What is a Meditation Mala?
A mala is a string of 108 beads with one bead as the summit bead called a 'sumeru'.
It is a tool used to keep your mind on the meditation practice. Malas are generally made from different materials such as tulsi (basil) wood, sandal wood, rudraksh seeds or crystal. Each type of material has certain properties which subtly affect the subconscious mind of the practitioner.
Why use the Mala?
Meditation can be quite a tricky practice because the mind is like a naughty child. By its very nature, the mind tends to wander off during the meditation practice. If ones energy is low at the time of meditation, falling asleep can result. If the energy is too high, fantasy and distraction become the barriers. At such times, the mala provides the much needed anchor.
The mala beads are moved in rhythm with the breath and the mantra, so that both-sleep as well as excessive mental distraction-are prevented by this action upon the beads.
For wearing:
A personal mala is a wonderful accessory to meditation, which when used regularly with a personal mantra, absorbs the vibrations of the practice. It becomes like a close friend or a comfortable piece of clothing!
How to Use?
The mala is traditionally held in the right hand and used in two ways -
In one method, the mala is hanging between the thumb and the ring (third) finger. The middle (second) finger is used to rotate the mala by one bead towards oneself with each repetition of the mantra.
In the other method, the mala is hanging on the middle finger, with the thumb used to rotate the mala just as explained - one bead at a time.
Either way, the index finger is never used to touch the mala.
The mala may coil on the floor with the hand resting on the right knee or used with the hand concealed in the
Mala Bag.
The practice begins at the summit bead (sumeru) and continues around the loop until the summit is reached again. The summit bead is never passed over. So if you plan to do more than 1 round, the mala is turned around to proceed again in the reverse direction
Whenever the mala is taken up, it automatically conditions the mind to the meditative state. The mala that you use for Mantra Japa meditation should not be exhibited and is best kept privately in a special Mala Bag.
We provide the following to assist you in your meditation path.
Tulsi often referred to as the "sacred basil" is the most sacred of the woods used in Indian worship - the only wood that is considered to be divinity itself. Likewise, the malas made of tulsi wood are considered very suitable for meditation.
Tulsi clears the aura. It helps to balance vata and kapha doshas. Saying the mantra on Tulsi increases the spiritual power of the prayer, increases devotion and spiritual growth. It protects and aids in the pursuit of Bhakti Yoga, the Yoga of devotion.
Grade Tulsi Mala Smooth well rounded full Tulsi Beads Well knotted for strength and convenience
108 +1 Beads ; 41 cms.
Bead Size : 8MM
" Namaste. The tulsi mala beads and bag were my first order from you. I am totally delighted and enriched by my purchase! The beads are a real assist in clearing my mind for meditation and are comforting to the touch. The saffron-colored bag in which to store them is well-made and very unusual. My order was filled in a prompt, timely manner, and I look forward to future purchases from you. Many, many thanks!x.. "
T.V, Palm Harbor, FL
" I received my order much sooner than I had expected. It was a nice surprise. I really appreciate the quality of the mala beads I ordered. I wear the bracelet everyday and find it very comfortable. Great care seems to have been taken to assemble the long strand of mala beads.. "
Stephen Wieczore,Woodbridge, VA
" Thank you very much. I got the package after around 2 weeks. The quality of the Tulsi mala and Tulsi necklaces was better than expected. "
B.L,Sequim, WA
Crystal is a wonderful healing energizer. It stimulates the brain by acting upon the pituitary and pineal glands. It balances all the energy Chakras while reciting 'mantras' during meditation. Also believed to be good for cellulite or cysts. Crystal protects and heals by neutralizing negative influences
Length: 50 cms., strung on a strong thread, knotted and with a tassel.
Bead Size : 8MM
" Both were very nice. My girlfriend especially likes the crystal one. She feels good chi with it. I use the sandlewood while meditating... "
M.H, Colorado Springs, Colorado
Fast becoming extinct, sandalwood is naturally fragrant and exceedingly smooth. Sandalwood has traditionally been regarded as one of the purest substances and is valued for its cooling properties and its medicinal value too. It is believed to Promote Tranquility as an aid to meditation.
Turning the sandalwood beads while chanting is supposed to have therapeutic properties that enhance calmness and a positive frame of mind.
Length: 39 CMS, well knotted and with a tassel
Bead Size : 8MM
" Thank you for sending the lovely sandalwood mala so quickly! I can't believe it came from overseas; it arrived just a few days after I ordered it, and it is everything it was promised to be. Your company is a pleasure to deal with.. "
A.D, Frederick , MD
" My Sandalwood Mala and Bracelet finally reached me. I am completely satisfied and happy. The product is beautiful and delightfully fragrant. Thank you, it has been a pleasure Best regards. "
A.M.T, Iceland
" LOVE my mala - thank you so much! The one I bought in India fell apart, and the sandalwood mala I received from Health and Yoga has helped restore the peace and sanity prayer brings! Thanks. "
S.W, Reedley, CA
" Thank you for your prompt service. My Sandalwood mala arrived in perfect condition. It has already been "prayed-in". Beautiful, nice to hold.. "
MF THURBE, Arlington , VA
9-planet" astrological (Navgraha) Mala
This is made of 9 semi-precious stones, each stone representing a planet of our solar system. It has tremendous astrological significance. Wearing this mala helps to appease any malefic tendencies in the astrology chart.
Length: 41 CMS (16")
Bead Size : 8MM
The richest source of curcumin, the health benefits of curcumin are being extolled worldwide of late. Excellent anti bacterial, useful for throat ailments like cough, treatment of jaundice and skin ailments.
Turmeric Mala is astrologically significant and worn to gain victory over adversaries such as in law suits. Believed to reduce stress and anxiety.
Note: Natural turmeric imparts a natural yellow color, so it would stain your clothes and color your skin (which of course washes off after a bath). The good thing is that it is known for its beneficial effects to skin health.
Length: 38 cms, well knotted and with a tassel
Bead Size : 7-8 mm.
Unique Seeds found only in the forests around Mathura - the land of Krishna.
Associated with love & victory over any adversity, the mala made of these vaijanti beads was believed to be a favorite of Lord Krishna.
The beads are beautiful, smooth and shiny of white & whitish grey color. They are slightly elongated, shaped more or less like tear drops.
They feel tremendously soothing to turn while japa and also very attractive to wear.
While doing japa, common mantras upon Krishna or Lord Vishnu are invoked while turning this mala.
Length: Approx. 52 cms; 108+1 beads, knotted between beads
Bead size: 7-8 mm
Wholesale Price: Buy the Mala Beads wholesale, Click here
Mala bags are considered very sacred because they are used to store your mala away from public gaze.
Mala bags are also used to conceal the mala while doing japa (reciting your mantra) while moving the beads.
Choose from the following Cotton mala bags:
Saffron (Radha- Krishna)
Mala Bag
Saffron (Radha Krishna) mala bag. Printed
with the image of Krishna and Radha;
Printed Soft Cotton Mala Bag
Mala Bag
Printed soft cotton mala bags. These bags have satin drawstrings with lovely
Tulsi beads at the ends.
Using the Yoga Danda
Often, many practitioners of japa meditation, prefer to support their forearm on the Yoga Danda, so that they can practice japa on mala beads without discomfort.
In this case, the yoga danda is placed in front of the seated body and the hand supported on it. The mala is allowed to fall freely from this raised position that facilitates turning of the beads for japa.
The Yoga Danda is also used for balancing breath between nostrils. To read more on the Yoga Danda, click here