The History and Meaning of Mala Beads Are you unable to focus on meditation? Does your mind consider other things rather than plunging deeper into consciousness? Are you finding it hard to sit still for a few minutes? These are some of the problems that the ancient India understood. Thousand years ago, they began to use beads as an important tool for meditation. Besides Buddhism and Hinduism, these prayer beads or malas spread to several other religions and cultures. In Sanskrit,‘mala’ means a garland of flowers that is placed around the neck. However, a beaded mala stands for a garland of beads that is of spiritual essence. Uses of Mala Beads For some, simply wearing a mala around the neck or having it nearby gives them fewer distractions of mind and helps in achieving a meditative state. When you go out and wish to surround yourself in an aura of protection, you can wear a beaded mala. If you want a reminder that you are a spiritual person, then hang it in your car or in your kitchen or at your favorite places. Tibetan Buddhists use these malas to keep track of how many times they must repeat their mantra. Why Are 108 Beads Used?
According to the ancient Vedic culture, 108 is the number of existence. The yogic tradition states that there are 108 sacred sites throughout India, 108 marma points, 108 gopis dancing with Lord Krishna and 108 Upanishads as well. In addition, there are 108 lines of energy that converge to form heat chakra. And, if you want to see it in a larger scale, then the sun’s diameter is 108 times the diameter of earth. So, it is the number 108 everywhere. Beads Used for Malas There are different types of malas that possess different characteristics. Among them, rudraksha mala is an important kind of beads used for meditation. It helps in increasing clarity and calming down the central nervous system that keeps the mind cool, quiet and free of any negativity.
Benefits of Using Beaded Malas Meditating with a mala helps in slowing down respiration and encouraging wellbeing. It also introduces a positive thought pattern. Whether you are whispering, chanting loudly or repeating silently, tracing the beads of your mala with fingers can help in keeping track of your mantras. Meditation positively affects mood and brain.Beads aid in gaining greater level of concentration, relaxation and self-awareness. How to Practice Meditation?
Allow the beads to be a grounding element and set an intention at the time of practicing meditation. Following are some steps that help in practicing meditation.
Firstly, find a comfortable seat for yourself. Choose a mantra that is more meaningful to you. Then hold the mala in one hand and let it dangle easily. With your opposite hand touch the guru bead. Repeat your mantra as you move your fingers to the next bead. Continue like this until you touch the guru bead again. Then enjoy your meditation journey with more concentration.
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