What is Jaap Mala Or Rosary?
A Jaap mala or a Rosary is a string prayer beads commonly used in Hinduism, Jainism, Sikhism and Buddhism for chanting the name of their God. The main body of the mala contains 108 beads in one thread. There’s one extra beas or a tassel to mark the counting. Which is called Sumeru, Bindu,Stupa, Guru bead
Why do malas have 108 beads?
There are several explanations why there are 108 beads. The number 108 has a very powerful significance in the science and spirituality of India. There are 108 letters in the Sanskrit alphabet! Vedic mathematicians measured the Sun’s diameter to be 108 times larger than the diameter of the Earth, and measured the distance between the Sun and Earth to be 108 times the Sun’s diameter. In the yogic tradition, we find 108 sacred texts of the Upanishads, 108 sacred holy sites in India, and 108 marma (acupressure-like) points on the body. In the bhakti yoga tradition stories are told of 108 gopis dancing with Krishna in Vrindavan, and there are 108 names of the goddess. In tantric yoga, 108 energy lines are described throughout the body and they all converge and connect at the heart chakra.
Benefits of mala beads
Mala beads have been used in so many different spiritual traditions for so long because these beads have many powerful benefits for the body, mind and spirit. Some of the below eight benefits are universal for all types of prayer or counting beads but several of these benefits are specific to mala beads.
1. Increases focus during mantra meditation.
2. An efficient and practical tool to count mantras.
3. An easy way to keep track of the number of mantras recited.
4. Physical contact with prayer beads transmits their inherent healing powers.
5. Once mala is empowered it can be used for even more powerful healing of yourself and others.
6. Choosing a mala to purchase can help in the process of determining goals and intentions and spiritual pursuits.
7. Seeing or wearing a mala can serve as a reminder of one’s intention and goals. It can also be used as a reward or symbol for accomplishing a difficult task.
Six simple steps for mantra bead meditation:
1. Find a comfortable yet well-aligned position for meditation. Traditionally meditation is practiced seated on the floor. Cushions or folded blankets can be used under the sitting bones to keep the back comfortable. If seated in a chair have the feet flat on the floor and keep the spine straight–do not lean into the back of the chair if possible. Root down through the legs as you lift up through the crown of the head. Keep the shoulders relaxed and the heart open and lifted. The most common seated poses for meditation are Easy Pose, Accomplished Pose, Hero Pose, and Half Lotus Pose.
2. During japa meditation the eyes can be open with a soft gaze or the eyes can be gently closed. This helps bring your attention and awareness inwards. Try to minimize all external distractions. A quiet, dimly lit room will be best to meditate in.
3. The breath should be slow, deep and relaxed. Breathe slowly in and out through your nose. Use diaphragmatic breathing during meditation–feel your belly expand outwards with each inhalation and contract with the exhalation.
4. Hold your mala in your right hand (in India the left hand is considered impure) and use your thumb and middle finger to “count” each mantra by touching the gemstone or seed during the recitation of the chant. On each recitation lightly pull the bead towards you with your fingers as you complete the mantra to moving to the next bead. The index finger is extended away from the hand and should not touch the prayer beads or be used for counting. The large meru (mountain) or guru (teacher) bead should not be counted or touched by the thumb. The guru is used as the marker for the starting and ending point of the recitation.
5. Continue by pulling the beads with your fingers for each mantra until you end at the meru or guru and have completed 108 repetitions. (If you have a bracelet of 27 beads you will need to repeat this 3 more times.) You can continue with the practice chanting repetitions of 108 mantras.
6. Keep your mind focused on the mantra and centered on the feeling of the thumb touching the mala bead. When thoughts arise shift your attention back to the chant and the mala. Experiment with the tempo of the mantra recitation to find the pace that is most able to focus your attention. Some yogic and Buddhist traditions synchronize the breath with the chanting to further focus the mind.
Choosing a Mantra
A mantra is a word or series of words chanted aloud or silently to invoke spiritual qualities. In the yogic practice, a mantra is a Sanskrit word that has special powers to transform consciousness, promote healing or fulfill desires. A Buddhist or Sanskrit mantra is either given to you by a teacher or chosen by yourself. When selecting a mantra, be clear on what your intention is, and use your intuition over your intellect. You may want to try out each chant for a few repetitions and see how it feels to you and choose the one that feels like it fits best for you.
