Working with your japa mala supports spiritual development.
Japa – Sanskrit = ‘silent and internal repetition’, use of sacred, personal mantra during meditation.
Mala – Sanskrit = ‘garland’, the beaded necklace used as a tool in meditation practice.
Mantra – Sanskrit = (mind/liberate) a word or set of words, sound or syllable, affirmation, intention, chant.
There are 108 beads on a japa mala necklace, plus one extra bead named a guru bead.
The number 108 has sacred and spiritual meaning. For example, it is 9x12 - in the Vedic system of astrology, there are 9 planets and 12 houses. The river Ganges in India spans 12 degrees longitude and 9 of latitude. 108 energy lines converge at the heart centre.
The guru bead is also significant as it may represent our spiritual goal and hold spiritual energy. This guru bead is not touched during japa mala practice.
How to use your Mala
Your mala can be used for japa of a Sanskrit mantra you have been initiated into (preferable), the universal mantra ‘aum’ or simply use the sound and pace of your breath as you pass each bead along the fingers.
The Sanskrit language is built on combinations of sounds that resonate in the energy pathways of the body and in the environment in a precise way. So, pronunciation is important. Sometimes people chant words of affirmation in their own language, such as ‘peace.’
With japa, the realization of the qualities represented by the mantra comes about through focused concentration and a spirit of devotion while chanting. Each bead on your personal mala is infused with sacred energy.
Japa – Sanskrit = ‘silent and internal repetition’, use of sacred, personal mantra during meditation.
Mala – Sanskrit = ‘garland’, the beaded necklace used as a tool in meditation practice.
Mantra – Sanskrit = (mind/liberate) a word or set of words, sound or syllable, affirmation, intention, chant.
There are 108 beads on a japa mala necklace, plus one extra bead named a guru bead.
The number 108 has sacred and spiritual meaning. For example, it is 9x12 - in the Vedic system of astrology, there are 9 planets and 12 houses. The river Ganges in India spans 12 degrees longitude and 9 of latitude. 108 energy lines converge at the heart centre.
The guru bead is also significant as it may represent our spiritual goal and hold spiritual energy. This guru bead is not touched during japa mala practice.
How to use your Mala
Your mala can be used for japa of a Sanskrit mantra you have been initiated into (preferable), the universal mantra ‘aum’ or simply use the sound and pace of your breath as you pass each bead along the fingers.
The Sanskrit language is built on combinations of sounds that resonate in the energy pathways of the body and in the environment in a precise way. So, pronunciation is important. Sometimes people chant words of affirmation in their own language, such as ‘peace.’
With japa, the realization of the qualities represented by the mantra comes about through focused concentration and a spirit of devotion while chanting. Each bead on your personal mala is infused with sacred energy.
- Sit comfortably and upright.
- Hold the mala in your right hand, with the mala draped over your middle finger. The index finger is not used because it represents the ego.
- Place your hand and mala near or above the heart.
- With your thumb, hold the first bead past the guru bead. Chant your mantra (or use the pace of your breath, focusing on the bead, the sound and the sensations in your body.
- Then draw the next bead towards you with your thumb and chant the mantra again. Continue all the way around the mala until you reach the last bead before the guru bead.
- The tassel can be an indicator or the feeling of the change in beads. You finish one round of the mala on this bead before the guru bead. If you would like to do another round, do not cross the guru bead. Turn the mala around and repeat the process.
Some people practice this with a japa mala bag around the hand with a little hole the index finger sticks out to help avoid using it. The bag protects the mala and contains energies of the mantra and prana. The practitioners keep their mantra and japa mala secret.
It is best to dedicate the same mantra for the mala necklace. This can support your japa practice by holding the energies particular to this mantra. Some people like to wear the mala to remind themselves to stay connected to their spiritual practice values. Others prefer to keep the mala only for japa. Your japa mala necklace is not a fashion accessory and should be treated with grace and respect.
With practice you will recognize how much time you have been meditating. You will become familiar with the feel of the beads and will know when the guru bead is approaching.
Caring for your Mala
Your sacred mala bead necklace should be gently cared for like any precious items you care about. Here are some tips on how to care for your mala beads:
It is best to dedicate the same mantra for the mala necklace. This can support your japa practice by holding the energies particular to this mantra. Some people like to wear the mala to remind themselves to stay connected to their spiritual practice values. Others prefer to keep the mala only for japa. Your japa mala necklace is not a fashion accessory and should be treated with grace and respect.
With practice you will recognize how much time you have been meditating. You will become familiar with the feel of the beads and will know when the guru bead is approaching.
Caring for your Mala
Your sacred mala bead necklace should be gently cared for like any precious items you care about. Here are some tips on how to care for your mala beads:
- Take off before bed so you do not sleep with them on.
- Avoid getting them wet, like in the shower, swimming, excessive sweating. Water may erode the fibres of the thread or rot the beads.
- If you need to clean them, gently wipe with a slightly damp cloth or soft brush. Do not use any soaps or oils.
- If they do get wet, lay them flat to dry naturally in a warm place.
- Avoid wearing them if there is a chance of being pulled or snagged (ie yoga class, sports activities).
- Sometimes mala necklaces will break, do not feel disappointed, you can restring them or keep the beads in a special place.
- Your rudraksha and wooden beads may darken with wear. This is natural.
- Place is a soft cotton bag or wrapped in cloth when not in use.
- You can place in sunlight or moonlight to cleanse and/or keep near your favorite gemstones.
- If you have a little altar or spiritual space, you can place your mala beads here. You do not need to wear them as a fashion item.
