Amethyst Mala Set

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Mala beads are made from sacred woods and seeds and mystical gemstones which all carry specific subtle energies. These healing and energetic properties will affect your body and mind while wearing and using mala beads, so it is important to align these energies with your intentions for your japa meditation as well as your spiritual and life goals. Mala beads have been used by yogis and spiritual seekers for thousands of years to help keep their minds focused during meditation. Malas were first created in India 3000 years ago and have roots in Hinduism, Buddhism and yoga. The term ‘mala’ is a Sanskrit word for “meditation garland.” Originally, mala beads were used for a special style of meditation called Japa, which means, “to recite.”

 

A mala is a string of 108 beads with one bead as the summit or head (Guru) bead called a ‘sumeru.’ Malas are used as a tool to help the mind focus on meditation, or count mantras in sets of 108 repetitions. The Guru stone, symbolizes gratitude and our connection to the divine. It is a way to say thank-you to all the spiritual teachers who have helped us on our path.

 

A hand or wrist mala is a string of 27 beads with one bead as the summit or head (Guru) bead called a ‘sumeru.’ Wrist malas are used as a tool to help the mind focus on meditation, or count mantras in sets of 27 repetitions. 

 

Malas are traditionally held in the right hand, with the mala draped over the middle finger. The counter bead next to the guru bead represents the start of the meditation practice. Each counter bead is held between the thumb and middle finger. The thumb pulls the next counter bead over the middle finger after each repetition. The index finger does not touch the mala as it represents one’s ego (believed to be the greatest obstacle in attaining enlightenment). Once the last counter bead is reached, one can either end the meditation or continue on by turning around and going the other direction.

 

The use of mala beads is particularly relevant when it comes to practicing the sixth and seventh limbs of yoga: dharana (concentration) and dhyana (meditation). Holding a counter bead between your fingers brings a single awareness, dharana, into a mantra repetition. Each bead helps keep the mind free of outside thoughts and distractions. With practice, dharana will last for two beads, three beads, then the entire mala. This leads to a steady, continuous stream of concentration — dhyana. At this stage, dhyana allows the mind to become effortlessly quiet and still.