The Magic of Malas
| Written By: Denice Zengo |
Mala Beads Absorb and Emit Energy
“If you want to find the secrets of the universe, think in terms of energy, frequency and vibration.” – Nikola Tesla
Let’s acknowledge that everything both absorbs and gives off a vibrational frequency. This is true for your mala beads. Not only do they absorb your energy as you wear them, but they also emit their own particular vibration. This will vary according to what type of “beads” are on your strand.
7 Traditional Options
It’s natural to choose a necklace based on your personal sense of aesthetics. Take it a step further and learn about the qualities and energetic effect of the beads, seeds or gemstones on your mala.
Sandalwood Lakshmi (Hindu Goddess of Prosperity) is said to live in the Indian Sandalwood trees. The wood is used to worship Lord Shiva. Powders and pastes are used in ceremonies and rituals. Sandalwood is considered divine with a scent that pleases the Gods. It has a calming effect and helps to focus the mind in meditation.
Rosewood | Also known as Red Sandalwood, is said to have properties that protect you from negative energy.
Tulsi | Also known as holy basil, is revered as an incarnation of the divine. The tulsi tree is considered a female energy as well as the “queen of medicinal plants.” Tulsi beads bring an energy of spiritual awareness through devotion and love in your heart.
Lotus Seed | The lotus flower has it’s roots in the mud but blossoms in beauty towards the light. Mala beads made from the lotus seed help the spiritual aspirant rise above ego, obstacles and earthly attachments into the light of awareness.
Bodhi Seed | Most of you know the story of Prince Siddhartha meditating under the bodhi tree. He was enlightened and became the Buddha – the “Awakened One.” Bodhi seeds bring peace and wisdom into your mindful practice.
Bone | I’d like to know where the bones are coming from before I make this choice. Some bone malas from Nepal are made from remains of people who have donated their bodies to the Temple. These would be consecrated and not readily available. Many are made from yak and cow bones. I would hope that these are old, found bones – it is worth the time to find out before you take on that karma. Bone malas are a symbol of our impermanence. They also signify strength and enhance your life force energy (prana).
Rudraksha | This is a complete study in and of itself. There are many variations and “faces” of the Rudraksha bead. The beads are made from the fruit of the tree and apparently they already have a whole in the center. The myth behind the tree is worth the telling:
The story is that Lord Shiva went into a deep state of meditation for the benefit of all beings. One thousand years later, he opened his eyes and tears rolled down his cheeks, falling into the earth beneath him. They were the seeds of the Rudraksha tree.
The properties of these beads bring about inner peace as they also symbolize the meditative focus of Shiva. Rudraksha is said to create a protective shield of your own energy and assist in overall health and well-being.
In researching Rudraksha beads, I found a vast difference in pricing. So much that I am wondering about authenticity. I have some questions pending and I’ll let you know what I find out. If you have any info on this, please tell me.
Nowadays you can probably find a mala necklace made with any bead, gem stone or combination you like. If you really want to get into it, you can purchase “consecrated” japa mala beads. These have been blessed through a series of rituals that charge your mala beads with sacred energy.
Let’s always remember that we are taking from mother earth. No matter if you are using gemstones or beads that come from plants or trees. Let us be respectful, honor the gifts available with gratitude and give back what we can.
Japa Malas
So… Other than a pretty bracelet or necklace… What do you do with your beads?
Your strand of 108 japa mala beads are used for counting repetitions while chanting in meditation. Japa is the Sanskrit word for “repetition.” Mala is the Sanskrit word for “garland.”
It is often, but not always… recommended to hold the strand in your right hand. Let the beads hang down over the middle finger and count by rolling the bead towards you with the thumb. Make sure to start with the first bead after the “guru” bead or tassle.
Use Your Mala Beads To Deepen Your Meditation
To maximize the benefits of chanting, you need to repeat your mantra 108 times in a sitting. A full strand of mala beads makes it easy to keep track of the repetitions as there are 108 beads, plus one extra “guru” bead.
As you continue to be consistent in your practice, the power of the mantra enters into the beads of the mala as a subtle energy. Your necklace becomes a source of energy, protection and healing.
Interesting Points About 108
108 is considered to be a sacred number in Hinduism, Yoga, Buddhism and Jainism. There are 108 Upanishads (ancient Vedic texts) and 108 times the diameter of the earth and the distance from the sun to the earth is 108 times the diameter of the sun. There are 108 major lines of energy in the body that connect at the heart center.
And those are just a few. I love the uniformity and patterning in the diversity of life.
Recharge and Cleanse
Since we have accepted the notion that our mala beads absorb and store energy, then we might want to cleanse and recharge them from time to time. Use your intuition and create a calming ritual for yourself. Know there is power in intention. Below are some ways to cleanse and charge your mala beads (as well as yourself).
- Clear the energy by burning sage or palo santo around your mala – just like you do for yourself or your home
- Place them outside in the sunlight for a few hours or better yet under the light of the full moon for the night
- Place healing gemstones around your mala
- Rinse them in warm water with a bit of sea salt (or jump in the ocean with them if you can)
- Use the clearing and healing power of sound by placing them in a Tibetan singing bowl or use tingsha bells
Mala beads of 108 strands, as well as smaller “bracelets” can be found just about everywhere today. They are sold at Yoga Studios, Spas, a variety of shops and online. If you are searching for more than just a piece of jewelry, I suggest you take the time to learn about the options available. If you can, hold them in your hand, close your eyes and be open to what comes your way. Make your mala beads your own personal sacred object.
There are a lot of online resources for mala beads. I’ve listed a few so you can learn more and view some options:
Japa Mala Beads | An Eco-Friendly U.S. Company with a wide variety of choices
Buddhist Malas | Malas from Tibet and Nepal that have been blessed (some are pretty pricey)
Tibetan Nuns Project | Your mala purchase provides education and support to improve the status of ordained Tibetan Women
Tibetan Spirit | A U.S. company that donates a portion of their proceeds to Tibetan Buddhism and Dharma projects
