How to Meditate with a Mala
Mokugenji Sutra: Buddha instructed King Haruri
“King, if you want to eliminate earthly desires and to put an end to their suffering, make a circular string of 108 beads made from the seeds of the Mokugenji tree. Hold it always to yourself.
Recite “Namu Buddha – Namu Dharma – Namu Sangha”.
Count one bead with each recitation”.
A mala is a sacredly crafted tool for use in meditation, traditionally Japa meditation.
Depending on the spiritual tradition and intention, a mala can be personally concealed or decorative. A mala provides a structure or roadmap for repeating mantra and chanting.
This tactile method helps maintain concentration and focus and anchor the mantra or breath.
In Bhakti, malas can help us remember the mantra with devotion, sincerity and full attention. The practice of repetition can help in intention setting and manifesting goals.
Parts of the Mala
Mala: Sanskrit meaning “garland”.
Bead: From the Anglo-Saxon word “bede” meaning prayer.
Tassel represents 1000 petals of the lotus flower, a symbol of higher consciousness and transformation.
Meru bead (Guru) : Largest bead, not part of 108, marks the beginning and end of mala. Meru bead may represent a teacher or inspirational entity in your life, the bond shared between teacher and student. The meru bead can serve as a reminder of elevated awareness and pure consciousness.
Mantra: “Man” – that which liberates the mind; “tra” transcending, crossing over, liberation; transcending consciousness; Repeated to aid concentration; Mantras consist of series of sacred sounds or syllables that create specific vibration and energy; Practicing mantra alters the energetic system of the body.
“Mantra is a vibrational anti-biotic”
Yogrishi Vishvketu
Why 108 Beads?
There are countless theories supporting the special nature of the number 108.
In certain traditions, (Hinduism, Jain, Sikh, Islam, Buddhism, Taoism) 108 is a sacred number that represents the basis of creation, possesses celestial energy and connection the the Divine.
Spiritually, Vedic tradition suggests there are 108 stages on the journey of the soul (Atman).
Energetically, there are believed to be 108 energy lines surrounding the Anahata, Heart Chakra
Mathematically, 108 is termed a Harshad number, which in Sanskrit means, “great joy” and is an integer divisible by the sum of its digits.
Numerologically, 108 also adds up to 9 (1+0+8), another sacred number reflecting the energy of completion and the fulfillment of a cycle. We see this reflected as 9 being the end of cycle in the decimal system. There is also a 9-month gestation period to create life for humans.
Astronomically, the diameter of the sun is 108 times the diameter of the Earth. The distance from the Sun to the Earth is 108 times the diameter of the Sun.
Yogis practicing Pranayama believe if one is so calm in meditation as to have only 108 breaths in a day, a key feature of enlightenment.
I personally like the theory that breaks down of the number as representing the Reality of the Universe
1 – All One
0 – Nothing
8 – everything (infinity)
How to Use a Mala
1. Get Comfortable:
Find a quiet, comfortable space where you can sit or stand without distractions. You may choose to sit cross-legged on the floor, in a chair, or in a meditative posture.
2. Hold the Mala:
Hold the mala in your right hand. Rest the mala on your middle finger, while your thumb should be used to glide over the beads one at a time. Some traditions strongly advise against the index finger to touch the mala.
3. Start at the Meru Bead:
The Meru bead marks the beginning and end of your mala. Begin by holding the mala at the meru bead. This bead is not counted in the recitations.
4. Set Your Intention (Optional but Helpful):
Before starting your mantra or breath repetition, take a few moments to set an intention (known in as a Sankalpa) for your practice. This can be a specific goal, prayer, or affirmation.
5. Recite Your Mantra:
Hold the mala in your hand and begin reciting your chosen mantra, affirmation or breath. With each recitation, move your fingers to the next bead, one bead at a time.
6. Continue Around the Mala:
As you complete one round of mantra recitations, you will reach the meru bead again. Do not cross over the meru bead—this signifies the completion of one full round. If you'd like to continue, simply reverse the direction of the mala and continue counting without crossing the meru bead.
From the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad:
I am what my deepest desire is,
As my desire is, so is my intention
As my intention is, so is my will,
As my will is, so is my deed,
As my deed is, so is my destiny
Mala Care
Keep your mala beads clean and safe. They can be stored in a pouch or box when not in use to maintain their vital energy and integrity.
Some people like to infuse their mala with specific intentions or blessings during the first use or after cleansing it energetically
Cleansing: Herbal burning (Sage, cedar, sandalwood). Depending on the material of the mala, water can be used, be mindful of the tassel, leaving it out to air dry in the sun. A bowl with mustard seed, whole herbs like rosemary, rose petals or course sea salt.
Charging: Place in a bowl (metal or clay) near a fire, candlelight is fine. Utilizing sunlight, or under the full moon. You can also use visualization.
