my mala beads dont include a larger "guru" bead is that bad?

Good morning

No, it does not make a difference. Most malas do use a larger bead for the guru bead that is drilled in a "T" formation. The cord then ties into a tassel or some other type of extender. Other malas that I have seen use the same size bead as the main beads and the two cords pass through this 109th bead (which is the guru bead) and then ends usually in a tassel. This type of guru bead is easier to thread than the "T" guru bead.

In reality, it's not the size of the guru bead that matters. A larger guru bead makes it easier for me to identify the end of the mala when reciting mantras. At this point one would flip the mala and continue mantras in the opposite direction (for those reading who do not understand this, it is bad form to pass over the guru bead).

Ultimately it's how you use the mala that is the most important thing as I have been taught.

Hope this helps.

Guru Beads

Are they like those adult toy beads?