Which mala beads are the most effective?
Buying mala beads is a deeply personal experience. Mala beads are most typically used as a spiritual practice or meditation aid to keep track of prayers, mantras, or affirmations. They usually have 108 beads, plus a “guru” bead and a tassel, but they can take many different forms. While they have their origins in Eastern religions, they are now used all over the world. Dharma Objects Tibetan Real Rosewood Meditation Beads are an excellent all-purpose starter if you’re thinking about buying a string of mala beads.
Before you go out and buy mala beads, there are a few things you should know
If you’re new to mala beads, the sheer number of options can be overwhelming. Not only can you choose between 108, 54, or 27 beads per string, but you can also locate mala beads in every colour of the rainbow in stones and woods. The good news is that when it comes to mala beads, there is no such thing as a “bad” pick. Because mala beads are a meditation tool that you use to focus your mind on a repeated phrase, the most important factor to consider when selecting a string of mala beads is how they make you feel.
Intent
While there is no such thing as a “wrong” mala, if you start researching them, you’ll quickly see that intent is crucial. Some people believe that the mala’s gems, stones, and wood beads can help you focus your intention. If you want to use the mala to cultivate strength and clarity, for example, some people feel that a lava stone mala would help you. If you want to increase your capacity to love others and tap into your own self-love, a green or pink stone mala with crystals that promote the heart chakra, like as rose quartz, is a good choice. It is absolutely up to you whatever mala you choose, and you are allowed to base your decision only on aesthetics. However, if the idea of certain stones assisting you in achieving your goals appeals to you, you have a variety of possibilities.
Length of meditation that you want to do
While 108 beads is the most common length, mala beads in lengths of 54 and 27 beads are also available. 108-bead malas are normally long enough to be worn as necklaces, while 27-bead malas are commonly used as bracelets. The length of your meditation is determined by the number of beads you use and the length of the mantra or affirmation you choose to repeat as you touch each bead. Choose a short affirmation or prayer and a bracelet-length 27-bead mala if you want to keep things simple. Choose a 108-bead mala if you want to spend more time with your mala.
Weight
If you intend to wear your mala, the weight of the mala should be considered when making your selection. A rosewood mala is a light and comfortable option for wearing. If you wish to wear a stone mala, pay attention to the size of the individual beads because they will contribute to the overall weight of the mala. Look for beads with a diameter of 6 millimetres or less for wearing malas, as beads with a diameter of 8 millimetres or more can be quite heavy. If you merely intend to carry them, any size will suffice.
What should you look for in a good mala?
Malas come in a variety of styles, from mass-produced to hand-strung, and from semiprecious stones to low-cost wood and even manufactured beads. They can also be knotted or strung on nylon or even metal wire.
Machine-made vs. hand-made
Malas were originally created by hand, with each bead strung individually. While you can still find malas made this way, you can expect to spend a lot more for malas made by craftsmen using traditional hand-knotting techniques.
Stringing technique
Malas are strung in one of two methods, depending on whether they are handmade or machine-made: beads are strung in a line and “free-floating” on their nylon or metal wire, or a knot is tied between each bead (a “knotted” mala). While “free-floating” mala beads are strung together firmly, they usually have a small amount of give between beads, allowing you to move the bead slightly as you move your fingers from one to the next. This can be rewarding for certain mala users because it makes it simpler to keep track of which bead you’ve just touched. Slidable malas, on the other hand, are knotted. A strong knot secures each bead in its place. Another factor to consider is that if the nylon or wire of a “free-floating” mala splits, all of the beads may scatter. When only one knot in a snapped tied mala breaks, the beads will stay in place.
How much should you budget on mala beads?
A machine-strung mala can be purchased for $10 or less. A hand-strung, artisan mala will set you back at least $100.
Frequently Asked Questions about Mala Beads
Is it true that mala beads are only used for religious purposes?
A. Mala beads were originally used for religious observances in India, and they are still utilised in Hinduism, Buddhism, and other faiths. However, because the act of remembering an affirmation or mantra can have mind-calming properties, their use has broadened to encompass meditative, nonreligious practises. Humans have been counting with beads for millennia, dating back to the invention of the abacus. So, whether you’re wearing a mala for religious reasons or simply to keep track of affirmations for personal growth, you’re free to do so.
Is it okay for me to wear my mala beads as jewellery?
A. The majority of mala beads are visually appealing and can be used as jewellery. Some folks purchase them solely for that purpose. Keep in mind that, like any strung object, the more wear and tear it receives, the more likely it is to snap, so take care with your mala.