Mala beads are used in spiritual and mindfulness practice and are embedded in both Buddhism and Hinduism and have been used to focus the mind during meditation and to help when counting mantras. Traditionally Mala contain 108 beads, the centre marker is known as the guru stone, it symbolises gratitude and reminds us of our connection with the divine. They are used to focus the mind during meditation and to help when counting mantras.
The Significance of 108 Beads:
108 is a sacred number in various spiritual traditions. There are many symbolic interpretations for the number 108, including:
- In Hinduism, there are said to be 108 sacred points in the human body.- In Buddhism, there are 108 afflictions or desires that one must overcome to reach enlightenment.
- Astronomically, the distance between the Earth and the Sun is roughly 108 times the diameter of the Sun.
How to Use Mala Beads in Meditation:
- Before you start, choose a mantra or affirmation to repeat during your meditation. It can be as simple as 'Om,' a Sanskrit prayer, or a phrase that resonates with you, such as 'I am calm.'
- Hold the Mala in your right hand, draped between your middle finger and thumb. The starting point is usually the larger bead, called the guru bead, which is not counted.
- Begin at the bead next to the guru bead and, using your thumb to count, move to the next bead after each repetition of your mantra. Each bead represents one repetition of your chosen mantra. Continue until you reach the guru bead again.
- When you reach the guru bead, some practitioners pause to reflect or say a final prayer of gratitude. Traditionally, you do not cross over the guru bead but rather turn the Mala around and continue in the opposite direction if you want to keep counting.
Using Mala Beads for Chanting County Mantras:
If you're incorporating Mala beads into a meditation practice with county-specific or personalised mantras, you can follow the same steps above but adapt the mantra to reflect your intent. The mantra could be tied to the well-being of a specific region, a collective wish for prosperity, or even gratitude toward the land and people.
Repeating these mantras using Mala beads during meditation helps to focus your intent and can deepen your connection with the land, community, or specific goal related to the county or region.
Which crystals should you choose?
The choice of crystal in your Mala is a personal preference. Since Malas are often worn as a fashion accessory, selecting a crystal that resonates with you allows you to wear it with intention and style.
Our most popular stones:
Indian Agate: Indian Agate is known as the eternity stone, it brings comfort to the idea of growing old with ever growing inner beauty, wisdom, and gratitude. It helps to release emotions, and brings a positive outlook on life. It is calming, and tranquil.
Moonstone and New Jade: Moonstone represents the feminine. It is a symbol of light and hope and encourages us to embrace new beginnings. It is closely linked to themes of femininity such as fertility, balance, softness, and intuition.
New Jade is known to restore emotional balance to your life, bringing your routine back under control. It attracts love and money and is often used in meditation.
Blue Agate and Picasso Jasper: Blue Agate represents inner peace. It is a stone with a calming and soothing energy which brings patience and serenity. It has a grounding and calming energy and encourages reflection.
This is teamed with Picasso Jasper, a stone that promotes inner clarity and interpretation of your own thoughts. This creative stone is believed to help break through blockages and assist an individual in manifesting their ideas.
African Jade and Onyx: African Jade is the 'stone of love'. It brings peace and bring harmony to relationships. African Jade is known to restore emotional balance to your life, bringing routine and order under control. It attracts love and money and is used in meditation.
Onyx is a stone that of powerful vibrations of protection, strength, focus, and willpower. This stone will continuously push you forward in your life. It will get you up and help you to start pursuing your dreams, but also protect you on your journey.
Blue Aventurine: Blue Aventurine offers a plethora of benefits for mind, body, and spirit. It is renowned for its ability to soothe the mind and promote inner peace, clearing mental fog, allowing for better focus, concentration, and decision-making.
Picasso Stone/Jasper: Picasso Stone has many potential health benefits, include grounding, creativity stimulation, emotional healing, and physical well-being. Its versatile uses span from jewellery and meditation aids to decorative accents and healing practices. Whether as a wearable accessory or a decorative piece, incorporating Picasso Stone into daily life may promote a sense of balance, creativity, and well-being.
Rose Quartz: Rose Quartz is a powerful healing crystal, it symbolises love, joy and emotional healing. It can boost feelings of self-love and encourages loving relationships with others. It encourages compassion, kindness and unconditional love as well as restoring trust and harmony.
Our Mala come threaded on elastic for easy wearing as either a bracelet or necklace. Take a look at out complete range: https://thewiseoldwoman.co.uk/collections/mala-beads