The mala

ITS ORIGIN

The term "Mala" is a Sanskrit word (language of Hindu and Buddhist religious texts) that means "meditation garland or necklace". Originally, they were mainly used for a very specific style of meditation called "Japa", which means "to recite". This is why malas are sometimes called "Japa mala". It is the instrument of choice for all those practicing yoga and meditation.

The syllable MA means in Sanskrit the mother, nature, cosmic energy. And the syllable LA means unity, the circle, transcendence. The mala is the means to connect to your feminine energy, to your divine self. All the beads are linked together, symbolizing your divine connection with the great Whole and with the universe.

 

ITS COMPOSITION

Traditionally, it consists of 108 beads. Different materials can be used in its creation, such as natural stone beads, wooden beads of various species such as sandalwood, rosewood, but also seeds such as Rudrashka, lotus or rattan seeds.

In meditation practice, the mantras are recited 100 times, the 8 additional beads correspond to the series of recitations invoked to recover forgetfulness and repair mistakes made as a sign of offerings to a deity or to the Guru Master. A traditional mala is therefore composed in whole or in part of the following elements:

• The 108 beads in stones, wood or seeds according to each person's preference
• The guru pearl also called the Meru pearl, in reference to the sacred mountain of Meru, which is said to be the mountain of the universe
• Sometimes 4 Chaturmaharaja markers are added to it
• A pompom also called a tassel or a pendant
• The weaving thread on which each of these beads will be inserted. Each bead will be separated either by knots and/or spacers which will beautifully embellish your mala.

 

THE WHY OF THE 108 PEARLS

The number 108 can have several meanings, depending on different religions, traditions, countries, etc. Here are some examples:

• Buddha's 108 Trials to Attain Enlightenment.
• The 108 names of Buddha, 108 names of Vishnu, 108 names of Shiva…
• In yoga, the 108 sun salutation positions.
• Mantras should be repeated 100 times. The remaining 8 are used to cover mistakes and omissions. It is also said that these last 8 repetitions are offered to God.
• 108 is a Harshad number, that is, an integer divisible by the sum of its digits. Harshad means "great joy" in Sanskrit.
• 108, a number that symbolizes “everything.” 1 represents unity, 0 represents emptiness, and 8 symbolizes infinity.
• The diameter of the sun would be 108 times that of the earth. The distance between the moon and the earth would be 108 times the diameter of the moon.
• We would have 108 feelings related to time: 36 related to the past, 36 related to the present, 36 with the future.

 

ITS USE

The mala is used in meditation to recite, one bead at a time, a word, a sentence or a mantra according to each person's preference. It is an extraordinary instrument to help your mind take a break without always having this little hamster running around in your head constantly. It will help you to empty your mind and thus allow you to more easily reach your own divine essence. Some will simply wear it as a jewel just for the pleasure of the eyes and for others, it will have a much deeper spiritual connotation and will be a great ally for their meditation.

 

HOW TO USE IT

• Sit comfortably in a chair and take the time to take a few deep breaths.
• When you feel ready to begin, hold your mala in your right hand between your thumb and middle finger
• Begin reciting your mantra out loud or silently, counting one bead at a time.
• When you reach the last bead before the guru bead, you can either decide to stop or continue. If this is the case, simply turn your mala in the opposite direction and start reciting your mala again, one bead at a time, until you reach the guru bead again.

 

HIS INTERVIEW

Your mala is a very precious piece of jewelry that you will want to keep for a very long time. So, it is very important to take great care of it.

• Store it in its original case, away from sunlight and moisture.
• Do not use water or salt to clean it, as some stones do not like salt and others do not like water. Instead, use a soft microfiber cloth to remove any dust that may have accumulated on it.
• Avoid any contact with products that could damage it, such as perfumes, massage oils, essential oils, perspiration, etc.
• Do not wear it to sleep at night.

 

 ITS PURIFICATION

A very simple method of purification is the use of sage. Burn a small amount of sage in an abalone shell and pass your mala through the smoke thus obtained while emitting an intention of purification. It is simple and quick. You can purify it as often as you wish. Trust yourself and rely on your feelings.

 

ITS RECHARGING

Place it on an interior windowsill on a full moon night with the intention of recharging. The next day it will be ready to use again.

 

MY CONCLUSION

It is often said that you choose your mala, when in fact, it is the mala that chooses you. So, when the time comes for you to choose your mala, let yourself be guided by the one who will inspire you deep in your soul.