Meditation Malas
What is a Mala?
A Mala is a set of prayer beads commonly used by Buddhists. They are usually made from 108 beads, however other numbers, usually divisible by 9, are also used. Malas are used for keeping count while reciting, chanting, or mentally repeating a mantra. This practice is known in Sanskrit as Japa. Hindus and Buddhist Malas are typically made with 16, 27, 54 or 108 beads.
In Tibetan Buddhism, traditional Malas are made of 108, 21 or 28 beads. Doing one 108 bead Mala counts as 100 mantra recitations, the extra 8 repetitions are done to amend any mistakes in pronunciation or other errors in recitation.
When reciting a mantra with a Mala, you recite the entire mantra on each bead. You can also use affirmations with your Mala, repeating the affirmation with each bead. The recitations can be done silently, as a whisper, in song or spoken out loud.
History of the Mala
Malas are known as prayer beads. Using beads for prayer as a meditation tool dates back beyond written history. You can see them being used as a tool in almost every spiritual or religious practice. The oldest known form of the prayer bead is the Japa Mala used in Hindu prayer.
How to use a Mala
Malas are a great tool to help enhance your meditation. Using a Mala can help you focus on your meditation while adding the unique metaphysical properties of the Mala beads to improve the power of your meditation. Integrating gemstone therapy, by simply using a gemstone Mala, into your meditation helps enhance its results. The amazing thing about meditating with a Mala is that it incorporates acupressure, gemstone therapy, and a deep meditative practice.
To use a Mala start by holding it in your hand. Begin reciting your affirmation prayer or mantra on each bead. Hold each bead between the thumb and one of your fingers, moving from one bead to the next with each recitation. You can drape the Mala over your finger, and use the thumb to pull the beads over the finger toward you after each recitation. Doing this makes the bead pass over an intended meridian point.
Accupressure during Mala use
There are different accupressure points on each finger that works on different parts of the psyche and brain. When the beads press the meridian points in the finger, you can work on a specific intended result. The meridian point you are trying to activate is located on the side on each finger, in the center point between the tip of the finger and the upper knuckle. Listed below are the properties of the meridian points for each finger...
Index finger: Wisdom, knowledge and prosperity.
Middle finger: Patience
Ring finger: Health, vitality and strengthening the Nervous system.
Little Finger: Communication and intelligence.
To use a Mala start by holding it in your hand. Begin reciting your affirmation prayer or mantra on each bead. Hold each bead between the thumb and one of your fingers, moving from one bead to the next with each recitation. You can drape the Mala over your finger, and use the thumb to pull the beads over the finger toward you after each recitation. Doing this makes the bead pass over an intended meridian point.
Accupressure during Mala use
There are different accupressure points on each finger that works on different parts of the psyche and brain. When the beads press the meridian points in the finger, you can work on a specific intended result. The meridian point you are trying to activate is located on the side on each finger, in the center point between the tip of the finger and the upper knuckle. Listed below are the properties of the meridian points for each finger...
Index finger: Wisdom, knowledge and prosperity.
Middle finger: Patience
Ring finger: Health, vitality and strengthening the Nervous system.
Little Finger: Communication and intelligence.
