Mala Guide

It is our prayer that we, through this ancient practice, pay our respects to the rich heritage of Hindu and Buddhist traditions and aspire to do justice to the essence of the mala – a cherished prayer necklace of profound spiritual significance. 

 

SYMBOLISM OF MALA BEADS 

A mala, steeped in the traditions of Hinduism and Buddhism, serves as a revered prayer necklace cherished for its role in meditation and spiritual rituals. A mala comprises a string of 108 beads, or sacred fractions thereof, meticulously crafted from materials like wood, gemstones, or seeds. Within this sacred strand, a larger bead, known as the "guru bead," stands as a symbol of the spiritual teacher or guide. Additionally, the tassel, often seen adorning the guru bead, represents the connection between the physical and the spiritual realms, serving as a bridge to higher consciousness.

 

MALA MEDITATION: YOUR STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE

ONE: CHOOSE YOUR INTENTION: Before using a mala, set a clear intention or focus for your meditation or prayer session. This could be a mantra, affirmation, or a specific goal.

TWO: HOLD YOUR MALA: Hold the mala in your right hand, draped over your middle and index fingers. Use your thumb to move the beads, starting with the bead next to the guru bead.

THREE: RECITE YOUR MANTRA: With each bead, recite your chosen mantra, affirmation, or prayer. Hold the bead between your thumb and middle finger while doing so. Move to the next bead after each repetition.

FOUR: GURU BEAD: When you reach the guru bead, you have completed one full round of 108 repetitions (or as many as you wish to do). You can stop here or reverse the direction of the mala without crossing over the guru bead to continue your practice. 

 

CLEANSING AND CARE 

Malas can absorb energy, so it's a good idea to cleanse them periodically. You can do this by placing them in the sunlight or moonlight, smudging them with sage, or using other cleansing rituals.  

Clean your mala beads with care by using a gentle mixture of warm water and natural soap, applying it with a soft cloth or a delicate toothbrush. Take special care not to compromise the integrity of the silk string while cleaning. For the tassel, use the same soft brush method. After cleaning, hang your mala to dry in a shaded area, away from direct sunlight, ensuring its preservation and vibrancy.

 

RETURNING YOUR MALA TO THE EARTH

You may feel the call to return your Mala to the Earth. Incorporating sustainability into your spiritual practice is a powerful way to give back to the Earth. Somewhere Sacred only utilises natural fibres and materials made from the Earth's elements for your mala, so you're opting for a renewable and biodegradable material that can be returned to the Earth through composting when you feel the cycle with the mala is complete.