What is a mala and how to use it
"WHEN YOU TRAVEL TOWARDS A FARAWAY PLACE, ALONG THE WAY, YOU PASS MANY MILESTONES. EVEN IF THEY WEREN'T THERE, YOU WOULD STILL REACH YOUR DESTINATION.
BUT THE MILESTONES GIVE YOU CONFIRMATION AND SHOW THAT YOU ARE HEADING IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION.
WHEN YOU DO JAPA, THE BEADS ARE THE MILESTONES, AND THE MALA IS THE PATH. THE PATH AND THE MILESTONES ARE ESSENTIAL TO ENSURE THAT YOU REACH YOUR PSYCHIC DESTINATION. THE BEADS KEEP AWARENESS ACTIVE AND MAINTAIN PSYCHIC SYSTEM UNDER CONTROL."
SIVANANDA SARASWATI SWAM
In Sanskrit, 'japa' means 'murmuring,' while 'mala' translates to 'garland.' Combining these two words gives us the perfect definition: 'The garland for whispering prayers.'
This accessory is indeed used to keep the mind focused during the repetition of a mantra or prayer and is traditionally worn around the neck or left wrist. It serves as a reminder to stay in the present moment or to bring one's intentions to mind. Alternatively, it can be placed in the dedicated room for practice to attract positive energies.
The Christian rosary likely derived from Indian malas. Transliterating the Sanskrit alphabet into Latin and replacing the short "a" with the long "Ā" yields 'JAPĀ,' no longer meaning prayer but 'rose.' 'JAPĀ-MĀLĀ' thus takes on the meaning of 'crown of roses,' which was later translated into Latin as 'rosarium.'
In Indian ashrams, it is common to see meditators holding the Japamala; its origin is ancient and is present in both Buddhist and Hindu religions. In Asia, the earliest traces can be found in the frescoes discovered in the Ajanta Caves in the Maharashtra region of central-western India, dating back to the 2nd century BCE. Since they are considered emblems of Hindu gods and deities, rosaries likely have their origins in the early days of these religions, which have a history of more than 4,000 years.
The recitation of mantras has its roots in the Vedic tradition predating Buddha, and it is supposed that these tools have always been used by devotees in their meditation practices.
Given their widespread use and antiquity, malas have acquired a profound and representative image.
In Indian ashrams, it is common to see meditators holding the Japamala; its origin is ancient and is present in both Buddhist and Hindu religions. In Asia, the earliest traces can be found in the frescoes discovered in the Ajanta Caves in the Maharashtra region of central-western India, dating back to the 2nd century BCE. Since they are considered emblems of Hindu gods and deities, rosaries likely have their origins in the early days of these religions, which have a history of more than 4,000 years.
The recitation of mantras has its roots in the Vedic tradition predating Buddha, and it is supposed that these tools have always been used by devotees in their meditation practices.
Given their widespread use and antiquity, malas have acquired a profound and representative image.
THE MANTRAS
Even the word "mantra" derives from Sanskrit and is composed of "man," meaning "mind, thought, act of thinking, intellect, breath, living soul," and the syllable "tra," meaning "that which frees, accomplishes, acts, protects." The mantra represents a formula that frees the mind, a tool that liberates thought. Practically, mantras consist of a series of words that, if repeated correctly and with the right mental intention, have the power to benefit our mind and life.
In addition to making the recitation tangible, whether it be prayers, mantras, or sutras, they help focus and direct all our attention to meditation, making us aware of what we pronounce and what pervades us, bringing us into a mental state that transcends habit. Repetition and rhythm provide the tranquility and serenity that humans have always sought when turning to their respective deities, seeking certainty, protection, and comfort.
Moreover, the chanting involves our entire being: the hand that counts is connected to the body, the murmuring involves the voice, attention engages the mind, and the perception of divinity involves the spirit. Thus, the use of the rosary is not just a practice that might seem like an empty doctrinal exercise, but a powerful means between man and his divinity, a symbol of an infinite cycle that connects earth to heaven.
According to Swami Vishnudevananda, the japamala helps to stay vigilant and acts as a focal point for physical energy. While repeating the chosen mantra, attention can be directed to the ajna chakra, between the eyebrows, or the heart chakra, anahata. The repetition of the mantra helps develop concentration and awakens the spiritual dimension of the practice. The mantra can be recited aloud (vaikhari japa) or mentally (manasika japa). Through the japamala, it is possible to cultivate mindful awareness, feeling connected to divine power.
