding them in your hands.

Can I Use the Same Mala for Different Mantras?

The only hard-and-fast rule for using mala beads is that you shouldn’t let them touch the ground.

Moreover, some schools of thought believe you should never let anyone else handle your mala beads, as it will mess with their energy.

Whether you can use the same mala beads for different mantras also depends on your goals and tradition.

Advanced practitioners often have one set for each mantra, believing that sadhana work — wherein the aim is to absorb divine powers — is best served by keeping mala strands as “pure” as possible.

21 Mantras for Mala Beads to Consider 

We’ve reviewed how to choose a mala garland, intention setting, and the rules surrounding proper use. Now, let’s take a look at a list of mala mantras.

1. Om Shanti Shanti Shanti

“Om Shanti Shanti Shanti” is a lot of fun to say, and its meaning is simple: “Oh Peace, Peace, Peace.”

Use this mantra with your mala beads when you crave calming vibes. 

2. I Love Myself

Loving yourself is vital. After all, if we don’t first learn to adore ourselves, it isn’t easy to properly love others and reach our full potential.

We’re not advocating for arrogance but instead for healthy self-esteem.

If you’re struggling through a difficult time, and your confidence is at an ebb, try this mantra on for size.

3. Om Gam Ganapati Namaha (We Call In Ganesha…)

“Om Gam Ganapati Namaha” is Sanskrit for “We call in Ganesha, the remover of obstacles.” This is a popular mantra for overcoming obstacles and hardships.

Whether you’re navigating an emotionally charged time or experiencing physical ailments, this mantra may help.

4. This Will Not Last

Life is complicated, confusing, and downright difficult. Sometimes, the gods work in our favor, and other times, the opposite feels true.

woman holding different mala beads mantras for mala beads

Buddhist thought contends that impermanence is unavoidable and attachment generates suffering. Chanting, “this will not last,” is an excellent reminder that your challenges are only for now. Things will get better.

5. Sat, Chit, Ananda

Also spelled “Satchitananda,” “Sat, Chit, Ananda” is a Sanskrit portmanteau. Sat means “being alive, honest, natural, and true”;

Chit translates to “consider, sense, recognize, acknowledge”; Ananda means “enjoyment, elation, joy, bliss.”  

As such, the affirmation translates roughly to “acknowledging the joy of being alive.” 

Mala bead meditations are often about connecting with the natural Universe. This is a good option when pursuing that spiritual goal.

6. I Can Succeed

Do you suffer from low self-esteem? If so, this choice may feel uncomfortable at first. But time has a way of healing all wounds — including diminished self-confidence.

Remember: fear and doubt are the only things standing between you and success.

7. Om (Aum)

Om is the original mantra — the mother of all affirmations. Practitioners believe the sound represents the Universe’s natural resting wavelength and vibrates at 432 hertz.

Though it doesn’t have an exact English meaning, it roughly translates to “It Is, Will Be, or To Become.” 

8. I Am Connected

Do you want to live more aligned with your higher self? Using “I am connected” as a mala affirmation may support your work.

When chanting, focus on the energy strengthening between your corporal body and spiritual soul.

9. Ad Guray Namay (I Bow To The Primal Wisdom) 

“Ad Guray Namay” is part of the much longer Mangala Charan mantra. A short protection chant, it’s used to gain clarity and signal that you welcome spiritual guidance.

Many people use this affirmation when starting a new project or embarking on a journey.

10. Lumen De Lumine

“Lumen de Lumine” is known as “the chant of the light.” The Latin saying is a boon when you’re feeling dark and want to attract positivity and light. 


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11. Aham Brahmasmi 

A Sanskrit mantra from the Advaita tradition, Aham Brahmasmi is translated to “I am divine,” “I am sacred,” or “I am Brahman,” depending on the language and school of thought.

  • Aham means “I.”
  • Brahma is a name for the Hindu creator god and translates to “divine” or “sacred.”
  • Asmi means “am.”

12. Om Namah Shivaya (I Bow To Shiva)

The Hindu mantra “Om Namah Shivaya” is also called the Shiva Panchakshara or Panchakshara and is meant to draw you closer to Shiva, the high god of transformation.

This can be a powerful mantra to work on your mala beads if you want to connect with divine forces.

13. Om Gam Ganapati Namaha (We Call In Ganesha…)

“Om Gam Ganapati Namaha” is Sanskrit for “We call in Ganesha, the remover of obstacles.” It’s an excellent choice when you need to clear hurdles or navigate a challenging time.

14. Om Kring Kalikaye Namah 

Kali — aka Mahakali, Bhadrakali, and Kalika — is a powerful goddess responsible for time, destruction, and change.

Often, she is associated with death, but she is also called upon in times of transformation. This affirmation brings relief from a multitude of worries and problems.

15. I Am Loved

The fact that we’re here on this Earth means we’re loved. Although, we all go through periods of doubt on that score.

If you’re currently in the dumps, chanting “I am loved” has the power to rewire your brain and remind you of your divine existence.

16. Om Aim Hrim Klim Chamundaye Vichche

Om Aim Hreem Kleem Chamundaye Viche is a long mantra for advanced practitioners. This is another mantra that doesn’t have an exact translation but generally is used to summon the Goddess Durga.

mala beads mantras for mala beads

Chanting it removes the effects of black magic, negative planet alignments, bad luck, health problems, and interpersonal conflict.

17. Aham Prema (I Am Divine Love)

Aham Prema means “I Am Divine Love,” and it’s a popular chant used to imbue your spirit with love, unconditional acceptance, forgiveness, and harmony.

Aham Prema is an effective option for clearing your heart chakra.

18. So Hum (I Am)

“I Am” — or “So Hum” in Sanskrit — allows us to tap into the fundamental essence of existence.

By chanting it, you acknowledge yourself in relation to the greater whole.

19. Om Mitraya Namaha 

The sun is one of the most loving forces in the Universe. It does not discriminate, sharing its life-giving energy with every living thing on the planet — from people to plants.

“Om Mitraya Namaha” is a sun salutation, a statement of gratitude, and a wonderful chant to express reverence for the Universe.

20. Om Hiranya Garbhaya Namaha

Om Hiranya Garbhaya Namaha salutes the cosmic self and supports non-material manifestation efforts. It’s also a solid mantra to use when your creativity could use a boost.

21. I Am Enough

Do you ever feel like you just don’t measure up? That you’re not enough? It’s a common — albeit apocryphal — sentiment that can damage your spirit and soul.

You are more than enough, and this chant is a powerful reminder.

Using mala beads is an excellent way to enhance your meditation practice. Don’t worry if you don’t lock into a mantra right away. It will happen. 

How will you choose a mantra for your mala beads? Read this post and see some mantras for mala beads you can consider.

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