As you dive into mindfulness and yoga, you might encounter this thing called mālā beads. It’s a very useful tool within mindfulness and the yogic tradition.
If you’re curious to learn more about mālā beads and their proper use, read on to find out how you can incorporate these beautiful beads into your practice (without just considering them jewelry).
What are mālā beads?
Mālā (Sanskrit:माला; mālā) means ‘string’, ‘necklace’, or ‘garland’. They can be used to deepen your mindfulness practice and are often connected to the practice of mantras.
A mantra is a phrase, word, or sound that is repeated or chanted during meditation or other contemplative practices. Mantras are often used to maintain focus, anchor the mind, promote concentration, and cultivate a sense of inner calm and spiritual connection.
Mantras are an integral part of mindfulness and yoga practices, used to support your mind in meditation. Mantra comes from the Sanskrit words manas (mind) and trai (device).
Mālā beads often contain 108 beads, which is considered a sacred and complete number in many spiritual traditions. It is believed to represent the entirety of existence or the universe. In astronomy and astrology, there are said to be 12 zodiac signs and 9 planets. When you multiply these together (9 x 12), you get 108, symbolizing the cosmic connection and completeness.
Mālā beads can be made from a variety of stones, gems, wood, and crystals. Using different stones makes it possible to create a variety of beautiful mālā beads. The stones all hold special meaning and energies that can support you in your practice. Because of this, you can be very intentional with the beads that you choose. The sibling science to yoga āyurveda goes into depth as to how to use these different gemstones and their effects on the mind-body-spirit.
On mālā beads, there is often a guru bead. The guru bead is a larger stone, often with a tassel or ornament attached. The guru bead can be used as guidance in meditation to inform you that you have made it all the way around the beads.
Also, check out “8 easy ways to make sitting in meditation achievable“
Step-by-Step on How to Use mālā beads.
In meditation, mālā beads are often used in connection with mantras. You let your fingers run through it, starting from the guru bead, and citing the mantra for every bead, until you reach the guru bead again.
Because of the beauty of mālā beads, many also wear them as a necklace or bracelet, but mālā beads are more than fashion statements, they are specific spiritual tools, like the Rosary in the Catholic church, and hold special meaning. As such you should never wear them simply as jewelry without understanding and knowing their meaning.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on using mālā beads.
1. Setting Intention.
You can use the beads with a mantra or intention.
Before you start, set a specific intention for your practice, or choose a mantra (a word, sound, or phrase) to repeat for each bead. This could be something like “Om,” “peace,” or any phrase that resonates with you.
2. Find a Comfortable Position.
Using mālā beads is like meditating. The focus is to quiet the mind and integrate the mantra or intention. You might find that when using mālā beads, meditating becomes easier, as you give your mind a focus point to focus and relax on.
So, find a comfortable seat in a quiet place where you won’t be disturbed. You can sit cross-legged on the floor or in a chair with your feet flat on the ground.
3. Placement of the beads.
Place the mālā beads wrapped over your right hand, draping it over your middle finger. The Guru bead is the first bead “inside” your palm. Now use your thumb to move the beads towards from you, one at a time. The index finger is not used because it represents the ego in some traditions. So, you’ll be using the thumb and middle finger to move the beads.
4. Start at the Guru Bead.
Begin with the guru bead (the largest bead, ornament, or tassel). You will end up by the guru bead again once you finish, not counting or crossing over this bead. If you wish to continue, you replace the beads to start over again from the Guru bead.
5. Moving Through the Beads.
With each recitation of your mantra, breath, or intention, move a bead towards you with your thumb to the next bead. Pull the mālā towards you with each bead, going bead by bead until you reach the end.
6. Reaching the End.
When you reach the guru bead again, you do not cross over it. If you want to continue, turn the mālā around and go in the opposite direction.
7. Close Your Practice.
After completing your meditation or prayer, take a moment to sit in silence, allowing the energy of your practice to settle.
Remember to store your mālā beads respectfully. Keep them in a special place, like a pouch or a designated area, to maintain their energy and significance. You can wash them with water if need be.
Although these are the general steps to using mālā beads. Using them is a very personal practice, so feel free to adapt to fit your needs, as long as you do so with respect and reverence for these beautiful stones.
How to avoid cultural appropriation.
The usage of mālā beads is not considered cultural appropriation when used as meditation tools or as gentle reminders of mindfulness in your daily life and not simply as cute jewelry.
So, while using mālā beads without respect, or understanding their origin and without intention could be considered inappropriate. Using mālā beads in meditation for a deeper mindfulness connection or as a necklace or bracelet in your daily life to incorporate mindfulness, spiritual connection, or as a gentle daily reminder to be more mindful would not be considered inappropriate.
Mālā beads are a time-honored tool to add a deeper level to your mindfulness, yoga, and meditation practice, and if you’re using them to become more mindful in your daily life and enhance your meditation. I would encourage you to incorporate them into your practice.
As long as you’re appreciating a culture by being informed, you are less likely to appropriate. There is nothing wrong with tuning into a culture and its practices, as long as it is done properly and with respect.
