Jewelry

MALA JEWELRY

A mala, meaning garland in Sanskrit, evokes a circular, continuous form. For centuries, malas were used in Buddhism and Hinduism for keeping count while reciting, chanting, breaths while meditating, counting prostrations and mentally repeating a mantra or the name of a deity during prayer and meditation.

Each of my mala necklaces has 108 beads, marker beads, a guru bead, and Orgone pendant. Orgone energy is similar to what the ancients have called prana, chi, or universal energy. Orgone is created by layering organic and inorganic materials that are able to harness this vital life force energy and amplify it so you can actually feel a sensation with it.

The Significance of 108 Beads

In Hinduism, the number 108 has long been considered sacred, each bead evokes an energetic frequency. Renowned Vedic mathematicians believed 108 was the number that represented the wholeness of existence. Some have said that there are 108 stages on the journey of the human soul, and others link achieving spiritual enlightenment with the practice of taking 108 breaths a day while in meditation. According to yogic tradition, there are 108 sacred places on the body as well as 108 sacred sites throughout India.

HOW TO USE YOUR MALAS TO MEDITATE

You can use your malas to meditate anytime, anywhere. First, select a mantra, intention or prayer that you would like to repeat.

FIND YOUR MANTRA

You can focus your mantra on yourself or on others. There are many to choose from, in English or Sanskrit. Choose the right one for you and go with it. Through your practice, your malas will become infused with the energy of your mantra and prayer. Keep in mind that some practitioners believe each mala has one unique mantra or dedicated prayer. Here are a few ideas:

• May all beings be happy, peaceful and free
• I am love, I am light
• Lokah samastah sukhino bhavantu
• Om mani padme hum

FEEL THE COUNT

Find a comfortable seat and hold your malas in one hand. Start with the guru bead, the large bead at the bottom. Hold it between your thumb and middle finger, then start moving your fingers along each bead and repeating your mantra aloud or silently. The index finger represents ego, so try not to use your index finger as you count. Try closing your eyes, repeating your mantra, and feeling for the guru bead, which signifies you have reached 108.

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