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5 Best mala beads for meditation
You can make your meditation experience far more immersive using the best mala beads for meditation.
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Has your meditation practice felt disorganized and haphazard?
Maybe you're unable to focus entirely on the breath or the chant you're using for meditation.
There is a tool that you can use to bring your meditation to a better place.
The solution is using mala beads, a string of 108 beads made of various materials.
Mala beads are an ancient tool used to aid in meditation and prayer. They have been used for centuries as part of spiritual practice and are said to have healing powers.
In this blog, we will discuss the utility and the best mala beads for meditation and how to use them during your meditation routine.
The best mala beads for meditation
We would suggest using the traditional mala with rudraksha seeds, as they are associated with praying to Lord Shiva. Plus, the rugged texture of the rudraksha seeds allows for a better feel when using the mala beads.
Here's what we'd like you to try. Once you have the Rudraksha mala, incorporate the following suggestions into your meditation routine.
This works especially well if you chant a simple mantra along with your meditation. You can try listening to the Om Namah Shivaya mantra.
Once you are seated for meditation, you can use the rudraksha prayer beads (Japa mala) to keep a track of how many times you've chanted along with the mantra.
You hold the mala necklace in your right hand and hold the Guru bead. The Guru bead is one in 108 and is distinctly larger than the other beads in the necklace. The Guru bead is held between the middle finger and the thumb.
Once a chant is done, you move the next bead in between the middle finger and thumb. You do this after each chant. This way you can focus entirely on the experience of meditation and complete the 108 chants.
You can also use the beads to count each breathing cycle if you prefer observing the breath rather than chanting the mantra. You'll even see people wearing wrist malas, and using them that way.
If you're focusing on the breath, you can have the Om Namah Shivaya mantra playing in the background. This Shiva chant brings great inner peace, further enhancing meditation.
The Om Namah Shivaya mantra is part of the Ancient Healing Chants of Shiva album. This album is part of the Ancient Chants from India Gold Edition bundle.
Here are the other types of mala beads you can use for meditation practice:
- Rudraksha seeds
- Wood beads (sandalwood or rosewood)
- Mineral stone beads like amethyst beads
- Jade beads
- Lotus seed beads
What are mala beads?
Mala beads are strings of beads traditionally used in prayer or meditation. They can be made of a variety of materials such as wood, stone, glass, or even seeds.
They usually have 108 beads on them and are used to count mantras, prayers, or breaths while meditating. Mala beads originated in India and have been used for centuries as part of spiritual practice.
How are mala beads used in meditation?
Mala beads can be used to count mantras or breaths during meditation. This helps to keep the mind focused on the breath rather than wandering off into thoughts or daydreams.
The mala beads can also be used to focus the practitioner’s energy and intention on their practice. By focusing on the mala beads and the mantra you repeat in your mind, the practitioner can direct their energy towards their desired outcome.
Others use it as mala bracelets or necklaces for their energy and their link to spirituality.
How to choose the best mala beads for meditation
Many types of mala beads are available, each with unique properties and benefits. Some popular materials include wood, stone, glass, or even seeds.
Popular choices include sandalwood, rosewood, jade, amethyst, and lotus seed mala beads. It is important to choose mala beads that resonate with you personally and that will help you reach your desired outcome.
The best mala beads for meditation will also be ones that you enjoy using, so choose something that brings you joy!
When selecting your mala beads for meditation, consider their size and weight. The beads should be comfortable to hold in your hand during meditation and should not be too big or too small for your fingers. If you find yourself distracted by the larger beads, it may be best to find a different set.
The material of the mala beads is also essential. Some materials such as wood or stone may absorb your energy more than others such as glass or plastic. If you want the mala beads to help you focus your energy during meditation, consider selecting one made from a material that resonates with you.
Finally, consider the design of the mala beads. A design with intricate details may be visually appealing but can be distracting during meditation. Choose a design that will allow you to stay focused on your practice without being too distracting.
Mala beads for chakra healing
There is a practice where you combine meditation with mala beads and chakra healing.
You start off by picking a mala necklace with beads of a color that corresponds to the chakra you're healing.
The root chakra or the 1st chakra is located in the spine, and a healthy root chakra results in stability in your life. The color associated with the root chakra is red.
So you pick mala beads made of something like garnet. You can use the garnet mala bead during meditation or wrap it around your wrist.
Similarly, the 4th chakra is the heart chakra and is associated with the color green. So you use beads made of green tourmaline, and you will live a life full of joy, compassion, and affection.
If you're new to meditation, we have a short explanation of this process specifically for you.
What is meditation?
Meditation is the practice of focusing the mind on a particular object, thought, or activity to achieve a mentally clear and emotionally calm state.
It has been practiced for thousands of years in many different cultures and religions, including Buddhism, Hinduism, Christianity, Judaism, and Islam.
Meditation can be used to reduce stress and anxiety, improve concentration and focus, increase self-awareness and insight, and bring emotional balance to your life.
What are the benefits of meditation?
Meditation has many benefits, both physical and mental. Here we have listed a few:
- Improved concentration
- Reduced stress
- Improved memory
- Increased self-awareness
- Improved relationships
- Increased happiness and well-being
- Improved clarity and focus
- Increased creativity
- Improved physical health
- Deeper spiritual connection
Conclusion
By taking all these factors into consideration, you can find the perfect set of mala beads for your meditation practice.
Mala beads can be a powerful tool for focusing your energy and intention during meditation and help you achieve your desired outcomes.
So take your time in selecting the perfect set of mala beads for your practice – it’s worth it!
How to use mala beads for meditation
Mala beads are an ancient way to keep track of the number of times you chant a mantra.
In the modern day, you can use these beads to keep track of your breath during meditation.
You start by holding the Guru bead, the largest in the necklace, and moving up one each time you finish a breath or chant a mantra. This way you finish the entire chain, which is usually 108 beads.
Frequently asked questions on mala beads
What are traditional mala beads made of?
The beads are made from rudraksha or stonefruit. It is dried out before adding them to the necklace. They have a rough exterior and are reddish brown in color.
How many beads are there in mala necklaces?
There are usually 108 beads in a mala necklace. 108 is a divine name, and sages used to chant a mantra 108 times. The mala necklace was used to keep track of the number of repetitions.
How do you activate mala beads?
You can use the “Om Namah Shivaya” mantra to activate the mala beads. Simply chant this mantra thrice, while holding the mala necklace in your hand. Then start your meditation session.
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