How to Use a Mala

Mala beads are wooden beads that are used as an aid for mantra meditation. Many yoga practitioners use mala beads to count mantras in sets of 108 repetitions. Follow these easy steps to incorporate mala beads into your yoga and/or meditation practice.

Instructions

1. Clarify your intention and choose your mantra.

2. Sit quietly in a cross legged position. Close your eyes and breath deeply, focusing on your mantra.

3. Hang the mala bead on the middle or ring finger of your right hand (the index finger is never used to touch the mala). Place your thumb on the summit bead (top bead) and begin reciting your mantra. At the end of the mantra push the bead away with your thumb and move onto the next bead for another round.

4. Complete a full round (108 beads).

5. If you choose to do another round of mantras do not skip over the summit bead. Turn the mala around and move in the opposite direction.