Making The Most Of Your Mala

What is a mala? How will it help my practice?

A mala is commonly seen as part of the uniform for any serious yogi, bohemian or spiritual wanderer, but these beautiful items are much more than just a fashion accessory. Want to know more about these sacred tools? Read on... 

What is a mala and where do they come from?

In Sanskrit the word mala means ‘garland’ and they have been worn and used by Buddhists, Hindus and Yogis for thousands of years to help with Japa Meditation. Japa means ‘to recite’ or repeat and traditionally a sacred mantra is used but you can also use affirmations or even just a full breath cycle on each bead.

A classic mala is made of 108 ‘prayer’ beads knotted on a strand with a guru bead (usually larger than the other beads) to mark the beginning/end and a tassel. The knots not only make the mala stronger but they create a natural space between each bead which makes it much easier to use as your fingers pass over each bead. In some traditions a mantra or prayer is said as each knot is hand tied, making your mala all the more sacred. 

All aspects of the mala have a special meaning for example for some the tassel is meant to symbolise the many strands of existence coming together as one, a reminder that we are all one. The guru bead is a heavy weight that marks the beginning of our practice, the guru gives us our mantra and acts as the guide in the meditation. The 108 (or 54 or 27) beads of a mala have the most meanings, there are more reasons why a mala has 108 beads than I can fit here but some believe 1=God/Universe or your own truth, 0=the humility of your practice 8=infinity or that it is because there are 54 letters in the Sanskrit alphabet, each with a male and female polarity. 

What are Malas made from?

Malas can be made of a variety of materials including seeds, wood, bone and (gem)stone. Some of the traditional malas worn by Indian yogis and mystics are made of rudraksha, a seed believed to be associated with the Hindu deity Shiva, while more modern styles of malas are made using a variety of woods such as rosewood or sandalwood and semi-precious stones such as quartz or garnet. This allows you to find a mala to suit your needs.

For example if you are looking for healing why not try amethyst or turquoise

• Emotional balance : howlite

• Love: rose quartz

• Strength: lava stone

• Protection: smoky quartz

• Motivation: carnelian.

How to use my mala?

1. Find a comfortable seated position

2. Place the left hand in Gyan mudra and hold your mala between the thumb and middle finger of your right hand. (Be careful not to use your Index finger as it is known as the finger of the ego).

3. Beginning at the bead next to the guru bead gently rub each bead between your fingers before moving onto the next. With each bead recite a complete breath, a mantra. 

4. When you have made your way around the mala you will have completed 108 repetitions, now you can turn the mala over (with only the right hand) or complete your practice.

Sometimes it is good to wear your mala throughout the day, carrying that energy with you that you created during your morning practice bringing you peace whenever you need it.

What are some good Mantras to use?

Not sure what are some good mantras or affirmations? Why not start with something simple such as ‘I am whole/complete/open’ think about what intention you would like to set for your practice and simplify it into a word or short sentence. Some good mantras include ‘Om Namah Shivaya’ which means ‘I bow to the inner self’ or ‘So Hum’ which means ‘I am that’ or a Kundalini Yoga classic ‘Sat Nam’ which translates to ‘Truth is my identity’.

I have been making my own malas for some time so keep your eyes peeled!