Sandalwood Mala Beads
Mala beads have been used for thousands of years as a tool to keep the mind focused on meditation. A traditional mala consists of 108 beads, used to count mantra recitations.
How to use mala beads:
Sit with your back straight and feet planted firmly on the ground. You can also sit in a cross-legged position on a cushion or mat.
Hold your mala with the guru bead (the larger, distinct bead) between your thumb and middle finger.
Place two fingers around one of the beads next to the guru bead (many people use their thumb and middle finger, as some religious traditions avoid using the index finger.)
Complete one full breath (see below)
Move your fingers to the next bead, breathing in and out once per bead.
Finish at the guru bead to complete 108 breaths.
Breathing Meditation:
Take a slow, deep breath in through your nose, directing the breath into your low belly.
Pause for 1-2 seconds.
Slowly exhale the breath out through the nose.
Pause for 1-2 seconds..
For each round, either count each breath with each bead on the mala, or use one bead to count each of the four steps of the breath. Focus your mind on the sensation of each of these four steps of your breath as you touch each bead with your fingers. Whenever thoughts or distractions arise in your mind, turn your focus back to the feelings of your breathing and the touching of each gemstone or seed. You can also set an intention and repeat it out loud or silently with each bead.
Mala beads can also be worn as a reminder of your intentions. Store them in a clean place when not using.
Mala beads have been used for thousands of years as a tool to keep the mind focused on meditation. A traditional mala consists of 108 beads, used to count mantra recitations.
How to use mala beads:
Sit with your back straight and feet planted firmly on the ground. You can also sit in a cross-legged position on a cushion or mat.
Hold your mala with the guru bead (the larger, distinct bead) between your thumb and middle finger.
Place two fingers around one of the beads next to the guru bead (many people use their thumb and middle finger, as some religious traditions avoid using the index finger.)
Complete one full breath (see below)
Move your fingers to the next bead, breathing in and out once per bead.
Finish at the guru bead to complete 108 breaths.
Breathing Meditation:
Take a slow, deep breath in through your nose, directing the breath into your low belly.
Pause for 1-2 seconds.
Slowly exhale the breath out through the nose.
Pause for 1-2 seconds..
For each round, either count each breath with each bead on the mala, or use one bead to count each of the four steps of the breath. Focus your mind on the sensation of each of these four steps of your breath as you touch each bead with your fingers. Whenever thoughts or distractions arise in your mind, turn your focus back to the feelings of your breathing and the touching of each gemstone or seed. You can also set an intention and repeat it out loud or silently with each bead.
Mala beads can also be worn as a reminder of your intentions. Store them in a clean place when not using.
Mala beads have been used for thousands of years as a tool to keep the mind focused on meditation. A traditional mala consists of 108 beads, used to count mantra recitations.
How to use mala beads:
Sit with your back straight and feet planted firmly on the ground. You can also sit in a cross-legged position on a cushion or mat.
Hold your mala with the guru bead (the larger, distinct bead) between your thumb and middle finger.
Place two fingers around one of the beads next to the guru bead (many people use their thumb and middle finger, as some religious traditions avoid using the index finger.)
Complete one full breath (see below)
Move your fingers to the next bead, breathing in and out once per bead.
Finish at the guru bead to complete 108 breaths.
Breathing Meditation:
Take a slow, deep breath in through your nose, directing the breath into your low belly.
Pause for 1-2 seconds.
Slowly exhale the breath out through the nose.
Pause for 1-2 seconds..
For each round, either count each breath with each bead on the mala, or use one bead to count each of the four steps of the breath. Focus your mind on the sensation of each of these four steps of your breath as you touch each bead with your fingers. Whenever thoughts or distractions arise in your mind, turn your focus back to the feelings of your breathing and the touching of each gemstone or seed. You can also set an intention and repeat it out loud or silently with each bead.
Mala beads can also be worn as a reminder of your intentions. Store them in a clean place when not using.
Here is another chant, called the Kirtan Kriya, known to replace negativity with positivity:
1. “SA” (the birth and the entirety of the universe)
2. “TA” (life, existence, and creativity manifest)
3. “NA” (death and transformation)
4. “MA” (rebirth and experiencing the pleasure of the infinite)
Touching your thumb to each of your fingers for the count of 4, you can chant it, whisper it or repeat it to yourself silently.