A meditation mala is a string of 108 beads with one of the beads
serving as the “summit bead”, which is incidentally called a “sumeru”.
A mala is a tool that can help keep your mind on the meditation routine. Made out of different materials such
as tulsi (basil) wood, sandal wood, crystal or rudraksh seeds, malas has various properties which can affect the
yoga practitioner’s subconscious mind.
A mala should be used because the beads themselves move in rhythm with the breath and the mantra!
You can easily use it like an everyday accessory. In fact, a lot of people already consider their own malas as
staples of their wardrobe collection.
You can use your mala by letting it hang between the thumb and the ring (third) finger. The middle finger
(second) can then be used to rotate the mala by one bead. The mantra should also be repeated
whenever the bead is rotated and moved.
The various kinds of mala:
- Tulsi wood mala
- Crystal mala
- Sandalwood mala
- Navgraha mala
- Lotus mala
- Semi precious mala beads
- Bodhiseed mala
- Rosewood mala
- Rudraksh mala
- Ebony mala
Tulsi Mala
Tulsi, which is often known as the “sacred basil”, clears the aura. Tulsi is also
considered the most sacred of all the woods used in the Indian worship. Actually,
tulsi is the only wood that is considered to be divine itself. Naturally, malas made out of
tulsi are very fitting for meditation.
Tulsi is very handy because it helps balance out the
kapha doshas and vata. When you say the mantra over and over again, the tulsi increases
the spiritual power of the prayer, increases the spiritual growth as well as the devotion
and aids the pursuit of the Bhakti yoga, which is considered the yoga of devotion.
Crystal Mala
Crystal, research has shown, is considered a wonderful healing energizer.
Crystals stimulate the brain and balance out all the energy chakras.
Crystal malas may be considered efficient and great healing energizers which may also aid in
the healing of negative influences.
Sandalwood Mala
Sandalwood is naturally fragrant. Another one of its well loved qualities is the fact that it is very, very smooth.
Sandalwood is believed to promote peace of mind, calmness or tranquility. Of course, these qualities are very
ideal in meditation.
Sandalwood malas, it is believed, can supposedly enhance tranquility and a positive outlook or frame of mind.
Navgraha Mala
This is also known as “9-planet” astrological mala.
Made out of nine (9) semi precious stones, wherein each of the stones represents a planet in the solar system, a navgraha mala is said to help appease any malefic tendency. A navgraha mala has supposedly great astrological influence and significance, too.