If you are meditating, practicing yoga, or keeping calm, you would have encountered the term mala beads before.
Mala beads are commonly known as japa mala or simply a mala. It is a type of holy thread that is considered a prayer bead.It have been used for centuries in all religions, from Hinduism to Catholicism.
In today’s fast-moving life, people across consider using for mindfulness aid regardless of religion or caste. It is the most significant source of soothing inner peace with care and harmony. The traditional count of these beads is 108, in addition to a guru bead. The guru beads are more significant than the rest and have tassels.
Today’s article will share critical details on how to use for meditation and prayers.
Japa Mala: How can they help Us?
Using japa mala or mala beads are beneficial in different aspect of life. Some of the great benefits of it are building strong meditation power, helping reduce stress, improving sleep, health benefits, lowering blood pressure, and more, among other things.
It is often seen that practicing meditation and prayers can be challenging. It requires effort, strong willpower, and dedication. Considering all these are not easy for beginners, taking the first step is where the Japa mala or mala beads come in.
There is a saying that the core purpose of using japa mala or mala beads is to keep humans focused while meditating. It helps build inner strength and makes meditation easier.
To keep the person focused during their meditating time, these japa mala are great ways. There are two ways in which these mala can help make the meditation journey easier and better.
(1) Constant movement of fingers on the beads will help ground you.
(2) A sense of touch on each bead with the chanting of the mantra will keep track of the count and how long the mantras are repeated.
How to use these Japa Mala?
Let us proceed further and understand how these japa mala can be used. There are multiple ways and methods to use these beads to calm yourself during meditation. The best-starting way is to have reasonable control of your breath and the repetition of the mantras.
Good Control on Breath
The most excellent form of increasing the power of meditation is to have reasonable control of breathing. It is a process that anyone can do from anywhere, but it should be with true peace of mind and thoughts.
Using Japa mala or mala beads for controlling breath, here are some points that can be considered.
(1) Hold the Japa mala in one hand, and drape it across your fingers.
(2) Place your two fingers around one bead and the next one towards the guru beads.
(3) You can also use your thumb while the mala drapes around your hand while chanting the mantra and meditating.
(4) Keep excellent and complete control of your breath while meditating.
(5) Maintain the power of inhaling and exhaling the breath.
(6) Keep moving your fingers while chanting mantras and breathing in and out once per bead.
(7) Ensure you finish your japa at the guru beads. It will complete the circle of 108 beads and the count of the mantras.
(8) You can keep repeating the process, complete the cycle of japa mala, and increase your power and strength in meditating.
Continuous Chanting of Mantras
A mantra is a phrase, word, or sound that helps an individual to focus during meditation. It gives a sense of awareness and power to build strength. “Om” is a common mantra that is chanted countless times.
As an individual, you can also create a mantra that soothes and helps you relax and be silent. Not only it, but the chanting of mantras can also be of the god or the goddess you pray for. The constant process of repeating the mantras is or can depend on the situation and your mental condition.
Similarly, there are multiple ways and processes in which you can keep continuing the mantras that are best for health and mind. Considering this process will help the individual control their breath and meditation.
Selection of the Correct Beads
Japa mala, or the mala beads, come in various colors and styles. The process of making these beads are available in different forms. It can be made from seeds, precious or semiprecious stones, wood, or other materials.
Since the selection of the japa mala is to ensure peace, calmness, and relaxation, it is necessary to choose the beads that are right for you and yourself. To know which mala is best for you, you must ensure that you are taking proper support and guidance. It is advisable because human nature demands this.
Final Words:
Alakik is the one-stop destination that helps you choose the mala you seek. With various colors and types, we help our clients select the right Japa mala that is good for their well-being. Connect with our team, and we will assist you in getting the best set of malas.