Digital Mala
A simple 108-bead counter for mantra and recitation practice. Choose a traditional recitation — or count anything you like — and tap once for each repetition; the tool keeps your place, marks each full round of 108, and remembers your daily streak. Free, no account, and saved only on your own device.
Tibetan · The mantra of Avalokiteśvara, bodhisattva of compassion.
A traditional mala has 108 beads. Your counts, streak, and total are saved only on this device — nothing is sent anywhere.
Using a mala
Counting beads is one of the oldest and most widespread Buddhist practices — a way to keep the body gently occupied so the mind can settle into the recitation rather than into wondering how many you have done. Hold the intention lightly: the point is not to rack up a high score but to steady and warm the heart through repetition. One round of 108, done with care, is plenty.
Learn more: Buddhist mantras and their meanings, mantra meditation, and the figures behind the mantras — Avalokiteśvara, Tārā, and Amitābha. For a steady sit, try the breathing pacer, or see all our free tools.
Frequently asked questions
What is a mala?
A mala is a loop of prayer beads — traditionally 108 of them — used across Buddhist traditions to count recitations of a mantra, a Buddha's name, or the refuges. You move one bead per recitation, and a full circuit of the mala is one 'round.' This tool is a digital version: tap to count, and it keeps your place, your rounds, and your daily total.
Why 108 beads?
108 is a number of long significance across Indian and Buddhist tradition, and a standard mala holds 108 beads (often with one extra 'guru' bead to mark the start). Many explanations are offered for the number, but its practical role is simple: it gives a fixed, satisfying unit of practice, so 'one round' is always 108 recitations.
Which recitation should I count?
Choose whichever fits your path. The tool offers a few real, traditional options — Om Mani Padme Hum (Avalokiteshvara's mantra of compassion, Tibetan), Namo Amituofo (the Pure Land nianfo/nembutsu), 'Buddho' (a Theravada recollection word), Om Tare Tuttare Ture Svaha (Tara's mantra), and the Three Refuges — each labelled with its tradition. Or pick 'Free count' to count any recitation, breath, or prostration.
Is it free, and is anything saved about me?
It is completely free, with no account. Your current bead, rounds, day streak, and lifetime total are stored only in your own browser — nothing is sent anywhere. The optional bell that sounds on a completed round is generated in your browser; there is no audio file and no autoplay.
How do I use it?
Pick a recitation, then tap the circle once for each repetition as you recite. When you reach 108 the round completes (with a gentle bell, if enabled) and a new round begins. Use 'Undo' if you tap by accident, and 'Reset round' to start the current round over. Your daily streak grows each day you practise.