You’ve got your mala, and you have a mantra, now how do you use the mala, exactly? Don’t worry if you feel like all thumbs at first. Use these helpful hints on how to wield a mala during your japa (repetition of a mantra).
How to Hold the Mala
Hold the mala in whichever hand you feel comfortable. It’s okay if you are naturally left-handed. If you want to fit with the intention of the mantra, then traditionally, the right hand is for projecting energy, and the left hand is for receiving energy.
Ideally, the mala should rest on the ring finger with the thumb ready to draw the bead towards your body, using the aid of the middle finger only if necessary (if the beads are loose, sometimes the middle finger can help). The physical rubbing of the ring finger by the mala is said to tame sexual desires that can distract from spiritual practices.
Positioning the Mala
According to Swami Veda Bharati, it is best not to let the bottom of the mala hang down below the navel center (second chakra), so that “one’s consciousness symbolically remains above this point.”
If this is distracting to the beginner, then hold the mala with the working hand at the level of the heart center (to represent devotion) and let it fall into the palm of the inactive hand resting in the lap.
How to Move the Mala
Starting with a bead next to the Meru, or head bead (this is the bead with the tassel), finger the bead as you chant — internally or audibly — your entire mantra. Pull the bead towards your body with the thumb.
Speed is not as important as intent. Let your japa dictate the speed of moving the mala; don’t move the mala faster to make your mantra go faster. When the mantra becomes a finer vibration and moves faster of its own accord, then the mala serves to smooth the pace.
As Swami Veda Bharati eloquently states: “When each bead represents one recitation, one heartbeat, one pulse beat, one syllable, in meditation, your mind becomes like a crystal bead rolling over and over and over and over as though on the quiet, moonlit surface of the lake of your mind when there is no breeze blowing.”
Turning the Mala
When you have finished a round, do not “go over” the Meru bead. This bead represents the Guru or God, it also represents transcendence or perfection, and therefore must not be passed over. Turn the mala around with just your working hand. This will take some practice to accomplish it smoothly.
Storing the Mala
With regular use, your mala will become a charged holy relic. Treat it with respect and do not let it fall idly onto the floor. Make each movement purposeful, with discipline and intent.
You can store the mala in a special place like a cloth pouch, a box, or simply hang it on the wall where you meditate. Some practitioners prefer others to not look upon their mala, as it stores much energy of devotion meant only for the eyes of the Divinity.
Traditionally, the mala used for practice should not be worn around the wrist or neck, but can be carried in your pocket if you wish to use it throughout the day.
Remember that intent goes a long way in your spiritual practice. Do not let the logistics of using the mala bog you down or distract you. With practice, wielding the mala will become easier, so be gentle with yourself when just beginning. The important thing is the discipline of doing it on a regular basis, and doing it with heartfelt intent and devotion.
Source:
- Mantra & Meditation: Superconscious Meditation, Volume 2 by Swami Veda Bharati, 1981 by the Himalayan International Institute of Yoga Science and Philosophy of the U.S.A.
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