If you’re looking to practice Hinduism or Buddhism, chances are you’ll be introduced to malas. Click here for a quick guide on how to use mala beads.
Are you about to embrace Buddhism? Or perhaps you decided to start practicing Hinduism? Regardless of the religion you are about to follow, meditation will likely play a big role in the practice.
For these two aforementioned religions, mala beads are staples when it comes to meditation. Today, they also serve as decorations and fashion accessories.
However, mala beads are originally for meditative purposes. For someone who is looking to use them for the first time, you need to understand how to use mala beads the right way.
Continue reading below as we look closer into the mala beads, as well as the benefits they offer.
How to Use Mala Beads the Right Way
Perhaps you can easily compare mala beads necklace with the Holy Rosary of Catholicism. Both feature beads that guide you as you pray and meditate. Similarly, there is a proper way of using mala beads.
Here’s a crash course on how to use mala beads for meditation:
Choose Your Spot
First, you need to find a spot where you can sit comfortably. You want to keep your spine in a straight position. You also need to close your eyes.
You also need to clarify your intentions. Take a few deep breaths to your center then focus on your intention. In addition, maintain a cross-legged position.
Hold it Right
Hold the mala using your right hand. You need to drape it between your index and middle fingers. Place your thumb on the guru bead, which is the largest bead.
Mind Your Breathing
As you start with your meditation, you need to focus your attention on your breathing. Observe the depth and speed of your breathing. As you breathe, start reciting your mantra.
As you recite your mantra, use your thumb to count every smaller bead. You should pull the smaller beads toward you.
Travel around the mala for a total of 108 times. You can also peg your count to 7, 21, or 27 times if you wish.
Go for Another Round
If you wish to continue your meditation, simply turn the mala around. Never skip over the guru bead. Instead, move toward the opposite direction.
Keep in mind that your mind will likely wander during the course of the meditation. In such instances, don’t judge yourself as a failure. Instead, acknowledge that you wandered and let go of those thoughts.
Shift your focus back on the beads and resume with your breathing and chanting of the mantra. Your goal is to detach yourself from your thoughts. You want to connect your mind with your higher self.
The Benefits of Mala Beads
There are several benefits you can enjoy from using mala beads. These benefits range from physical to emotional and spiritual ones. Here are some of the main benefits you can enjoy from meditating with mala beads:
- Discover positive thought patterns
- Keeps the mind away from harmful obsessions
- Encourages well-being
- Calms your mind and body
- Changes the way you view obstacles
- Enhances self-awareness and attention
Continue Improving Thyself
Learning how to use mala beads is a powerful tool in harnessing self-awareness. Through constant meditation, you will experience an improvement in the way you feel and think.
We encourage you to keep on improving yourself by expanding your knowledge. Keep on reading our other articles. We tackle helpful topics that you can use to strengthen your mind and body.
