WHAT IS a MALA
A mala is a strand of beads, traditionally used for counting during mantra meditations. Malas can have 108 beads, 54 beads, 27 beads, 21 or 19 beads. Within a male, there is always a sense of beginning, continuation and completion. The 109th bead is called the guru bead or meru bead (meru meaning “mountain”). This is the center bead which can vary greatly from mala to mala and tradition to tradition. Some use a specific style of bead with a tassel hanging off it, often with the tassel color either representing a specific deity or intention. In other configurations of beads, the guru bead may be a specific type of gemstone which would signify the intention and purpose of the mala beads. Malas have been used since the 10th century as a meditation aid.
Counting on your mala allows us to focus the mind on a single pointed task as we work through our meditation. If you practice meditation and yoga, a mala can be a powerful tool in your quest for wellness and clearer understanding.
These days malas are used also as jewelry, even though the main purpose is meditation and healing. They are beautiful accessories to wear. Wearing malas as jewelry is one of the ways to draw on their power outside of prayer and meditation.
CHOoSING YOUR MALA
Selecting the right mala for you and/or your practice can be a challenging task given the wide variety of products on the market. Choose a mala from your intuition and allow your Soul to guide you. Sometimes, the mala will pick you, and you will be attracted to a specific stone, color or design, surrender to the one that attracts you the most. Mala beads can help you move forward in your life through a spiritual practice as they can provide peace and calmness, joy, creativity and protection. The individual properties of the beads, stones and crystals can enhance, empower and support your intentions.
When you wear a mala with intention it can give meaning to your soul purpose. You can wear one to give you strength for challenging times, or to remind you to be more mindful. You can hold a mala in your hand during meditation to keep focus as you touch the beads one by one, repeating your mantra or affirmation.
HOW TO USE YOUR MALA
Malas, rosaries and power beads are used to count mantra recitations and to focus one's concentration during practice. While counting mantra mala occupies the hand (body), reciting mantra occupies the voice (speech) and visualization of the deity occupies the mind. To use your mala, hold it in your left (receiving) hand, with the beads between your index finger and thumb. Hold the mala gently and with respect. Start counting with the first bead after the “guru” bead. Count a bead for each completed recitation. Holding the beads and counting each one in turn as you recite a mantra, a vow or an affirmation helps keep the mind focused.
When you complete either 108 or 27 recitations, do not pass over the “guru” bead. This is considered a symbolic no-no, as if we are stepping over our teacher. Instead, flip the mala around 180 degrees, and keep going the same direction. With some practice this will become a natural action and will be easy to do.
WHAT 108 MEANS
You may think, what is the significance of 108? why 108 is such an important or significant number? Why males have 108 beads? Well, all this comes from the power of 9s, as we follow this power making and dividing mala beads. 108 is used to count mantras while meditating, to provide calm and peace to ones self.
The number 108 can be found in mathematics, astronomy, scriptures and beyond. For example:
* In astrology, There are 12 houses and 9 planets. 12x9=108.
* The distance from the Sun to the Earth is 108 times the diameter of the Sun.
* The average distance of the Moon to the earth is 108 times the diameter of the moon.
* If one can be so calm in meditation to have only 108 breaths in one day, enlightenment will come.
* Some Buddhists carve 108 small Buddhas on a walnut for good luck.
* In Hinduism it is said that 108 is the number of deities. Some also say that each one of the dieties has 108 names.