How to Meditate With Mala Beads

Mala beads are used to help the meditative process for mantra meditation. Mala beads are a long string of 108 beads with one bead at the beginning called the "sumeru," or summit bead. These beads can be made of many different materials. Common mala beads are made with wooden beads but others can be made with crystals, rudraksha seeds, sandalwood or basil wood.

Instructions

1. Find the right mala beads with which to meditate. Each set of mala beads can be made with different materials. Each material that the mala beads are made from have properties that enhance the subconscious mind of the meditation practitioner. Basil wood, also called tulsi wood, is used to clear auras. Crystal beads offer healing properties, sandalwood promotes tranquility and rudraksha mala beads offer stability, open the heart chakra and are also believed to lower blood pressure.

2. Find a quiet area that can be used for meditation. A quiet area of the home, a place in a garden or anywhere that you, the practitioner, feels comfortable is where you should lay out a towel or mat to sit in a meditative posture. It is best not to be disturbed during meditation so it may be necessary to stay away from electronic devices and unplug the phone. A meditation session will not feel complete if it is interrupted mid-flow, so avoid this by doing the meditation in an area not frequented or interrupted with noise.

3. Sit in a meditative posture on the mat or towel. There are several different postures that can be chosen from. This posture should be comfortable. A common posture for meditation with mala beads is in the lotus position with the mala beads in one hand while resting on one knee while the other hand rests on the opposing knee, palm up.

4. Place the mala beads in the right hand by gently squeezing the bead just after the sumeru bead between the middle finger and the ring finger. The sumeru bead is the starting and ending point for the mantra meditation. The beads should slide between the middle finger and ring finger while being guided by the thumb. The index finger on the right hand should remain pointed outward and never touch the mala beads, and the sumeru bead should not be touched to begin the meditation.

5. Chant the mantra, a word or phrase, that has been chosen or given to you, while holding the first mala bead. This mantra is repeated on each of the 108 beads with a long, deep breath in between. The thumb should guide the next bead to the spot between the middle finger and ring finger. Say the mantra with your eyes closed while focusing on the mantra, then let it go before moving on to the next bead. Move the beads continuously while repeating the mantra aloud or internally. The meditation is over once the sumeru bead is reached. If this bead is passed a new round of meditation occurs and should not be interrupted until the sumeru bead is reached again.

Tips & Warnings

• Mala beads should be kept in a pouch called a mala bag while being used for meditation and should not be exhibited publicly unless worn.

• New mala beads should be used with each new mantra given or chosen by the practitioner.

Resources

• Japa Mala
• Mantra Meditation