(rudraksha mala)

The mala is held in the right hand draped over the middle finger and beads are moved using the thumb. Some malas have a different colored bead at certain intervals, usually 27, 54, and 81 which could be used as counters. Most malas have a ‘guru’ or a ‘meru’ bead which is the master bead at one end of the the mala which has a tassle attached to it or is larger than the rest of the beads.The mantra repitition is started with the bead right next to the guru bead and when the guru bead is reached again, the mala is turned (without crossing over the bead) to begin a new round. Each bead is moved after one recitation of the mantra. The japa mantra can be repeated in one of three different ways: audible sound, whispered sound or a mental repetition. An audible repition is the best way to use the japa mala and the mantra as this will help the mind stay focused. It is also advisable to stay with one mantra for an extended period of time to be able to tap into the mantric energy as well as its transformative power.

Lotus seed mala

A Japa Mala is a string of beads, usually 108 in number, that are used as a tool for meditation. Each bead is used as a counter while chanting a mantra. Japa meditation is used in many traditions worldwide.

Japa is a simple repetition of a meaningful word or a phrase – also known as a mantra. Mantras are typically repeated for a specific number of times – could be hundreds or thousands of times!! The Mala, (a garland or a necklace) helps to focus on the meaning of the mantra rather than keeping track of the number of repetitions during japa.

Japa Malas can be made from various different materials – seeds of rudraksha tree or a lotus plant; wood from the tulsi (holy basil) plant, sandalwood tree, and bodhi tree or, semiprecious stones which can have specific healing properties associated to them.