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Anatomy Of Mala

A mala is simply a string of beads that are used in a meditation practice. It is a tool to help you count mantras, and acts as a tactile guide as you sit in silence. Malas can be made of many materials — we only use authentic gemstones, rudraksha seeds, and sandalwood.

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You can read below what parts Japa Mala consists of ...

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Overhand Knotting

A true sign of a traditionally crafted mala, overhand knotting not only makes the mala stronger, it also provides the perfect space for Japa Meditation – a meditation that uses each bead to count a repetition of a mantra.

The Guru Bead

The Guru Bead is the bead that the tassel attaches directly to. When strung on a necklace, the Guru Bead is often the 109th. The Guru Bead is said to symbolize the Guru from whom the student has received a mantra being used or recited, and pay homage to the student-guru relationship.

The Tassel

The tassel’s significance has multiple meanings. One that resonates with me is that as the strings come together as one to form the tassel, it represents our connection to the divine and to each other. We love the concept of it representing oneness.

Japa Mala GALLERY

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Why 108 Beads?

      Here are a few interpretations of the significance        of the number 108:​

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  • The Sanskrit alphabet has 54 letters. Each letter has a masculine (Shiva) and feminine (Shakti) energy 54 X 2 = 108

  • Desires. There are said to be 108 earthly desires in mortals.

  • Time. It is said we have 108 feelings. 36 related to the past, 36 related to the present, and 36 related to the future.

  • Astrology. There are 12 constellations and 9 arc segments. There are 12 houses and 9 planets. 12 X 9 = 108

  • The diameter of the sun is 108 times the earth.

The number 108 is considered a sacred number in Hinduism, Buddhism, and yogic tradition. Malas or Japa beads come in a string of 108 and are used for devotional meditation, mantra, and prayer. A japa mala may have fewer than 108 beads, but the number is always divisible by nine, such as 18, 27 and 54. With each bead, a mantra or prayer is repeated to meet a total of 108. The Guru bead is the larger bead or tassel on the mala and is not part of the 108. This is the guiding bead and marks the beginning and end of the mala/chant/prayer/mantra.

Japa Mala Gallery

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