Lapis Lazuli and White Howlite Mala

 A Mala For Mantras and Prayers

Overview

Hand knotted Item

Materials:    108 x  8mm Lapis Lazuli gemstones,   4 x White Howlite gemstone marker beads,   1 x 16mm   Lapis Lazuli Guru Bead

matching metal spacers,   matching tassel made from natural fibers.

About Malas and their use

Yogis have used Malas for thousands of years. Malas are used to focus the mind during meditation and serves as a counting device for mantra repetition or prayers.  It helps to keep track of how many times a mantra or prayer is recited or chanted. 

Malas are usually held in the right hand resting over the hand. The beads are moved towards you whilst reciting mantras or prayers.   In some cultures the index finger is never used for counting as it is considered to be the “accusing finger” and facilitates karma.  Use the thumb and middle finger to rotate the mala towards you.   The spacer or marker beads which are  different beads or colours and the Meru or Guru bead which is the larger main bead are not counted.   The Meru or Guru bead is never crossed, once you reach the last bead before the Guru bead you flip the Mala and turn around, the last bead will then be the first bead and you go back the way you came.  The Guru bead may be held in your hand to say a special prayer or set an intention.  The Guru bead reminds the student of the sacred bond with his Higher Self or teacher.   The tassel on a Mala represents enlightenment.   Spacer and marker beads will make you focus again in case your mind has wondered off during meditation.

Malas come in 27, 54 or 108 beads.  Nine is a sacred number and denominator. When the Mala is used with devotion, commitment and good intention it is used correctly.  Malas can be used in any religion or spiritual traditions for sacred   prayers.