Mala

What is a Mala and what is it used for?

The Mala is a sacred garland that has the power to change one's life. It is traditionally used for Japa meditation (reciting a mantra over and over) and prayer, and is now a commonly seen accessory worn by yogis and individuals who have chosen a spiritual path toward enlightenment.

A Mala is made up of 108 beads and 1 Guru bead. Often they are made of seeds, wood, and/or gemstones and each of which retains unique spiritual significance of it's own, surrounding the wearer/practitioner with the energetic draw of the intentions and metaphysical properties it is intended for.

the significance behind the auspicious number, 108:

1 stands for God or higher truth, 0 stands for completeness in spiritual practice, and 8 stands for infinity or eternity.
There are 108 nadis (energy channels) and marma points (vital points in the body where the life force energy is concentrated in the body).
108 is divisible by the sum of its digits
There are 108 elements on the periodic table of elements.

HOW TO PRACTICE MALA MEDITATION

As the practitioner feeds the garland the fingertips, they are able to complete 108 prayers/mantras/intentions without the need to open the eyes or count aloud. In addition to the 108 beads, there is a guru bead that indicates that completion of 108 chants and serves as a cue to offer up gratitude to the practitioner's Teacher, Deity, and/or the Universe, including the inner teacher that resides within.