Heart Mala - Blog

Our blogs are updated regularly so please check back from time to time for all the latest information.

• What are Mala Prayer Beads?

   

• How can a Mala Enhance your Life?

   

• Choosing a Mala

What are Mala Prayer Beads?

At Heart Mala we are often asked the question...  ‘What is a Mala?’     

Malas, also known as japa malas, or mala prayer beads are necklaces used by mystics in the Vedic, Hindu, Buddhist and Zen traditions since the dawn of time as sacred “power tools” for enlightenment and to assist in awakening the soul to the divine truth of existence by assisting in the practice of meditation, yoga, chanting and prayer.

Swami Satyananda says about mantra practice using mala prayer beads “The primary purpose of this practice is to purify the mind and release us from past impressions and future desires”.

The word Mala means ‘garland’ in Sanskrit, thus inferring a garland of flowers, beads or prayers and Japa means ‘recitation’.  Sacred Mala necklaces traditionally have the auspicious number of 108 beads plus a guru bead, ( also known as meru or mother bead) and a tassel representing enlightenment. It is said there are 108 reasons why 108 is believed to be a sacred number which holds the energy of healing, good fortune, abundance, and enlightenment.  Each bead represents one mantra, prayer or your own personal affirmation, to be repeated 108 times until the guru bead is reached which validates the end of one round in the prayer cycle.

So why 108 beads?

The richly symbolic number of 108 is deeply significant in many cultures and these are just a few of the reasons why: 

*There are said to be a total of 108 energy lines, or Nadis, converging to form the heart chakra.
*Pranayama: If one is able to be so calm in meditation as to have only 108 breaths in a day, enlightenment will come.
*The diameter of the Sun is 108 times the diameter of the Earth. The distance from the Sun to the Earth is 108 times the diameter of the Sun.
*The average distance of the Moon from the Earth is 108 times the diameter of the Moon.
*In astrology, the metal silver is said to represent the moon. The atomic weight of silver is 108.

*Some Buddhists carve 108 small Buddhas on a walnut for good luck. Some ring a bell 108 times to celebrate a new year.

*There are said to be 108 virtues to cultivate.
*Chinese Astrology says that there are 108 sacred stars.
*108 is a Harshad number, which is an number divisible by the sum of its digits (Harshad is from Sanskrit, and means "great joy")
*There are 54 letters in the Sanskrit alphabet. Each has masculine and feminine, shiva and shakti. 54 times 2 is 108.
*In Astrology there are 12 houses and 9 planets. 12 times 9 equals 108.
*There are said to be 108 Indian Goddess names.

Besides the significance of 108, if using your mala for Japa meditation, more benefit will be attained when your mantras are recited from your heart with sincerity, feeling and full attention. When you wear your Mala the energy of your words remain in your aura attracting to you the intentions you have invoked.

Malas are generally made from different materials such as rudraksha seeds or gemstones.  Each type of material has certain properties which subtly affect the subconscious mind of the wearer.  

SACRED RUDRAKSHA SEEDS

Rudraksha, which translates to mean the 'eyes of Shiva' or ‘tears of Shiva’ in Sanskrit, have been worn by  Ancient Mystics, Sages and Yogis since Vedic times for their profound spiritual significance and powerful healing properties and were treated as divine treasure to be cherished. Sacred rudraksha beads are made from the seeds of the Rudraksha tree (Elaeocarpus ganitrus) and according to ancient Vedic texts, these beads are endowed with cosmic powers to elevate the soul and assist on the path of ascension.

According to Vedic Scriptures, Lord Shiva once went into deep meditation for the well being of all living creatures. When he woke, he opened his eyes and tears of compassion fell to the earth. These tears took the form of seeds that later became the Rudraksha tree. The dry seed from the Rudraksha tree form the rudraksha beads.

It is believed that rudraksha seeds contain the secrets of the entire evolution of the cosmos within it.  By meditating with a rudraksha mala or by wearing rudraksha against the skin it is believed to increase the ability to concentrate, giving clarity and peace of mind, as well as improving memory and relieving stress and anxiety. Rudraksha seeds are also said to slow the aging process.

Heart Mala Prayer Bead are handmade with loving intention from Rudraksha beads and Gemstones which contain universal energies to facilitate healing. Recognizing the magical and symbiotic connection that exists between human beings and the mineral kingdom can greatly enrich our lives. Each of our mala prayer bead necklaces carry specific healing and metaphysical properties; you may see the Gemstone meanings to help choose your mala that will nurture your soul and inspire you on your path.

You may wear a Heart♥Mala, sacred mala necklace to use in your spiritual practice, healing, or for the pure joy of wearing a sacred necklace of beauty. We believe that by simply wearing a Mala, you are setting an intention to align with beauty, joy, healing and love.

                         Namaste, Blessings & Love to you and to all … ♥

How Can a Mala Enhance your Life?

In our modern, hectic lives, wearing and using a mala allows us the space to taste the magic and experience the sacredness of existence.

As M.C Yogi says:

'Mantra practice is designed as a way to keep us really grounded in a truthful, honest and loving place which is why it is so helpful for all of us'.

When we get into a natural rhythm with chanting mantra it creates a trancelike state which starts to override the everyday dialogue in our head, allowing us to tune into the space of stillness, peace and serenity within.

Both the rudraksha beads and gemstones used in Heart Mala Prayer Beads hold a highly positive vibrational charge so by wearing them as often as possible, we align ourselves with their frequency. This higher vibrational charge helps us to be more centered, balanced and present in the moment, leading to calm and lasting happiness, the ability to be more aware of the divine in our daily lives, to set intentions and integrate whole new ways of being.

Many Masters believe that with this increased frequency generated from wearing mala prayer beads and doing mantra practice comes the empowerment to change many aspects of our lives and assists to create joyful new vibrant ways of living and the ability to heal our physical body.

When using a mala for japa meditation, the energy of the mantra is effectively transmitted and magnetised into the mala beads so through continued use, your mala literally becomes a sacred object of power and healing therefore enhancing your life in as many, and all the ways you may want !  

                                     Namaste, Blessings & Love to you and to all … ♥

Choosing a Mala

We are often asked here at  Heart Mala  for advice on how to best choose a mala. Our advise is to open your mind and heart and allow the mala to choose you. Follow and trust your instinct and know that the one that most attracts you is the one that wants to connect with you. Since all our malas carry a specific energetic charge or shakti, each one actually feels different. You may notice one may feel soothing while another feels invigorating. How you feel and resonate to them makes all the difference.

The inherent potent power of the mala is amplified through the rudraksha beads and specific power of the gemstones to either remove negativity from your life or enhances positivity. Knowledge of the power and properties of the sacred beads and gemstones and how to best use them to enhance your life can also assist in which mala prayer bead necklace to choose. You may like to read through the Gemstone meanings to have more insight into the metaphysical and powerful benefits these sacred beads can have on your emotional, mental, spiritual, and physical being.

Your Mala will become a “personal power object”, carrying the divine energies of the 108 sacred beads and also transmitting the powerful energies accessed and absorbed through your spiritual practice.

Look through the exquisite collection of Heart Mala Prayer Beads and tune into the subtle energy as your mala calls to you.

                          Namaste, Blessings & Love to you and to all … ♥