What is a Mala and how do you use one?
A Mala is a spiritual tool or accessory used during meditation or prayer while chanting or saying a mantra. A mantra is a positive affirmation, or a spiritual prayer, request, or petition. A mantra is a short phrase made up of a few words. A mantra is said, or chanted, up to 108 times. As the mantra is chanted over and over again, the chanter builds energy, focus, and intention which strengthens and adds power to the mantra. A Mala helps you to focus your intention and allows you to count to 108 while chanting your mantra without forgetting what number you are on.
This is possible because a traditional Tibetan style Mala is made up of 108 beads. As you work the Mala, moving your fingers from bead to bead, you say your mantra at each bead. A Mala is arranged into 4 sections, called stations, each containing 27 beads. A marker is placed at each of the 27th stations along a Mala, usually by a different size or shaped bead, so that one notices the difference by touch. This indicates to you that you have completed one section and have reached the next station. Sometimes you may have two, three or four mantras you want to say during meditation. You will know to switch mantras when you reach the markers at each station as you work the Mala. The guru bead is the focal bead on the Mala. A Mala may be finished with a tassel or pendant focal stone. Once you reach the guru bead, your chant is complete, or you may go round the Mala again.
This is possible because a traditional Tibetan style Mala is made up of 108 beads. As you work the Mala, moving your fingers from bead to bead, you say your mantra at each bead. A Mala is arranged into 4 sections, called stations, each containing 27 beads. A marker is placed at each of the 27th stations along a Mala, usually by a different size or shaped bead, so that one notices the difference by touch. This indicates to you that you have completed one section and have reached the next station. Sometimes you may have two, three or four mantras you want to say during meditation. You will know to switch mantras when you reach the markers at each station as you work the Mala. The guru bead is the focal bead on the Mala. A Mala may be finished with a tassel or pendant focal stone. Once you reach the guru bead, your chant is complete, or you may go round the Mala again.
All my available or custom made Mala Beads are handmade in the Tibetan style with 108 genuine gemstone beads, plus 3 markers at the 27th stations. Each bead is hand strung on nylon cord for durability, and knotted in the traditional Tibetan style. I prefer to finish my Mala beads with a focal pendant stone to lend additional healing energy to piece.
I also accept custom orders on Mala beads, and would love to create a custom handmade Mala for you to work with and cherish on your spiritual journey. Please email [email protected] to learn more about custom Mala beads.
I also accept custom orders on Mala beads, and would love to create a custom handmade Mala for you to work with and cherish on your spiritual journey. Please email [email protected] to learn more about custom Mala beads.
