Malas are more than just a beautiful adornment!
My malas are made with natural semi-precious gemstones, crystals and wood. All malas are unique and special, variation in color (unless dyed) and inclusions in the gemstones are natural. Necklaces are hand knotted between each bead for security and sensation, which can also symbolizes the unbroken lineage teachings of the Buddha. Malas can be worn for a calmer body, mind and spirit, a reflection of your spirituality or religious beliefs, to use as a meditation or mantra/affirmation tool, or for properties, energies, and meaning behind the semi-precious gemstones and crystals used. Malas can be a reflection of ones journey, becoming whatever the wearer intends for it. The word mala means “garland” or rosary in Sanskrit. Mala beads have been used in Buddhism and Hinduism for centuries and the traditional Rudraksha mala dates back to the 10th century.
What is significant about the number of beads?
All of my malas are made to specific spiritual numbers: 108/72/54.
- Some believe there are 108 stages on the journey of the human soul
- Others associate the possibility of enlightenment with taking only 108 breaths a day, while in deep meditation.
- In relation to the chakras (the seven energy points in our body); It has been said there are 108 energy lines connecting to the heart, with one of them believed to be the path to self-realization.
- There are said to be 108 earthly desires.
- When using your mala beads in meditation and chanting your mantra, some have said you are complete once you have done it 100 times. The 8 extra beads are to account for errors. Or even more beautiful, are meant to be an offering to your guru.
- Many choose to recite their mantra in sanskrit, the ancient script of India. Within the Sanksrit alphabet there are 54 letters. Each letter has a feminine and masculine version — totalling 108.
Using a mala for meditation:
Beginning at the summit or guru of the mala, the larger bead at its base. Drape the first mala bead, the one adjacent to the guru on your right, in between your thumb and middle finger. Use your thumb to slide the first mala bead down and move to the next bead. Repeat this movement for a count of 108, 54, 27, or 21 beads. During this process you may choose to focus on your breathing, moving past each mala bead as you take an in breath or an out breath. As you do so the mala acts an object that aids in a single pointed focus on your breath. In other meditations, you may wish to focus on something that you wish for in yourself or something you wish to understand about yourself. If you repeat this 108 times over one meditation, several weeks of meditation, or longer you will notice a shift in your consciousness and energy state.
Other common uses:
Many people choose to use their mala in contexts outside of seated meditation. Wearing a mala as a bracelet or necklace is common. This helps keep your affirmations or intentions with you throughout the day. People may choose to carry their mala in a mala bag that is kept in a pocket or purse as another way of keeping their practice with them as they move through their lives. Other people keep their mala in their meditation shrine when it is not in use. A mala can become a beautiful feature of your sacred space, adding color, texture, and intention to your shrine. Finally, some people take their mala to yoga practice and coil it at the top of their yoga mats or wear it during the practice. They believe this helps the mala absorb the energy of their physical practice and helps them carry their yoga practice with them when off the mat. Whichever way you choose to use your mala, mala beads can be a representative object of your intentions or affirmations and are powerful for helping focus the mind on that which you most hope to develop through your yoga and meditation practice.
Mala care:
Your new mala is a precious piece of jewelry. All semi-precious gemstones need to be treated with care as these gems can crack with force. You will need to clean your gems gently. Store your mala in a safe spot when not in use. Please take off when swimming, showering, and during hot yoga as water can damage thread. Bathe in moonlight regularly to renew the energy of the crystals.
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