MEDITATION WITH A MALA
The hand used to hold the mala is the right hand, with the thumb representing God and the middle finger used to move from one bead to the next.
The pinky, symbolizing inertia and laziness, and the ring finger are grouped together and kept separate from the middle finger. The index finger, symbolizing the ego, should never touch the mala.
The symbolism of this hand position reflects transcending the world of illusion to gradually become aware of unity and merge with the divine.
Hold your mala in your right hand - even if you are left-handed - and slide each bead with your thumb and middle finger in a counterclockwise direction while repeating your mantra.
Go through all 108 beads until you reach the guru, or meru, the unique bead with a larger diameter than the others, usually positioned near the tassel or pendant; never touch bead number 109, which is only there to indicate that one round of mantra is completed, and it's time for reflection during meditation. You can reflect on your practice, honor your teachers, or simply be grateful to yourself for allowing this moment of introspection and calm.
If you wish to continue, do not pass the guru but rotate the mala and continue the repetitions, changing direction, starting from the last bead.
It is recommended to practice the same mantra for at least 40 consecutive days.
These are the guidelines that form the foundation for meditating with a mantra and are applicable to all other meditation techniques as well. If you wish to delve deeper, you can visit my meditation dedicated page.
THE MEANING OF THE NUMBER 108
Traditional malas are composed of 108 beads (or submultiples: 54, 27, 9, typical of wrist malas), and this number is considered sacred in many religions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism, and Jainism. The Hindu Japa-mala initially consisted of simple knotted cords at regular intervals, allowing for smooth movement as the knots were evenly spaced. Subsequently, various malas were created using beads, bones, seeds, wood, but always with 108 beads. There are many interpretations and meanings attributed to this number, although one of the most accurate definitions is that 108 is not a number but rather three expressions of reality:
1 represents Brahma, the Supreme Consciousness, the Ultimate Truth; the union, singularity, and truth.
0 symbolizes the Cosmos, origin, void, absolute, Creation personified in the figure of Shiva, but also the spiritual state of Samadhi.
8 indicates the creative force of Nature. It is cyclicality, the eternal, and the infinite.
Among other possible interpretations, 1 could be Bindu, the point from which creation begins and multiplicity unfolds; 0 might be Sunyata, emptiness understood as a state of liberation from Samsara, the interruption of the cycles of becoming; and 8 is Ananta, the infinite. Furthermore: when the individual (1) reaches the state of ego annihilation (0), the infinite (8) fills them with energy and awareness.
The sum of the numbers 1+0+8 equals 9 (as with any multiple of 9): a sacred number in many cultures and religions signifying perfection, fulfillment, and mastery.
The number 108 is attributed to the names of the most important Hindu deities and sages, and it frequently appears in various cultural traditions:
108 is the number of chakras in the body (+ 1 above the body).
108 identifies the Cosmos in the Vedas.
108 are the shepherdesses, followers, and worshippers of Krishna.
108 are the Upanishads.
108 are the sacred places visited by Vishnu.
108 are the steps leading to Buddhist temples.
108 are the deities created to manage the universe during its creation (Vedas).
108 are the names of each god, always in the Vedic tradition. Reciting these names while counting the 108 beads of the rosary is a sacred ceremonial ritual (namajapa).
108 is the number of sins in Tibetan Buddhism and lies that humans can tell.
The Tibetan sacred texts, the Kangyur, consist of 108 volumes.
It is the number of stars considered sacred in Chinese astrology: 36 auspicious stars and 72 malevolent stars, representing good and evil in various forms.
In Japan, at the end of the year, a bell is rung 108 times to welcome the new year. Each toll represents one of the 108 material temptations a person must resist to attain Nirvana, akin to the Buddha's journey.
It is the number of al-Kawthar, the shortest of the Surahs in the Quran.
There are 108 energy lines (nadi) converging to form the heart chakra.
The diameter of the Sun is 108 times the diameter of the Earth; the average distance from the Sun to the Earth is 108 times the diameter of the Sun; the average distance from the Moon to the Earth is 108 times the diameter of the Moon.
This number is also found in Greek mythology: 108 were the suitors (Proci), the pretenders to Penelope's hand while she awaited the return of Odysseus.
We could go on with the list, but it couldn't be exhaustive anyway. It is said that incorporating the number 108 into our practice can help us reconnect with nature and the cosmos, rebalancing energies and allowing a sense of peace, harmony, and serenity to enter, given the power of rituals with ancient roots.
Personally, I believe that what matters is repetition and consistency, but I see no reason not to honor traditions.