Redwood Mala Beads Red Wood symbolizes balance, it is found all over the world, it has many different types of species, and originates from the cypress family. The Redwood beads used in our malas are not from the endangered species of redwood in the NW of America. Mala is a Sanskrit word meaning "garland" or "impurity." It is also the term for a string of beads that has been used by sages and those with spiritual aspirations for thousands of years. Yogis and Buddhists were the first to use mala to enhance their spiritual practices.