Malas or Affirmation Beads are strings of 108 beads with one extra guru bead holding them together. They are used as a tool to aid in meditation. These beads are often worn as necklaces or bracelets, but their uses and meaning run much deeper.
The number 108 is often cited as a sacred number in religions such as Hinduism and Buddhism.
There are many other theories that are widely believed too. Some believe the number is used as there are 108 energy lines that converge to form the heart chakra. Others believe that it is because there are said to be 108 earthly desires. Then there are some that believe the significance lies in the number of feelings a human has - 36 for the past, 36 for the present, and 36 for the future.
Whichever theory you believe, these beads are excellent for centering yourself and working on your meditation and affirmations.
Mala Care
Handmade items need to be handled with extra care and treated as sacred pieces of jewelry. Treated properly, your mala is a tool that can last you a lifetime. However, you should use common sense when wearing your mala to ensure its extended life.
Please note that wrapping your mala around your wrist for long periods of time can cause stress to the mala, which in return will cause it to break.
* Do not wear your mala in water.
* Do not wear your mala to bed.
* Do not wear your mala while doing vigorous physical activity - including yoga.
If you would like to incorporate your mala into your yoga practice simply place your mala at the top of your yoga mat so it can remind you of your intentions.
Mala Cleansing and Charging
Mala beads are believed to absorb and store energy. Which means they'll get darker over time - which is a good thing!
Because of how easily they absorb energy, we recommend cleansing and clearing your mala from time to time to clear out any negativity.
Here's a few ways to cleanse and charge your malas:
* Place them in a singing bowl and ring the bowl.
* Burning Sage or Palo Santo over and around the mala.
* Placing the mala in the sunlight or moon light. Especially around the full and new moons!
Oh No My Mala Broke
As your wear your mala the string may wear and break. Don't panic! This is actually a great thing! In both the yogic and Buddhist traditions, a broken mala is said to symbolize the breaking of a cycle of suffering, a spiritual breakthrough, and a release of karma or other negative traits. A broken mala can be seen as a positive sign of progression along ones yogic path and an auspicious opportunity to reflect on the blessings of peace, luck, and prosperity received from the use of the mala.
This is an amazing opportunity to set new intentions and ask yourself what you want to manifest.
If you're still wanting a mala with the same look its suggested to switch out a few beads for a subtle difference, ensuring no energy is stagnant from the mala.
Please eel free to email me at [email protected] to set up an arrangement to redesign and restring your mala.
Blessed be!