Mala

A mala is a bracelet composed of 108 beads that is traditionally used to facilitate the practice of meditation. But today mala bracelets have become a must-have for anyone interested in spirituality.

Mala are often used with a mantra that is repeated during meditation. The beads of the mala allow you to count the repetitions of the mantra allowing your mind to stay focused on one thing rather than rambling during meditation.

You can therefore use the 108 beads of your mala to keep track of your mantra repetitions. But your mala can also have many other uses.

Malas in the form of bracelets and necklaces have become very popular. Yogis or spiritual people wear them during the practice of yoga but also during their everyday life. There are a million different types of malas to choose from.

If you are new to the world of mala, read on to understand their meaning and how to choose the right mala for you.

 

How to choose the right mala bracelet for you?

You can find mala made of seeds, wood, bone and gemstones. The possibilities are almost endless. To choose your mala bracelet, you have several solutions:

The first way to choose a mala bracelet is simply to let your intuition guide you! By letting your desires and your desire for a mala express itself, you will naturally be guided by the mala bracelet that will be your perfect companion. If you want an Amethyst mala bracelet because you find it pretty, it is not by chance! It's because this stone has the vibration you need at a certain moment or because it fits perfectly with your energy of the moment. So you just have to choose the mala that makes you want to make the right choice 🙂

The second way to select the type of mala you need is to become aware of what you want to achieve or improve in your life. You will then find a mala that helps you to reach these intentions thanks to the virtues of the stones that compose it. Go to this very large collection of mala and let yourself be carried away by the magnificent descriptions to find the one that speaks to you the most. If you would like to attract a companion for example and feel that feeling of love in you, choose a pink quartz mala that can bring you the comfort you need.

Another way to proceed is to choose your mala according to your intention and the chakra to which it corresponds. For example, if you want to create a greater sense of security in your life, which corresponds to the first chakra of red color, you can choose a mala bracelet made of red stones to work on this first (red) chakra and the vibration associated with it. Not all the stones associated with the first chakra are red (such as hematite, onyx and obsidian for example) but many stones are, so this is a simple way to proceed.

To learn more about chakras, their color and meanings, read our article on chakras here !

 

 

 

Choose your mala

Here's what you need to know to choose a mala bracelet that suits you:

Root chakra (base of the spine)

Chakra root mala anchoringThe first chakra is your sense of rooting, security and survival. You can choose red and black stones such as hematite, black obsidian, bloodstone, onyx, red zincite, smoky quartz, tiger's eye, garnet and red jasper.

Balancing your root chakra can bring a sense of security, inner peace and belonging. It can improve your energy level and relieve stress and anxiety.

Sacred Chakra (below the navel)

The second chakra focuses on your creativity, desires and sexuality. The stones of this chakra are usually orange in color such as carnelian, orange zincite, orange jasper and fire opal.

Balancing your Sacred Chakra can make it easier to please you, increase your desire and libido, and stimulate your creativity. It will help you overcome anger and develop self-control.

Solar plexus (under your chest)

Tiger eye malaThe third chakra is your solar plexus, it contains all your strength and will. The stones of this chakra are often yellow: citrine, yellow jasper, yellow sapphire, amber, topaz, tiger's eye and calcite.

Balancing your solar plexus can improve your concentration, decision-making abilities, willpower, emotional stability and overall sense of well-being.

Heart chakra (center of the chest)

The fourth chakra is associated with love, compassion and emotional balance. The stones that open your heart chakra are usually pink or green in color and include pink quartz, green aventurine, tourmaline, malachite, emerald, moonstone and green jade.

Balancing your heart chakra will allow you to look at the world with compassion and it will increase your ability to love yourself and others more freely.

 

Throat Chakra (center of your neck)

The fifth chakra is your communication center. This chakra is associated with the color blue. Stones to balance this chakra include turquoise, cyanite, blue calcite, blue agate, aquamarine and lapis lazuli.

Balancing your Throat Chakra can inspire more self-confidence, encourage expression in a peaceful and calm manner with more open and caring communication.

Third Eye Chakra (center of your forehead)

Third eye labradorite malaThe sixth chakra is your center of intuition and your spiritual awareness of the great Whole. Associated with the color indigo or dark blue, the stones used for this chakra include soldalite, lapis lazuli, amethyst, labradorite and sugilite.

Balancing your third eye will allow you to reveal your powers of clairvoyance by improving your intuition and visual awareness. You will feel more clarity and insight in your thoughts.

Crown Chakra (top of your head)

The seventh is the highest chakra, it is located at the top of the skull. It connects you to the spiritual world, it allows you to become aware of the great divine plan that the Universe has for you. It expresses the highest consciousness you can have of yourself. This chakra is associated with the color purple or golden white and the stones that go with it are mainly amethyst, lapis lazuli, white topaz, howlite, clear quartz and white calcite.

Balancing your Coronal Chakra will help you become aware of your life mission, all your sleeping divine faculties and your full potential. You will have confidence in life and what life has in store for you. You will reach a whole new level of consciousness.

 

How to use a mala bracelet?

To wear a mala bracelet, simply wrap it around your wrist three or four turns generally, it depends on the length of your mala bracelet. Some people will also choose to wear it as a necklace around their neck.

Some people will like to wrap several mala bracelets around their forearms while others will prefer to wear just one.

You are free to wear several stones at the same time, their virtues will complement each other and your style will be unique!

Regarding the use of mala bracelets for meditation, this type of meditation is called japa mala meditation.

 

Hindu traditions say to hold the mala in the right hand, with the thumb sliding from one bead to the other while the mala is draped over the middle finger. Traditions from northeast India say that the best practice is to drap the mala on the ring finger of the right hand and move the beads with the middle finger and thumb.

Whichever method you choose, begin your practice by sitting in a quiet and comfortable space. It is best to sit with your legs crossed to keep your mind and body engaged, as if you lie down you may fall asleep.

Breathe deeply and focus your attention on the mantra or affirmation you have chosen. Once you are calm and focused, start with that pearl to the left of the largest central pearl - the guru's pearl - and turn your finger clockwise around each pearl, then move away from that pearl and move on to the next pearl.

Once you reach the guru's pearl, you can stop your practice or turn the mala over and repeat the process in the opposite direction.

 

Which mantra to choose for your Japa Mala meditation?

A mantra is defined as a word or phrase that is repeated often or expresses someone's fundamental beliefs. You choose a mantra during your meditation practice to enter the silence of your mind and reach a deeper consciousness. Repeating the mantra can help you hold your attention to help you escape from the thoughts that fill your mind every day.

One of the most commonly used mantras is "Om" (pronounced as aum), which represents universal consciousness. You can also use the mantra Om Mani Padme Hum, which allows you to free yourself from attachment to the ego.

There are many other mantras that we will discuss in another article. It is up to you to invent the mantra that suits you, for example one of my favorites: "I feed the Universe and the Universe feeds me".