Mala Beads 101

If you have fidgety hands during meditation, a mala is a wonderful tool to give your hand something to do as well as, more importantly, to help focus the mind. Malas come in a variety of numbers of beads: 27, 54, and 108. 108 breaths is considered a full mala meditation, so if you are using a 27 or 54 bead mala, you will simply turn it at the guru bead continuing to 108.

So let's begin! Sit in a comfortable way and take several cleansing breaths.

Place your mala in your right hand looped over the middle, ring , and  index fingers. The index finger should not touch the mala as it represents the ego. Hold your hand up high enough so the beads hang freely.

Place your thumb on the first bead to the right of the guru bead. The guru bead is the larger bead hanging in the center of the mala and is number 109 in the strand. It serves as a "timer" to let you know when you've completed the cycle of 108 breaths.

Inhale. As you exhale side the first bead toward you.

Inhale again and move the thumb to the second bead. Exhale sliding the second bead toward you..

Inhale again and move the thumb to the third bead. Exhale sliding the third bead toward you. Continue on this way through the remaining beads. 

When you've completed your 108th breath you will feel the larger guru bead against your thumb. Relax your hand and sit quietly for a minute or two observing the breath feeling the benefits of your work.

Note: if you are using a shorter mala and want to do a full 108 breaths, turn the beads around rather than going over the guru bead. This a sign of respect to the Guru that is the higher Self.

I like to keep my mala at the altar where I meditate. Some people like to wear their malas to remind them of their practice and bring them back to center. Whatever you choose to do with it, your mala will hold special energy just for you serving to support you in your daily life and practice.

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For more information on the use and origin of malas from the Jewels of Saraswati:

• The origin and number of beads on a mala. 
• How to use a mala

You will also find beautiful malas there like the one on the pictures she custom made for me.

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