Oftentimes, the mind is like an unruly child. If you are using your mala for crystal and chakra healing you may make different choices about intended use and care than if you are using it for meditation and prayer for example. Repeating this sound during asana practice readies the mind and the breath for a seated mantra practice following your asana work.

But 108 has long been considered a sacred number in Hinduism and yoga. Other pieces include handmade silver mantra jewelry, embroided blanket scarves from India and meditation starter kits. By the end of this course you will be using a mala and know the essential guidelines to create your own personal meditation practice.

Some examples include the 108 energy lines that converge to form the heart chakra , 108 goddess names, and the diameter of the sun, which is 108 times the diameter of the earth. These beads are usually 7-8mm in size or 10mm, and their shape allows them glide easily through your fingers.

Hold your MeruBeads in your right hand, draped between your middle and index fingers. Activating your mala is a beautiful way to connect the beads to your energy and intention. Mala beads are commonly made of sandalwood, lotus seed, tulsi (Holy basil) or semi-precious stones, such as carnelian and amethyst.

Start with the mala in your left hand, with index finger and thumb lightly grasping the bead next to the Guru Bead (the larger bead at the top of the chain). Mala Bracelets are great to wear during yoga, wrapping your intentions and yoga practice together. The word “mantra” has been translated as “mind protection,” and the repetition of certain sounds is believed to clear energy and align the mind and spirit.

This process is repeated and when arriving at the head or guru bead, the person meditating turns the mala around and then goes back in the opposing direction. In the Hindu tradition, you can use any finger of the right hand to hold the beads, except for the first finger, which is the pointing or accusing” finger; you don’t use that one.

So sitting cross legged with my eyes closed I held the skull mala using my thumb and middle finger silently saying my mantra on each bead – I meditated. Malas are traditionally held in the right hand, with the mala draped over the middle finger. Below are a few examples to get started in the mala + mantra practice and how to use it. Please comment below with any mantras you love, questions, or simply drop some love or words of encouragement.

Mala beads are available in bracelet and necklace form. Traditional yoga malas consist of 108 beads plus a head bead called a sumeru. Rather, the beads will be doing the counting for you as you scroll through and count” with each breath or mantra. A traditional mantra for activating and sealing in the energy in your new rudraksha mala is Om Hrim Namah Shivaya Om.” Chant this mantra at least three times.

Placing the mala on your third finger will also allow you to efficiently cycle through the mala throughout your meditation and mantra recitations. Likewise, the beaded malas made of tulsi wood are considered very suitable for meditation. Then continue with 36 more beads and 36 knots, which will put you exactly at ½ of the mala.

When you press the beads against the meridian point in your finger you can experience certain results. When we notice the mala on the skin, we are reminded of our intentions to cultivate mindfulness, compassion, and wisdom. Gemstones have varying energy and healing properties, so when you are selecting a bead for your meditation, you want to look for the ones that have properties that will benefit you the most.

After you have completed a full circle of your mala, you will feel the Guru bead. They are not connected to a specific religion although they are often used by Christians, Buddhists and Hindus to recite mantras or prayers. To tie the mala together there is a big bead known as the guru bead with a tassel strung off of it. The tassel is meant to represent one thousand lotus petals.