What is a mala?
A mala is a string of beads, used to chant the names of God. It’s the same thing as prayer beads, or a rosary. A Hindu mala typically has either 108 beads (108 being considered a sacred number in Hinduism) or 27 beads (which is one-fourth of 108). In addition to the 108 or 27 “counting beads,” a mala generally has an additional bead, called the “guru bead,” which hangs perpendicular to the circle of counting beads. I also add marker units and lava beads which are not usually part of the bead count to allow you to mark your progress along the beads. The first marker is at 27 and the next marks the beginning of the last 27 beads on the way to your guru bead.
The idea is to create a mantra - something you wish to meditate on, pray about, etc. Your mantra should be short and focused, for example; “Let me find peace” etc., or you can use the traditional Om Shanti, Shanti, Shanti (or Om Shanti Om) Meaning Peace in body, peace in mind, peace in speech or spirit. Repeat your mantra as you touch each bead in turn along the mala.
A constantly repeated mantra can help flip a negative state into a positive one. Many people use mantras to help them stay in a positive mindset. It is an excellent skill to use when you need to give yourself a motivational boost. It’s a bit like training your mind to think positively, regardless of any negative things happening in your day. When you suffer a setback, you can instantly go to a mantra and use it to help you.
It has been my experience that just wearing your mala, once you have set your intention causes you to think about your mantra, or higher goals and brings this forward into your daily life. I also find that the gemstones in your mala will draw you to them and the meaning and purpose of the gemstones may guide you to your mantra as we’re usually drawn to the crystals we are needing in our lives at this present moment.
A Hindu mala is usually worked with by using the right hand. The mala is held resting over the third finger of the right hand, and the beads are brought toward you, one by one, using the thumb. Each bead counts one repetition of your mantra. When you get around to the guru bead, you don’t count it, and you don’t pass it; you stop there, mentally bow to the guru, flip the mala around, and start going back the other way. Each time you come to the guru bead you awaken once more, and then you turn around and go back the way you came.
Now for those of you who are left-handed, In India, you would be inclined to use the right hand anyway, because of certain cultural traditions. The Tibetans, on the other hand, have no such rules; they use their malas in either hand, and with any finger. In the Hindu tradition, you can use any finger of the right hand to hold the beads, except for the first finger, which is the pointing or “accusing” finger; you don’t use that one. The reason most people use the third finger is that there is a nerve on the inside of that finger which is connected to your spine in such a way that you’re getting a little added benefit from the practice. It’s similar to an acupressure point, and it adds a little extra energy rush to the process.
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Namaste