MALALOGY

Mala Beads

Mala beads have been used by yogis and spiritual seekers for thousands of years to help keep their minds focused during meditation. Malas were first created in India 3000 years ago (with roots in Hinduism & Buddhism) and were used for a special style of meditation called Japa, which means, “to recite”. Malas are similar to Prayer Beads used in Christian religions. The term ‘mala’ is a Sanskrit word for “meditation garland.” A mala is a string of beads used in a meditation practice as a tool to help count mantras acting as a tactile guide as one sits in silence. Malas can be made of many materials including authentic gemstones, shell, pearls, rudraksha seeds, sandalwood, various metals or a combination of various materials.

A sign of a traditionally crafted mala is knotting between each bead. Not only does knotting make the mala stronger, it also provides the perfect space in between each bead for Japa Meditation – a meditation that uses each bead to count repetitions of a mantra. Typically malas have 108 beads but other multiples of 108 are also used.

The Guru Bead is the bead attached at the base of the mala above the tassel. When strung on a necklace, the Guru Bead is often the 109th necklace. The Guru Bead is said to symbolize the Guru from whom the student received a mantra and pays homage to the student-guru relationship.

The tassel signifies multiple meanings. A common thought is that as the strings come together as one to form the tassel, it represents our connection to the divine and to each other.

Significance of 108 Beads

The truth is the significance of 108 beads on your mala is open to interpretation but the number is significant in many ways and in different teachings of the various types of Buddhism and Hinduism. In Buddhism, there are said to be 108 earthly desires in mortals, 108 lies humans tell and 108 human delusions. In Yoga, 108 Sun Salutations are often practiced to honor change e.g. to bring peace, respect and understanding at a time of tragedy or to honor the change of seasons. Renowned mathematicians of Vedic culture have viewed 108 as a number of the wholeness of existence. This number also connects the Sun, Moon, and Earth: The average distance of the Sun and the Moon to Earth is 108 times their respective diameters. Also, some believe there are 108 stages on the journey of the human soul, while others associate the possibility of enlightenment with taking only 108 breaths a day while in deep meditation. No matter who you ask, the answer will most likely be different each time.

One of our favorite explanations for having 108 beads on a mala is related to the seven chakra energy points in our bodies. There are 108 energy lines connecting to the heart, with one of them believed to be the path to self–realization. 

Choosing a Mala

Are you trying to connect your perfect set of mala beads, but don't know where to start? While there is no wrong way to choose a mala, surrender and be led by your heart and intuition or simply what you are drawn to. The mala that you are drawn to first is the one you’re meant to have. It can truly be that simple. Don’t resist the ease. Allow yourself to embrace it.

What are you trying to manifest? Each mala carries its own intention, some by the the energy of gemstones used or the combination of materials used. When searching for your perfect mala ask yourself: What is my intention? What am I trying to manifest? Am I looking to cultivate more love, more self-acceptance, better communication, more abundance, more groundedness? Keep in mind that mala beads are suitable for both meditation and/or manifestation. Exactly what you feel and your individual connection will be a result of how receptive you are to synthesize the energy being offered. Each Beaded Llama mala will uniquely interact with you and it's helpful to keep this awareness while choosing a mala, we suggest selecting the one your most drawn to initially, even if it's in contradiction to what you read. Your intuition always knows what you need.

Every mala is created with a purpose and intention to bring about healing and personal transformation.  Each of our malas has been energetically cleared with Palo Santo, and charged by the sun and moon ready for programming intention or manifestation.

Care Instructions for Malas

It is a good idea to clear the energy of your mala beads from time to time, to then charge your mala beads and finally to program your beads with intention. This can be done by smudging or saging with Palo Santo, Sage, Sweet Grass or other clearing substances. Once the energy is cleared, set your mala outside over-night, under a full moon if possible, and part of a day in the sun to “re-charge” the gemstone’s energy. After this step then it is time to “program” your beads.

It is not recommended to wash or soak the mala in a salt bath because this can damage certain gemstones, the cord and tassel.

Mantras and Affirmations

Sanskrit Letters: Many people choose to recite their mantra in Sanskrit, the ancient script of India. Within the Sanskrit alphabet there are 54 letters. Each letter has a feminine and masculine version which totals 108.

