Mala beads are becoming far more common in contemporary culture, from use in meditation and yoga, to making a cool fashion statement.
Mala beads are cool and Bohemian, hip and traditional at the same time.
Before you choose and wear your Mala, it may be helpful to know a little more about these ancient beads, as well as where to find the best Mala beads.
If you want to know how to use mala beads, keep reading!
What are Mala Beads?
The origins of Mala beads lies in their use primarily as prayer beads, used for focused spiritual practice, similar to the Catholic’s rosary.
Mala beads are commonly used in religions, Hinduism, Jainism, Sikhism, and Buddhism.
The Mala consists of 108 beads, plus a ‘guru’ bead and tassel, typically but not exclusively.
It may help to know that different groups and religions may use slightly different Malas in their practice.
Mala beads are used to keep count during prayer, meditation, or yoga.
Often recited chants or mantras are easier when using the beads of a Mala to keep track.
The Guru bead of a string of Mala beads is used for focus, usually in prayer or meditation. Or even as a way to make positive lifestyle changes too.
Malas are diverse and made from many different things, including seeds and wood.
Some Malas are simple wood beads while others are gem-encrusted incorporating other energies to the beads and spiritual experience.
Many Malas are hand knotted. While the exact meaning of 108 beads has not been explained without dispute, some believe that one stands for God, zero represents humility in spirituality, and eight symbolizes infinity.
How Do You Use Mala Beads Correctly?
Depending on how you are using Mala beads, there are some basic tips that you should know.
When it comes to meditation and prayer, first clearly convey your intent, prayer, or mantra.
Sit quietly and comfortably on the floor, close your eyes, and focus on your breathing.
Think and repeat the mantra or intention as you breathe; with your finger on the first Mala bead of the strand, position your thumb on the guru bead.
Repeat or recite your mantra or prayer, before moving on to the second Mala bead.
If completing more than 108 recitations, turn the Mala around and repeat in reverse.
Take your time and put effort into focusing on your mantra or intention. If you feel yourself getting distracted, refocus your thoughts before moving on.
What is the Best Way to Wear Mala Beads?
Mala beads are becoming quite a fashion statement.
There are so many ways to wear Mala beads- long, layered, in pairs, on wrists, as necklaces. It is most common for people to wear Mala beads wrapped around the right wrist.
Ways to wear them aside, one recommendation is that you wear for 40 days to attune energies when using Mala beads for prayer or meditation purposes.
Wearing your mala properly does include a few rules, however, such as never allowing your Mala beads to touch the ground.
Others suggest that you don’t allow others to touch or handle your beads.
If others want to admire and touch your beads, it is okay; you can always cleanse the beads later and reattune the energy.
Some ways to cleanse your Mala beads include leaving them in the sunlight or moonlight for a few hours, or overnight.
You can also burn sage or surround the Malas with gemstones to realign, cleanse, and recharge the Malas energy.
Where Can I Find Mala?
As you can see, there are numerous uses and reasons to buy mala beads; but where to find the best Mala bead selection?
Visit us at Woman Shops World to find the right Mala beads, as well as gems, tassels, pendants, poms, and textiles, for all your meditative and spiritual practice.
You can take advantage of the many benefits of the Mala and incorporate these beautiful beads into your everyday routine.
From a way to gain greater focus and introspection to a classic, traditional fashion accent, there are Malas for everyone. Find your own beautiful Mala today.