For thousands of years, men and women from India have utilized mala beads as a part of their meditation practices. The practice has spread from Hinduism and Buddhism out to the mainstream US scene. You can use these meditation garlands in order to enhance your own concentration and meditation success.
While you can purchase premade strands, making your own can help you to form a connection with the item, thus enhancing the effects. Another benefit to creating your own mala is that you have creative freedom for the types of beads used.
In fact, the first step in preparation is determining what you want to achieve with the garland. Then, you can choose stones and beads according to their vibrational energies.
The bead size should fall between half and a full centimeter. Any smaller and you will have difficulty keeping track of them; larger sets become cumbersome. You will need a total of 108 of these main beads.
If your intended mantra relates to love or fertility, rose quartz is an excellent choice. Grow communication skills with aquamarine and ground yourself with onyx. Learn more about the semi-precious gemstones associated with your troubles to determine the ideal stone selection.
In addition to the main beads, you will need a “guru bead” that signals the end of your count. Some artisans also include three counter beads that are slightly different size and/or texture than the main mala beads. Placed at even intervals, these can help to mark meditative practice.
You will need appropriately sized cord and can utilize small spacer beads if desired. Depending on the type of cording used, you might need glue to secure the ends.
As you work on assembling your meditation garland, focus on the spiritual significance of the task. Visualize yourself meditating with it and your desires coming to fruition.
The number 108 has multiple significant meanings. Reflect on these as well. Bodily energy is relevant to eastern thinking. One-hundred eight lines of energy come together at the heart chakra. The same number of goddess names are represented in Indian spiritual mythology.
Additionally, the diameter of the sun is 108 times that of Earth and there are 108 earthly desires. Other beliefs applying significance to the number apply to heavenly and earthly teachings.
As you can see, the number is vital to the creation and use of the piece. Avoid temptation to shorten the piece or otherwise alter the sacred meanings assigned to the instructions.
Tie a small knot on either side of the beads as you assemble the necklace. Once you have all of the beads attached, you can secure the end pieces with strong knots and glue. Allow it to dry thoroughly before wearing. Perform regular spiritual cleansing of the item to maximize the effectiveness.
You can make a mala for yourself or as a special gift. The final piece will be an attractive and useful meditation tool that will help you or the recipient to realize deep desires and dreams.