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 or the universe.

As mala beads were traditionally created to be used as a tool in meditation. However, we believe mala beads are also beautiful mediums to set intentions, manifest intentions, japa meditation, and generally feel good.

You don't have to meditate on the beads, although that's what they are made for in a practical sense. Our malas are hand knotted between each bead, allowing one to chant their mantra and keep track of where you are. Your mala may also have a “counting bead” which is the halfway point between the 108 beads; this is called the counting bead and signifies your half-way point around the mala. Our malas have 108 beads unless otherwise specified. Some malas may have 216 (double), or 54 (half) in which you can adjust using your mala accordingly.

Choosing a Mantra or Affirmation

When using a mantra or affirmation, it's believed that only the positive intentions and actions will fill your mind and eliminate any negativity. A mantra can be as simple as the word 'love,' something you are thankful for, or a phrase such as 'om shanti, shanti, shanti' which represents all encompassing peace. Meditating with an affirmation can be as simple as “I accept myself” or “I I love myself.”

A mantra can be chosen based on what you would like to manifest in your life. While choosing a mantra or affirmation, consider your inner motivations for practicing meditation such as whether you're looking for positivism, health, happiness, self- love or to find balance connect to the divine, communicate better, connect to your heart, etc.

 Meditating with Mala Beads

Mala beads are a great tool to help focus attention whether you’re just starting a meditation practice or you are an advanced practitioner. Mala’s provide something tactile to come back to when your mind starts to wander which happens to everyone! Rolling the beads through your fingers is a physical way to direct your energy and attention. It’s a gentle reminder every few seconds to reground and re-focus.

If this is your first time using a Mala, start by holding it out in front of you so we can look at the anatomy. The tassel represents an end point — signifying you’ve gone all the way around the Mala for a full cycle of meditation. Between the tassel and necklace loop, there is one single bead, called the Guru Bead.

There are 108 beads in the necklace loop. Now, start with the necklace in your dominant hand, tassel facing towards you. - Start with the bead to the right of the guru bead. - Begin turning each bead individually in your fingers, making your way slowly to the next bead. - When turning the beads, try not to use the index finger as that is believed to represent the ego. - Try using your thumb to turn the beads. You can use your thumb nail to pull the bead towards you. It is believed that if you use your index finger to pull to the next bead, then you are invoking your ego, so this is not recommended.

You can also use your thumb to rotate the bead by turning it and moving to the next bead. You will notice hand-knotting between each bead, this is meant to help ease the practice of moving from bead to bead.

If you feel have the hang of it, try layering in breathe. On each bead, take a deep inhale and exhale. Then move to the next bead. Inhale deeply and exhale fully. Once you have the breathing down, you can layer in a mantra.

On each bead, along with your breath, try silently repeating your mantra to yourself. For the sake of this, we will use an affirmation based mantra, which is an “I Am statement” On each bead, inhale “I Am” and exhale a word that embodies how you want to feel in that moment. It can be abundant, strong, patient, intuitive, etc.

I Am” and exhale your word on each bead. A single word can be used such as grounded, or love.

Once you have made it around 108 beads, you will reach the guru bead. The guru bead signifies a moment to pause and sit in reflection. Here, you can thank and honor your guru, your mantra, and yourself for taking the time to sit in stillness. Congrats! This signifies a full practice!

If you want to keep meditating, rather than continuing over the guru bead, it is advised to turn back in the direction you just came.

It is guaranteed that your mind will wander and when it does, simply return to the beads and focus on your breath and simply let the thought go. . When your mind wanders, you have the choice to judge yourself and think things like “I’m not a good at meditation or will I ever get the hang of this.” These types of thoughts only keep you in a place of self judgement. On the flip side, you can acknowledge you’ve had some thoughts, let them go, and return your focus to your Mala beads, your breath and your mantra. You’ll be challenged consistently in your practice with a wandering mind. It doesn’t mean you are unable to meditate — it just means you're human. Expect your mind to wander. Meditation isn’t about eliminating your thoughts, but rather creating space between them, allowing yourself the room to connect to your higher self.  Namaste