How to Use Mala Beads and Mantras For Meditation

Mala beads also known as the Buddhist Rosary, are strings of 108 beads that aid in meditation. Some mala are smaller, and 21 or 28 beads can be used to prostrate.

These are used to focus the mind in meditation. Meditation can be difficult. You can feel too relaxed and drift off to sleep, or your mind can wander from one thought to the next making it difficult to focus. The focus of your mantra and the anchoring of the mind to the task at hand, the mala beads can help you. They can help regulate your breathing and the rhythm of your mantra.

Types of Mala Beads

There are many types of mala beads, and most of them are made of wood. One example is sandalwood, which promotes calmness during meditation. Rosewood also strengthens the aura. Tiny Devotions offers all types of mala beads.

Gemstone crystal mala can also be purchased. These can be used to enhance the physical, spiritual and emotional senses. Appeasing mantras, for example, should be recited with white beads such as mother of pearl or crystal, while increasing mantras should preferably be recited with gold, copper or silver malas.

Rose Quartz has been known to stimulate the heart chakra. It is also known to encourage gentleness, patience, and compassion. This would make it a great choice for meditations that focus on the heart, or to help you develop these qualities. Malachite is known to help release negative emotions and restore balance and peace in the mind. It would make a great mala choice for meditations that promote positive thoughts and self-belief.

Mala Beads and Mantras

The mantra is recited at the sumuru's summit bead. After each recitation, you move on to the next bead. Continue to the opposite direction once you reach the sumeru. The mala should be held in the right hand. Your index finger should not touch the beads. As you recite, use your thumb to gently touch each bead with your thumb. Do not count the sumeru, just keep going until you have recited each bead 108 times.

Make your intent clear and do not spend too much time thinking about it. Instead, let your intuition and gut feel guide you in choosing a mantra. It is best to use a new mala whenever you change mantras. This will allow it to retain the energy of the original mantra.

Your mala absorbs your mantra's vibrations and becomes charged with your energies. Your mala eventually becomes your personal sacred space and is imbued in your intention to change. Keep your mala in a pouch or bag and keep them from falling to the ground. They should not be worn around the neck or wrist. Instead, they should be kept for meditation purposes. Some people wear them, while others allow others to do so.

Summary of Using Mala Beads For Meditation

It is not necessary to meditate with mala beads. However, for beginners, it can be a helpful tool to keep your mind focused on repeating the mantras. You can also keep track of how many repetitions you have made. Mala beads have an additional benefit: you can choose a material to balance and enhance the intent of your mantra.