What is A Mala?

A mala is a set of mantra counting beads also known as prayer beads or rosaries. Each mala has 108 beads. There are many reasons for the number 108. Both of the numbers 9 and 12 are said to have spiritual significance in many traditions. For example, in astrology there are 12 constellations and 9 planets in the solar system 9 x 12 = 108. There are 108 energy lines converging to form the heart chakra. There are said to be 108 Hindu deities. The number 108 has always been considered an auspicious number.

How to use a Mala?

Choose a mantra that speaks to you. Begin with the first bead and begin to chant your mantra out loud using the thumb and the middle finger of either hand. For each bead chant the mantra one time making your way around the whole mala so you will chant the mantra 108 times. Most malas will have a larger bead at the bottom, which closes the mala and connects to the tassle or knot. This is the “Guru Bead” and is number 109. Do not chant on this bead. Chant your mantra once a day for 40 days and see how powerful this can be. You are putting your energy and intention into your mala so wear your mala and carry this with you.

Om – The Sound of Everything

The seed sound of the Ajna chakra located at the third eye.  Masculine and feminine energies meet at the third eye.  This seed sounds contains the Principle of Unity with a quality of cosmic intelligence.
 

So Hum

It is the subtle sound of the breath itself. So is the sound of the inhale and Hum is the sound of the exhale.
 

Lam Ram Vam Yam Ham Om Om

Bija Seed Mantras of the Chakras

Om Mani Padme Hum – Tibetan Mantra

The jewel of consciousness is in the heart’s lotus

Om Gum Ganapatayei Namaha - Ganesha Mantra

Om and salutations to the remover of obstacles for which gum is the seed.
 

Lokah Samasta Sukhino Bhavantu

May all beings everywhere be happy and free.

Om Nama Shivaya

Om and salutations may the elements of this creation abide in me full manifestation.  This siddha mantra uses the universal elements of each chakra: earth, water, fire, air and ether.  The syllables Na, Ma, Shi, Va, Yah help the charkas to better utilize the fundamental elements that predominate the chakra.  One who is a siddha is a perfected being.

Om Eim Hrim Klim Chamundayei Vichei Namaha

Om and Salutations to she who is radiant with power and wisdom

This mantra is a Shakti feminine powered mantra the can remove negative energy while restoring the beauty of the feminine.

Om Namah Shivaya Gurave

Satchitananda Murtaye

Nischprapanchaya Shantaya

Niralambaya Tejase

I bow to the goddess within myself who is the true teacher.  This essence inside takes the form of truth, consciousness and bliss.  Always present and full of peace, this essence is in her nature, completely free and sparkles with a divine luster inconceivable.