How to use mala beads in everyday? How to meditate with mala beads

If you’re seeking a deeper connection with yourself, a sense of peace, and a tool to enhance your meditation practice, then mala beads might be the perfect addition to your daily routine. Mala beads, also known as prayer beads or meditation beads, have been used for centuries to aid in spiritual practices and mindfulness. In this article, we will explore how to use mala beads in everyday life, and how to meditate with mala beads. 

I. Why should you use mala beads for meditation? 

Meditation is a gateway to self-discovery and inner peace. Mala beads add depth to your meditation practice by offering a ritualistic and structured approach. The act of counting the beads while reciting mantras or focusing on your breath creates a harmonious rhythm, aiding in the relaxation of the mind and body. As you immerse yourself in this repetitive motion, you can achieve a deeper meditative state, experiencing a profound sense of tranquility and connection with your inner self.

1. Stress reduction and emotional healing

Life’s challenges can often lead to stress, anxiety, and emotional turbulence. Mala beads offer a source of comfort and solace during trying times. By engaging in meditation or prayer with your mala, you create a sacred space to release negative emotions, find inner strength, and gain perspective. The repetitive nature of using mala beads can soothe the mind, reducing stress and promoting emotional healing. As you continue to incorporate mala beads into your daily life, you may notice an overall improvement in your emotional well-being and resilience.

2. Tracking your progress and duration of meditation

Mala beads can help you track your progress and duration of meditation. By counting the number of beads or rounds you complete, you can measure how long or how many times you have meditated. This can help you set goals and track your improvement over time.

3. Energetic properties of mala beads in meditation

Mala beads, in another hand, can help you enhance your meditation experience with their symbolic and energetic properties. Each mala has 108 beads, which is a sacred number in many traditions. It can represent the wholeness of the universe, the cycles of life, or the stages of enlightenment. Each bead can also be made of different materials, such as gemstones, wood, or seeds, that have different meanings and vibrations. For example, pearls symbolize grace and compassion, while quartz crystal amplifies energy and clarity. You can choose a mala that resonates with your intention or purpose for meditation.

II. How to use mala beads for meditation? Meditation with mala

Meditation is a profound and transformative practice that can be further enhanced with the use of mala beads. These sacred beads provide a structured and meaningful way to quiet the mind, deepen focus, and create a spiritual connection. Let’s explore how to use mala beads effectively in your meditation practice:

1. Find a comfortable seat

Begin by locating a quiet and serene space for your meditation session. Sit in a cross-legged position or on a cushion, ensuring that your spine is straight and your body is at ease.

2. Hold the mala beads

Grasp the mala beads in your right hand, allowing them to drape gracefully over your middle finger. Your thumb should rest gently on the guru bead, the larger and more decorative bead, which serves as the starting point of your meditation journey.

3. Choose your mantra

Select a mantra that deeply resonates with your intentions or spiritual aspirations. It could be a traditional mantra from ancient scriptures or a personal affirmation that holds significant meaning for you.

4. Begin the meditation

Gently press the guru bead with your thumb and middle finger, signifying the commencement of your mantra meditation. As you recite your chosen mantra, move to the next bead using your thumb and middle finger for each repetition.

5. Complete the circuit

Continue reciting the mantra and progressing through the beads until you return to the guru bead. This completes one circuit of the mala. You can choose to conclude your meditation at this point or continue for another round.

6. Closing the meditation

After completing your desired number of circuits or experiencing a sense of tranquility and clarity, gently redirect your awareness to your breath and the present moment. Take a few deep breaths, expressing gratitude for your meditation practice and the positive energy you have cultivated. 

III. How to use a mala in breath meditation?

Breath meditation, also known as mindfulness meditation, involves being fully present with your breath. Mala beads can enhance focus and deepen the connection to your breath during this practice:

• Hold the mala beads: Sit comfortably, spine straight, and shoulders relaxed. Hold the mala beads in your right hand, draping them over your middle finger, with the guru bead resting on your thumb.
• Begin the meditation: Take deep, cleansing breaths to settle into the practice. Inhale deeply, feeling your lungs expand, then exhale fully, releasing tension. Begin moving through the beads rhythmically.
• Inhale and exhale with each bead: Inhale deeply as you touch each bead with your thumb, exhaling fully to move to the next. Focus solely on your breath and the sensation of the beads against your fingers, anchoring your mind to the present.

  

• Complete the circuit: Continue this pattern until you reach the guru bead, completing one circuit. Choose to end your meditation or continue for more rounds.
• Closing the meditation: Conclude by acknowledging inner stillness and peace. Bring your awareness back to the present moment, expressing gratitude for the calm and mindfulness cultivated during the practice.

IV. How to use mala in yoga practice?

Mala beads offer profound benefits, especially in gentle and passive forms of yoga, like yin or restorative yoga. In these slow-paced styles, you can incorporate the mala beads seamlessly into your practice by using them while holding each posture. For instance, you can take 108 mindful breaths or chant 108 mantras for each pose, allowing the rhythmic movement of the beads to deepen your connection to the present moment. Once you complete the sequence for a particular posture and return to the guru bead, you can gracefully transition to the next position, maintaining a continuous flow of mindfulness and intention throughout your practice.

