A Japa Mala is a string of
beads
used to count mantras
(Sanskrit prayers) in sets
of
108 repetitions.
A mantra is a word or
series
of words chanted aloud or
silently to invoke spiritual
qualities. Chanting is used
as
a spiritual tool in virtually
every cultural and religious
tradition. In the yogic
tradition
a mantra is a Sanskrit
word
that has special powers to
transform consciousness,
promote healing or fulfill
desires.
The practice of chanting a
mantra is used as a form of
meditation. Sitting in a
comfortable position, with
the
eyes closed, the mantra is
repeated silently or aloud.
The
mind is focused on the
mantra, the thoughts are
let
go of and the breath is
slow
and deep.
Hold your mala in your
right
hand and use your thumb
to “count” each mantra by
touching the bead during
the
recitation and then lightly
pushing the bead away on
completion and moving to
the
next bead. The index
finger is
extended and should not
touch
the mala. The large meru
(mountain) bead should
not be
counted or touched by the
thumb and is used as a
starting and ending point
of
the recitation.
To empower the mala and
the
mantra used, japa (mantra
meditation) should be
practiced each day for 40
continuous days. When
the
mala becomes empowered
it
can be worn or lightly
placed
on oneself or others to
transmit the energy of the
mantra as well as the
energetic qualities of the
mala. When you use a
new
mantra with a mala, this
energy becomes replaced,
so
it is recommended to use a
new mala with each
mantra if
possible.
When not in use, store
your
mala in a special, clean and
preferably sacred space.
The
best place to store a mala
is
on a personal alter or
statue
of a deity. |