mala meditation

Mala Meditation - Japa

A Mala is a string of beads facilitating counting mantras in sets of 108 repetitions.

A mantra is a word or series of words chanted aloud or silently to invoke spiritual qualities. Chanting is used as a spiritual tool in virtually every cultural and religious tradition. In the yogic tradition a mantra is a Sanskrit word that has special power to transform consciousness, promote healing or fulfil desires.

The practice of chanting a mantra is used as a form of meditation. Sitting in a comfortable position, the mantra is repeated silently or aloud. The mind is focused on mantra, the thoughts are let go of and the breath is slow and deep.

Hold your Mala in your right hand (in India the left hand is considered impure) and use your thumb to count each mantra by touching the bead during the recitation and then lightly pulling the bead towards you on completion and moving to next bead. The index finger is extended and should not touch the Mala. The large meru (mountain) bead should not be counted or touched by the thumb and is used as a starting and ending point of recitation.

Gemstones/Semiprecious Crystals are becoming more and more popular as mala components, as they bring their own vibrational energies to mala work.

The counting beads are tied in patterns of 108 (Mantra), Tibetan (108 + 1 with markers at intervals of 27) or Zen (108 + 1 with markers at intervals of 7, 21, 87, 101).

According to traditional Buddhism, 108 represents the number of mortal desires of mankind which one must overcome to achieve Nirvana.  

In addition to the interesting historical significance, the number 108 appears in ancient, sacred texts. Read more here.

Let it be known, for historical reference: Sadhguru, a respected Sage of India and founder of Isha Foundation, has published an interpretation of facts stating:

Traditionally, they believe the number of beads is 108 plus one. The extra bead is the bindu. There must always be a bindu (guru stone) to the mala, otherwise the energy becomes cyclical and people who are sensitive may become dizzy. An adult should not wear a mala with less than 84 (eighty-four + 1) beads plus the bindu. Any number over that is fine.

When marker beads are used, they are usually larger in size or of a different shape or texture. They are there to ensure your mind does not wander off during meditation - but stays centered in your practice.

In the center of the garland at the halfway point is the Guru (or meru, meaning 'mountain') bead. It can be a gemstone bead, or a specific style of bead, then with a tassel hanging off it. The guru bead is named that for a reason. It symbolizes your Teacher, your Guru, the Divine, or God – whatever you hold sacred – as well as your intention. It is the sacred in your mala - the energy to guide, teach and support you.

The two threads of the mala come together into one and travel through the guru and then finish and tie off in the tassel, representing our connection to the Divine and to each other. Oneness. The tassel is also said to represent our desire to touch enlightenment. 

The mala is a wonderful tool with a long history - with specific patterns and distinct parts that each work toward your end goal - of directing your prayers, energies, thoughts or intentions to your higher self, the Universe and the Divine.

To empower the Mala and the mantra used, japa should be practiced each day for 40 continuous days. When the Mala becomes empowered it can be worn or lightly placed on oneself or others to transmit the energy of the mantra as well as the energetic qualities of the Mala. When you use a new mantra with a Mala, this energy becomes replaced, so it is recommended to use a new Mala with each mantra if possible.

When not in use, store your Mala in a special, clean and perferably sacred space. The best place to store a Mala is on a personal altar or statue of a deity.

~ chapati&chai

Facts about 108:

• According to traditional Buddhism, 108 represents the number of mortal desires of mankind which one must overcome to achieve Nirvana.  

• The number 108 appears in ancient, sacred texts. For example, there are 108 Upanishads and 108 Tantras.

• In numerology, 108 equals 9, which symbolizes universal love, eternity and awakening.

• In Ayurveda, there are 108 sacred points on the body.

• In astronomy, the distance between the Sun and Earth is roughly 108 times the Sun’s diameter.

• Mala bead necklaces have 108 beads, which are used to count during meditation

• and much more, inquire with us (little email box)