They have become a fashion accessory for yoga practitioners. But there is much more to the beads called mala. They are important tools for meditation, respecting the lineage of wisdom behind the various spiritual practices that use them.
Hindu and Buddhist monks wear the rosary around the neck or on the wrist. Some denominations believe that monks do not wear visible rosaries until they have mastered how to teach meditation.
Others believe that a master can only bless a student with the rosary so that he can continue to practice and pass on his teachings.
Even religions outside the Indian subcontinent have adopted their own versions of the rosary for prayer, meditation and contemplation.
Learn how to use and care for rosary beads in your daily meditation practice and see how these simple beads can deepen your spiritual life.
what is mala tang
what is mala tang
Rosary beads are often worn as necklaces. It is a continuous chain of 108 beads. Many have tassels at the ends.
The Sanskrit word “mala” means garland. Use this bead garland as a meditation or prayer aid.
The oldest rosaries come from India and Nepal, where meditation traditions have been practiced longest.
Malas were originally garlands. Since ancient times, flowers have been used to adorn shrines and places of worship, statues, and even hang around people’s necks as a sign of welcome or celebration.
Even today across India, there are street shops selling garlands to buy offerings left in temples.
In modern asana practice, pose malasana literally translates to “garland pose.” This is a full yoga squat. Some say the pose is so named because when you fully express it, your pelvis takes on a semi-circular silhouette.
Another theory is that the namaste mudra, with your arms around your neck and palms in front of your heart, resembles a rosary.
Malas as a fashion accessory are not a modern invention. As early as the Ming Dynasty in China, maras were used as fashion accessories by the court.
part of the marathi
part of the marathi
Each part of mala has a special meaning. Whether it is the type of beads used, the color of the string, the grouping of the beads… There are different meanings depending on the intention of the host.
Most marathi beads are made from organic, natural materials such as wood, seeds, clay or gemstones. But modern maras are also made of plastic, resin, or a mixture of synthetic and natural materials.
For many people, the material from which the rosary is made affects the subtle energy of the rosary. For example, some masters do not recommend the amethyst rosary for students who need more basic knowledge.
Popular materials for japa mala beads for meditation include crystal quartz, which has a neutral but purifying effect; sandalwood or tulsi (holy basil), which are sacred woods in India; linden seeds; or Rudraksha seeds.
History of Rudraksha Seeds
History of Rudraksha Seeds
The Upanishads are collections of spiritual stories from the ancient Vedas of India. Originally passed down from generation to generation as oral stories, they were gradually codified around AD 1400
This is a story from a traditional story about the importance of the seeds of the Rudraksha tree (Elaeocarpus ganitrus) and why they are used as rosary beads.
The story goes that when the great demon Triputra threatened the earth, all the gods turned to Lord Mahadeva – another name for Shiva.
Shiva has a powerful weapon called Aghora. But in order to defeat Triputra with it, he had to close his eyes and be highly focused and focused to summon it. Weapons represent divine power.
Because the eyes were closed for too long, water droplets began to seep out and drip onto the ground. Wherever these tears fall, a special tree will grow.
Over time, the trees bear fruit and seeds. These seeds are known as the Eye of Shiva – Rudraksha. Rudraksha seeds come in many types and varieties, each of which has a very deep spiritual meaning, especially for Shaivites – devotees of Lord Shiva.
It is said that those who wear Vajra Bodhisattva will gain great merit.
In order to gain these qualities, you must follow certain practices:
- Quit drinking and eating meat
- wear 32 of them around my neck
- head 40
- 6 each for each ear
- 12 in each hand
- 16 on each arm
- 1 on top of your head
- And the 108 on your chest
Also, when making a rosary with Rudraksha beads, stride them in numbers of 108, 50 or 27. Chant the holy names to make sure they are helping you and you are earning their merits.
According to the stories in the Upanishads, the rosary must be worn on solar eclipses, sunrises, full moon days, moonless nights and other holy days.
More stories about the importance of mala meditation
More stories about the importance of mala meditation
In the Buddhist tradition, a story in the Muyuan Temple Sutra dates back to around the 4th century BC. Wrote how King Haruri sought advice from Siddhartha Gautama Buddha. He asked how he could share the Buddha’s teachings and wisdom with his people.
According to the story, the Buddha replied:
“My lord, if you want to get rid of the desires of the world and cut off its sufferings, use the tree species of Muyuan Temple to make a round necklace composed of 108 beads. Always keep it for yourself: “Nanmu Buddha-Nanmu Fa- Nanmu monk. “Every time you read a bead, count one bead.