What is a Mala?
A mala is
string of beads used to keep count while practicing japa (chanting of a
prayer). In many religious practices it is said that a prayer should be
recited 27, 54 or 108 times. Similarly, Malas have 27, 54 or 108 beads
with 1 bigger bead also known as the Sumeru or Guru bead. The Sumeru
bead is the starting and ending point of each set of japa (recitation).
A mala is used so that one can
focus on the meaning or sound of a mantra rather than having to focus
on counting the number of repetitions. Each bead represents one
recitation of a mantra.
One
starts the practice of Japa with the first bead next to the sumeru bead
and continues around the Mala pulling each bead through the ring or
middle finger towards the heart. When one full rotation of the Mala is
completed, one does not cross over the sumeru bead, one simply rotates
the mala and continues to recite in the opposite direction. The sumeru
bead is considered to be the goal you wish to achieve in your spiritual
practice, and hence you are always striving towards it.
Generally one practices japa
whilst sitting down cross legged on the floor, holding the Mala in the
right hand above the heart. Holding the Mala above the heart helps in
preventing one from falling asleep.
If you think that the act of
chanting a mantra induces certain charged vibrations of energy, then by
using a mala for japa, those energy vibrations are stored within the
beads of a mala. It is therefore advisable to use a new mala – hindu
prayer beads, when starting to use a new mantra.
Watch our little interview with the local priest at the Shiva Temple in Delhi, India.
Maha Mala offers a wide range of Wholesale Mala Beads, 108 Mala Beads, Yoga Mala, Japa Mala, Beaded Bracelets, Crystal Jewellery and Beads, Rudraksha Mala, Gem Therapy, Buy Online