What are Mala Beads ?
Mala beads are a strand of beads traditionally used in prayer and meditations. Malas are far more than just a piece of jewelry. Malas are meditation tools and are not restricted to any one religion. You don’t need to pledge to one religious believe system or spiritual practice to wear or use mala beads. You simple wear then as a reminder of your personal intentions and values, or when seeking growth and change in your mind, body and spirit.
How do you choose a Mala beads?
When choosing your Mala know that mala can represent something different to everyone. It's a meditation tool, a reminder of an intention, inspiration or a manifestation goal. Regardless don’t judge or compare. Find your calling and path and let that guide you to your selection of mala. You may have more than one Mala to represent your different intentions. Some pair their intension with the metaphysical properties of stones used in the mala. Others choose based off of the colors and the feeling it connects with. Choosing your mala is a personal choice but it best to find a connection between the mala and your desires or intentions.
How do you use Mala beads?
Traditionally the mala beads are used for prayer and meditation with a mantra. A Mantra is a word, sound or phrase that is repeated to deepen your concentrations with your intention. It can be as simple as one word “release” to release all that doesn’t server you in your mind body and spirit. Or “Love” for something you are thankful for. Some use a Sanskrit phrases like ”om shanti, shanti, shanti,” which represents all encompassing peace. What ever you want to focus on. You hold each each bead (normally 108) and repeat your mantra.
It is believed you should hold the bead with your the thumb and the middle finger, not the index finger. The index finger is thought to represent the “ego” . After circling all the way around the beads you reach the guru bead. The bead that steps down from the strand. It may be a different size or texture. The Guru bead signals a time for reflections. You may reflect on your practice, feel gratitude for any and all things or move to a new goal in your practice. Do not continue in the same direction after reflection on the Guru bead. Turn back in the opposite direction.
It is believed that after making it all the way around your mala you will have found some enlightenment. If your mind wanders its okay, your will improves over time with practice . If your mind starts to wander simply pull your thoughts back to your intentions and continue your practice. Be kind and love yourself as you grow in your mindfulness.
What do you do have you receive your Mala.
Once you have received your Mala beads they should to be activated to strengthen the connection between you and your mala. The stronger the connection the better protection and guidance you'll receive. The mala will serve you as a reminder of your divinity. You may use the ceremony below or create your own.
INTENTION SETTING CEREMONY
Create a quiet space and find in a comfortable seated posture. Light a candle or your favorite incense. If you wish to wash your mala first you can do so in pure water with flowers. Close your eyes and start to lengthen your breath. Breathe. With a clear and calm mind, state your intention to the beads, moving each bead through your fingers. (Note: We recommend avoiding the use of your pointer finger, as it represents ego.)
Visualize yourself finding peace of mind and inner calmness. A traditional mantra for activating and sealing in the energy in your new mala is “Om Hrim Namah Shivaya Om.” Chant this mantra at least three times. Sit for a few minutes sealing the bond.
How to cleans your Mala?
CLEANSING YOUR MALA
Once you have activated your mala beads with your energy, you may want to clean them from time to time. The beads are believed to absorb energy, you should not share your malas with others as not to transfer others energy. There are a few ways you can release the energy of your mala.
- Placing your mala on selenite plate or in a selenite bowl and leave over night
- Placing your mala in the sunlight or moonlight for a few hours
- Burning white sage over your mala.
- Placing your mala in a singing bowl and ringing the edges, or tapping the side to bring sound to the bowl.
- Wipe with warm water and mild soap, let dry fully in the open air
Each of our mala necklaces are crafted with hand selected gemstone beads. The gemstones we chose all have metaphysical properties that greatly benefit you. We use 8'mm beads that are the most comfortable when using in practice. We have hand knotted each bead for extra strength and durability .
Feel free to contact us for help selecting your mala.
Brooke@Lrochelle.co