Mala beads

What are Mala beads and how to use them?

Mala beads are a set of beads on a string. A lot of people wear them around their neck or some will wear them on their wrist.

However you do not need to be religious to use Mala beads.

You can use Mala beads to stay present in your meditation practice. They are often used in conjunction with a Mantra.

The Mala bead – sometimes called prayer breads can be used for meditation.

Usually made from seed, wood or bone. The choice of material can vary depending on the intention of the recitation.

They consist of 108 beads and the Guru bead or master bead which is larger not counted in the total of 108.

108 is a very auspicious number in Hinduism and Buddhism. These religions are the primary ones in which mala beads are used. Other religions such as Catholicism and Muslim faiths also have prayer beads based on the Mala beads. The number of beads and prayers differ depending on the intention of the religious practices.

In Buddhism there is said to be 108 impure thoughts or defilements, (Kleshas).

e.g. anger, jealousy etc.

After chanting 100 mantras, 8 extra are also chanted to allow for any lapse in concentration!

Buddhists will also use them for keeping count of prostrations during prayer.

Mala beads keep track of repetitions of a chant, mantra or names of a deity – one repetition is said silently per bead.

Mala beads save the practitioner from counting. The Guru bead or master bead signifies when you complete a round. At this point you turn the beads around to change the direction, (some traditions say this is not important).

The completion of a round signifies reminds Buddhists of breaking the cycle of birth and death.

Mala beads can be used in conjunction with a Mantra ( see below for explanation).

This practice is known as Japa Meditation which can be done sitting, standing or while walking. ( whereby the repetition of a mantra an auspicious number of times is practiced).

Beads give the meditator a physical task to do with their hands. it therefore requires concentration and co ordination. They can be used with eyes open or closed and with any recitation of any Mantra.

You can choose your own mantra.

The repetition of the words, over and over settle and clear the mind and depending on the words used – can have healing properties, or to pray depending on the intention set.

Meditation with Mantras.

A mantra is a sound, word or phrase which is repeated over and over.

This helps clear and settle the mind.

Some mantras can be used for prayer, others are said to have healing sounds and reverberations.

Mantras can be spoken or sung. People often sing them – also called chanting.

Kundalini Yoga uses mantras amongst other techniques.

Mantras can be recited for different purposes linked to working with mind.

Some classic examples of Mantras would be;

AUM, or Om. The source of all Mantras. Universal sound of healing.

The translations of these mantras may seem simple and somewhat abstract.

With these ancient traditions, there is a whole story behind the meaning that simply can not fit into the English translation!

A lot of Mantra are written in ancient Indian texts called the Vedas and the Sutras.

Remember – you can also choose your own mantra – it might be May I be happy, May I have health, May I be at ease, May I have patience, May I have strength……

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