Rudraksha Mala beads have been worn by Sages and Yogis since ancient Vedic times for their profound spiritual significance and powerful healing properties and were treated as divine treasure to be cherished. If you notice somebody using their mala beads here at Hope, please give them some space. Continue chanting the mantra for each bead till you reach the Guru bead. Since Guru bead is separate from the main mala(i.e. universe), it suggests that the Universal Self is transcendental, i.e. beyond the universe.

In addition, the numbers 3 and 6 are significant in relation to mala beads, with Buddhist malas coming in three forms: 108, 54 and 27 beads. Below is an example of a small ceremony you can perform to set the intention and energy for your new mala beads. The mala becomes a tool used to keep focus during repetition of the mantra and as a way to count your mantras without having to keep an actual number in your head.

This is the most common way to wear mala beads. Originally Buddhists and Hindus used Mala Beads to practice Japa meditation, Japa meaning “to recite”. Some Buddhist traditions hold that the Buddha himself instructed his followers to use and wear malas, specifically the laypeople (not monks).

It is said that each mala will absorb and release energy gained during your yoga practice and meditation. If you practice yoga or meditation regularly, you may want to consider using mala beads as a meditation aid. Mala beads aren’t just reserved for meditation.

Try placing the mala on your middle finger if you have dexterity or flexibility issues in your hands. 4. Hold your mala in your right hand (in India the left hand is considered impure) and use your thumb to count” each mantra by touching the bead during the recitation of the mantra.

Here’s a cool little fact: When the Roman Empire was trading with India, they mistook the word japa for jap, the Latin word for rose.” So when these prayer beads came to be used in Rome, they were called rosarium, or rosary in English. Another way to use your mala is to hold the beads in prayer form between your hands in front of your heart while reciting a mantra or prayer.

I really do like the the color (although it’s not very green at all) and the simplicity of the beads & I especially like the cat guru bead. If you have never heard of mala beads, also known as prayer beads, read on!! You can make a special prayer with the Guru bead and then begin again, either switching the hands, turning the mala or just continuing along.

It’s important to note that you never use your index finger when manipulating the Mala beads. The guru bead will be where you begin and end your meditation or mantra recitation. A mala, which is Sanskrit for garland, is a string of beads—typically 108, in addition to one guru bead—which are used as a meditation tool while chanting, reciting or silently repeating a mantra.

All of our malas use a reflection of 108 prayer beads. Generally it’s 108 beads but some use different numbers as well such as double (216) or half (54). When the mala becomes empowered it can be worn or lightly placed on oneself or others to transmit the energy of the mantra as well as the energetic qualities of the mala.

This is the most common way to wear mala beads. Originally Buddhists and Hindus used Mala Beads to practice Japa meditation, Japa meaning “to recite”. Some Buddhist traditions hold that the Buddha himself instructed his followers to use and wear malas, specifically the laypeople (not monks).