How to use Mala Beads for meditation
Chanting mantras with mala beads is an ancient practice that combines mindfulness, spirituality, and intention. Whether you’re new to meditation or a seasoned practitioner, using mala beads can help you stay focused, deepen your practice, and connect with your inner self.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to chant mantras with mala beads and share tips to make the most of this powerful tool.
If you meditate regularly or practice yoga, you’ve probably noticed mala beads before. Today, they’re sometimes used as a mindfulness aid without any religious affiliation. They traditionally include 108 beads in addition to a guru bead, which is larger than the rest of the beads and often has a tassel. Mala beads have the purpose of keeping you focused during meditation.
How do I use them?
There are many ways that mala beads can help your meditation practice.
The biggest use of mala beads is for spiritual growth. People use mala beads as a functional tool for counting mantra and chanting.
If you are a starter in meditation, you will find it's not as easy as you think. You must keep your mind from wandering off. That’s where mala beads come in. The simple act of chanting the beads through your fingers will help you calm down and get rid of distractions.
By counting the beads, your breath will get a lot steadier and smoother. Simply paying attention to your breathing can be a form of mediation.
How to use mala beads for controlling your breath?
First, hold your mala with one hand, let it drape across your fingers so you can move it easily. Then place two fingers around one of the beads next to the guru bead. Complete one full breath (inhale and exhale).Move your fingers to the next bead, breathing in and out once per bead. Finish at the guru bead to complete 108 breaths.If you want to do another round, just move your fingers in the opposite direction until you reach the guru bead again.
How to Chant Mantras with Mala Beads
Follow these simple steps to incorporate mala beads into your mantra chanting practice:
- Setting Your Intention: Before starting, take a moment to define your intention. This could be a personal goal, a specific mantra, or a single word that resonates deeply with you, such as "peace," "gratitude," or "healing."
- Holding Your Mala: Hold the mala in your right hand, draping it over your middle finger. Your thumb will be used to advance to the next bead with each mantra repetition.
- Selecting Your Mantra: A mantra is a word, phrase, or sound repeated to aid concentration and focus. Consider these popular options:
o "Om": A universal sound representing the essence of the universe.
o "Om Mani Padme Hum": A Tibetan Buddhist mantra invoking compassion.
o "So Hum": A mantra meaning "I am that," connecting you to the universe. - Beginning Your Chanting: Start at the guru bead (the larger, often decorative bead). As you recite your chosen mantra—either silently or aloud—advance your thumb to the next bead. For instance, if your mantra is "Om," you would chant "Om" once for each bead.
- Completing the Cycle: After moving through all 108 beads, pause briefly at the guru bead. Reflect on your initial intention and the energy you've cultivated during your practice.
- Continuing or Concluding: If you wish to continue your chanting, simply turn the mala around and begin again at the guru bead. Otherwise, take a few deep, calming breaths to gently conclude your practice.
Tips for Using Mala Beads
- Wear Your Mala: Outside of meditation, wear your mala beads as a bracelet or necklace to stay connected to your intentions.
- Cleanse Your Mala: Regularly cleanse your mala beads with sage, sunlight, or moonlight to maintain their energy.
- Choose the Right Mantra: Select a mantra that resonates with your goals and values.
Chanting mantras with mala beads is a beautiful way to deepen your meditation practice and connect with your inner self. Whether you’re seeking peace, clarity, or spiritual growth, mala beads can help you stay focused and intentional.