Some of you are probably thinking, “What on earth is a Mala?” Well, similar to the Holy Rosary, a Mala is a string of beads. Think of it as a Buddhist Rosary. Typically these beads are used to count mantras; or Sanskrit prayers in sets of 108 repetitions. However, you can also find them in numbers that divide into 108 evenly like; 18, 27 or 54. Use of a smaller amount of beads usually leads to a bracelet of some sort or a shorter necklace if using bigger beads.
Why 108?
The reasons for 108 puzzle just about anyone I meet. There are many many reasons for the meaning of 108 beads on a Mala. Here are a few as defined by Swami Jnaneshvara Bharati;
Heart Chakra: The chakras are the intersections of energy lines, and there are said to be a total of 108 energy lines converging to form the heart chakra. One of them, sushumna leads to the crown chakra, and is said to be the path to Self-realization.
Sanskrit alphabet: There are 54 letters in the Sanskrit alphabet. Each has masculine and feminine, shiva and shakti. 54 times 2 is 108.
Pranayama: If one is able to be so calm in meditation as to have only 108 breaths in a day, enlightenment will come.
Pentagon: The angle formed by two adjacent lines in a pentagon equals 108 degrees.
Time: Some say there are 108 feelings, with 36 related to the past, 36 related to the present, and 36 related to the future.
Astrology: There are 12 constellations, and 9 arc segments called namshas or chandrakalas. 9 times 12 equals 108. Chandra is moon, and kalas are the divisions within a whole.
Planets and Houses: In astrology, there are 12 houses and 9 planets. 12 times 9 equals 108.
Goddess names: There are said to be 108 Indian goddess names.
Sun and Earth: The diameter of the Sun is 108 times the diameter of the Earth. The distance from the Sun to the Earth is 108 times the diameter of the Sun.
Moon and Earth: The average distance of the Moon from the Earth is 108 times the diameter of the Moon.
Paths to God: Some suggest that there are 108 paths to God.
Seriously, these are just a few. Regardless of the meaning, the importance of the beads is to count *mantras (*(originally in Hinduism and Buddhism) a word or sound repeated to aid concentration in meditation; typically given to you by a teacher or chosen by yourself.) with devotion, feeling and your utmost full attention.
The hardest part is choosing a Mala for your own personal practice. Many yoga studios will sell these, but you can also find them at places like Crystal Life Technology in Geneva, Illinois or Beadniks, Chicago. At Beadniks, you can actually sign up to make your own Mala. (You can find my experience on Mala making here).
You want to choose a mala that best suits your needs and style. The best advice I can give is to feel the beads in your hand. Close your eyes, and feel the energy of the beads. Go with what appeals most to you.
You also have the option of looking through Pinterest for Mala ideas as well as Googling the meanings of the various beads and materials. By doing this, you can use your intention of your yoga practice to pick the perfect mala for you.
As far as price, it truly depends on what you’re looking for. The type of material generally decides the cost of the Mala. I would say in general, expect to pay $35 + for your own Mala. Just because you’re making it yourself, doesn’t always mean it’s going to be cheap. The better quality of materials, the more expensive it gets. Sure, you can go to Hobby Lobby or Michael’s and use their coupons (I have). Starting out that’s a great option. But if you’re looking for something that’s going to last, it’s going to be an investment. Think between $70 and $200 easily.
Using a Mala is quite simple once you get the hang of it. You can use it in various ways of meditation, but the way I will break it down for you today depicts the old fashioned, sit down and meditate style.
1. Find a comfortable space in your home or yoga practice area and come to a seat either in crossed leg position or any position that suits your comfort level. If you’ve got a bolster, sit on that.
2. Close your eyes and begin to notice your natural breath.
3. Now, bring awareness and attention into your breath and continue to breathe deeper and slower.
4. Set your attention to your mantra or affirmation.
5. Next, hold on to your mala beads by gently hanging the first mala bead on the middle or ring finger of your right hand. If you’re left handed and this is more comfortable, use your left. (*In India, using the left hand is considered impure, but from a more Westernized perspective, either hand is okay.)
6. Place your thumb on the guru bead and begin reciting your manta. Each time pushing the mala bead away with the thumb and moving onto the next bead.
For mantra ideas, start here. It doesn’t have to be something in Sanskrit though. Even the simplest thing such as; “I am filled with love and kindness” can be your mantra for mediating with your mala. (Whew! Say that 5 times fast lol)
Don’t have a Mala? That’s alright! Try using a mantra and repeating it 108 (or a smaller amount of times that divides evenly into 108)