Empowering Malas and Mantras
To empower the malas and the mantras your practice with, japa meditation should be practiced each day for 40 continuous days. When malas become empowered they can be worn or lightly placed on oneself or others to transmit the energy of the mantra as well as the energetic qualities of the malas. (It can be worn prior to this–it just will not have this amount of power yet.) When you use a new mantra with a mala, this energy becomes replaced, so it is recommended to use a new mala with each mantra if possible.
Types of Japa Malas
A wide variety of materials are used to make japa mala beads and each material has certain properties which subtly affect the subconscious mind of the practitioner. Some of the commonly used japa malas are as follows :
Rudraksha Mala
Rudraksha seeds are some of the most popular mala beads and have been used by gurus and monks for thousands of years. Highly sacred, Rudraksha seeds are said to have originated from the tears of Lord Shiva Himself, making them an auspicious choice for meditation. Rudraksha japa mala is generally used with Shiva mantra and it is usually the Panch Mukhi Rudraksha Mala which is used as a japa mala. The Rudraksha mala can also help to lower blood pressure and create stability within the entire system, if worn around the neck. Rudraksha mala are very effectively used in all kinds of rituals while worshipping gods, goddesses and nine planets. Rudraksha is said to be rich with shakti and calms the kundalini, thus making it easier to rise. They guard against negative energy, offer protection, and bring peace and prosperity to the wearer. Their naturally puckered and pitted surface creates a unique sensation for the fingers during meditation, helping ground you in the present. Lightweight and available in all different sizes, Rudraksha seeds are best worn against the skin so you can directly absorb their energies.
Lava Stone Mala:
Lava stone mala beads are cut from volcanic rock, which is formed when molten lava cools and hardens into a striking black stone. Associated with the Root Chakra, grounding the negative thoughts, the body’s center of strength and balance, lava stone is a top choice for anyone seeking stability: meditating with lava stone is said to ground the spirit in the healing energies of the earth. Relieves you from stress, anxiety and insomnia. Keeps you calm in the worst or problematic stage of life. Helps you attract opportunities and abundance as it heals root chakra. Protects you from dangers and worries. Unlike wood beads, which tend to have smoother finish, lava stone has a grittier texture. Many find its rough façade satisfying on the hands and helpful for building awareness during breathing. Lava stone’s porous surface also has the extra benefit of being a natural oil diffuser: adding a few drops of any essential oil to your lava stone mala transforms your meditation into an aromatic experience.
THE LOTUS SEED MALA
It is said that Mantra invoked on a lotus japa Mala abounds in spiritual wealth. The oval, brownish-black seeds of the lotus are known for its cooling effect. The japa mala is used especially for the Lakshmi jaap to stabilize and improve financial conditions. This Lotus Seed Mala is used during Japas and Sadhana of Goddess Lakshmi. It is said that the Goddess is easily appeased if one uses this rosary for the chanting of her Mantra and she bestows upon him wealth and comforts.
Crystal Mala / Sphatik Mala:
Sphatik mala is the best mala for counting beads while chanting Devi Mantras. By wearing this Sphatik mala, the mind becomes pacified and quiet and becomes a favorite of Lord Shiva. Since crystal balances all the energy Chakras while reciting mantras during meditation Crystal Mala can be used as a japa Mala. These Crystal beads also protect and heal by neutralizing negative influences.
Rose quartz Mala:
Rose quartz is the stone of heart with pink essence representing love. It is meant for increasing the romance and peace between couples. Rose quartz gives contentment and satisfaction. It heals stress and gives comfort while chanting and wearing.it is highly effective for the kids who are facing problems due to nightmares and darkness. Rose Quartz mala removes the pressure of emotional breakdowns. It removes fear and regrets from life. It brings positivity and passes the same to others too. Gayatri mantra and beej mantra for heart chakra can be chanted with Rose Quartz.
To buy any rosary or jaap mala you can connect on the details given below.
Divine Angel’s Healing Home
9935097966 / 9284927601