Mala Basics

A mala is a highly charged sacred tool of beads strung together used to count mantras, dating back to 8th century India. Malas are powerful objects used to connect you to the outer vast cosmos, and the divine cosmos within yourself. They have also been referred to as Prayer Beads, Mala Beads, or Worry Beads. The word Mala means “garland” (happens to be my last name, no coincidence :) in Sanskrit. -And Japa is Sanskrit for repetition. So Japa Mala are prayer beads used for mantra and prayer practice. They are fashioned with 108 beads plus an extra guru bead. The guru bead, is there as a place-marker at the bottom of the mala with the tassel and is usually a different size to the others so that you know where to begin and end the 108 repetitions. The guru bead is not used for mantra japa, it’s only the place marker. For more information about proper usage, please reach out to us directly or find our Facebook group. “10 Day Mantra Meditation Challenge” also check out our webpage entitled “What is a Mala?”

Blessings to you on your journey!

Care and Storage

When you’re not wearing your mala or using during meditation, I recommend it stored in a safe, sacred and clean place. For example, place on your altar, Diety, or in a satchel to keep the energy charged and clear. It’s most beneficial to keep the mala in a sanctified space and never put it on the floor, touch it to your feet, or let others wear it. It’s best also to not wear in the shower or swimming regularly as that could eventually break down the cotton knotting. Traditionally it would be suggested to never wear the mala while cleaning, or using the toilet or having sex. You can use your own judgement here, but I recommend following your instincts with an understanding of it’s very sacred nature. Keeping the energy charged and as clean as possible is most ideal. The more you meditate with it, the more charged with good energy it will become and will continue to bless you with that energy while wearing!

Meditation for Beginners

If you’d like;

Find a peaceful quiet place, and take a comfortable seated position. Sit with your spine straight, and take some time to start to tune into the body. Now start to connect to your breathing, without trying to control it, just witness it. When you feel ready, take your mala in the right hand, and holding between thumb and middle finger, (pointer finger straight out) repeat the mantra while fingering each bead starting to the left of the guru bead. Once you’ve reached the guru bead, you know your place, and that you’ve finished one round. Repeat 108 times going through each bead with the mantra, and then again in as many rounds of 108 as desired. The more often you practice, the more benefit you’ll observe. It’s a beautiful practice to give yourself daily, even if it means starting with one round of 108…

Personally, if I have created a comfortable space dedicated to mediation with a comfy cushion, and/or rug, some candles, incense, Diety of choice, (currently; Durga, Saraswati, Ganesh, Buddha) and my mala I get very excited to be there! I also place photos of my ancestors and loved ones there. It’s a loving and happy space. It no longer feels like a homework assignment, but more a gift to myself and an offering to my lineage as well. Reminder of course that you really need nothing to meditate, but you and your breath. However, sometimes, as we are humans in the physical realm, we need little reminders around us, and with our lives so full of other items and distractions, I find it beneficial and balancing to be surrounded by sacred tools which help to purify and sanctify the living space.

Do reach out if you would like any support for your meditation practice, or desire help in finding the right mantra.

Blessings on your journey dear ones!

Renee Garland