V. Which hand to use mala beads correctly?

There are different ways to use mala beads correctly, depending on your tradition and preference. In general, you can use either your right or left hand, but you should avoid using your index finger, as it is considered a symbol of ego in some cultures. Here are some common methods of using mala beads:

1. Hindu method

A Hindu mala is usually worked with by using the right hand. The mala is held resting over the third finger of the right hand, and the beads are brought toward you, one by one, using the thumb. You can recite a mantra, breathe, or meditate with each bead. You can also use a mala counter to keep track of how many rounds you have completed.

2. Buddhist method

A Buddhist mala can be held in either hand, but the right hand is more common. The mala is draped over the middle finger, and the thumb is used to move the beads. The index finger is either curled under the hand or extended away from the mala. You can chant a mantra, such as “Om Mani Padme Hum”, with each bead. You can also use a dorje (a ritual object) to mark the end of a round.

3. Personal method

You can also use a mala in any way that feels comfortable and meaningful to you. You can choose a hand, a finger, a mantra, or a breath pattern that suits your intention and style. You can also choose a mala that resonates with your energy and purpose. For example, you can select a mala made of gemstones that have specific properties and vibrations. You can also customize your mala with charms, pendants, or tassels.

VI. How to choose mala beads

Choosing Mala beads is a mindful and personal process. Here are some tips to help you make the right choice:

• Intention: Start by clarifying your intention for using mala beads. Whether it’s for meditation, healing, or spiritual growth, your purpose will guide your selection.
• Number of beads: traditional mala bracelets consist of 108 beads. Choose the size that fits your practice and comfort.
• Guru bead: The Guru bead, located at the center of the Mala, symbolizes the start and end of your meditation. Select a bead that stands out or has special significance to you.
• Material and quality: Consider the material used to make the beads. Natural gemstones, wood, or seeds are common choices. Ensure they are of good quality and durable.

  

• Personal appeal: Mala beads are a reflection of your style and spirituality. Choose beads that inspire you and reflect your personality.
• Affordability: Mala beads can vary widely in price. Set a budget and find a piece that aligns with both your preferences and financial considerations.

Thien Moc Huong is one of the most reputable Vietnamese agarwood brands that provides many high-quality and affordable mala beads. You can visit the website tmhagarwood.com to discover many wonderful mala beads and choose your own one! Remember, Mala beads are not just accessories but tools for spiritual growth and connection. Take your time to explore and find the Mala that resonates with your heart and soul. 

VII. How to activate mala beads?

Before embarking on your meditation journey with prayer beads, it’s essential to know how to activate mala beads through an intention-setting ceremony. This ritual establishes a profound energetic connection between you and the beads, enhancing their efficacy in your practice. Follow these steps to activate your new mala beads:

1. Find a comfortable meditation space: Sit in a comfortable position for meditation and create a serene ambiance by lighting a candle or incense if desired.

   

2. Visualize inner peace: Close your eyes and visualize yourself enveloped in a sense of inner peace and tranquility. Feel this calmness permeating every fiber of your being.
3. State your intention aloud: Hold the mala in your right hand, excluding the index finger. Vocalize your intention at least three times as you move the beads through your fingers. Be as specific as possible in stating your intention for optimal results.
4. Chant the mantra “Om Hrim Namah Shivaya Om”: Recite the powerful mantra “Om Hrim Namah Shivaya Om” at least three times. Traditionally, this mantra activates and seals the energy within the mala, infusing it with sacred vibrations.
5. Sit with your mala: Spend at least five minutes sitting with your mala, holding it in your right hand. During this time, maintain a calm and peaceful presence while reinforcing your intention in your mind.

   

Once your mala beads are activated, it’s beneficial to consider cleansing them periodically to rid them of any accumulated negative energies. Additionally, if you share your mala with others, cleaning them before your personal use is advisable.

VIII. How to clean mala beads

There are different ways to clean mala beads, depending on the type of beads and your preference.

1. Soaking method

This method is suitable for most gemstone, wood, and seed mala beads. You can put a few drops of mild dishwashing liquid in a bowl of room-temperature water and soak your mala for up to 5 minutes. Keep the tassel out of the water if possible. After soaking, you can use a soft toothbrush or a lint-free cloth to gently wipe the beads. Then rinse the beads with water and pat dry with a towel. Place the mala in a warm area to dry completely.

2. Wiping method

This method is recommended for some stones that should not be soaked, such as azurite, selenite, lapis lazuli, opal, turquoise, amber, emerald, chrysocolla, pearl, and malachite1. You can use a slightly damp soft cloth to wipe the beads and then dry them immediately.

3. Smudging method

This method is a way to cleanse your mala beads energetically using sage smoke. You can carefully light the sage and hold your mala above the smoke until it touches the beads and tassel. You can also say a prayer or affirmation during this process. This method can help remove any negative or stagnant energy from your mala.

Conclusion

In this article, we have interpreted how to use mala beads in everyday life and how to activate mala beads. Using mala beads in everyday life and meditation can be a transformative experience. These sacred things have the power to deepen your spiritual practice, enhance your mindfulness, and bring peace to your soul. Whether you’re drawn to mala beads for meditation, yoga, prayer, or simply as a reminder of your intentions, they can serve as a beautiful and powerful ally on your journey of self-discovery and inner growth.