Thread by @RadheySri1

#JapaMala is a string of beads used to count mantras (Sanskrit prayers) in sets of 108 repetitions as a form of meditation. Using malas you can strengthen your mind N heal your mind, body, and heart.

#JayatuSanatana

#Thread below 👇🏻👇🏻

@UshaNirmala @pallavict

5 Ways to Use Malas 👇🏻👇🏻

The practice of chanting a mantra while using prayer beads is called japa meditation.This style of meditating is used frequently in yoga N Buddhism. Japa meditation is generally practiced while seated but can also be done standing N while walking.

6 simple steps for mantra bead meditation:
1. Find a comfortable yet well-aligned position for meditation

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 w/t your fingers for each mantra until you end at D meru or guru N have completed 108 repetitions. 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.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.

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

(2). Breathing meditation practice

1. Take a slow, deep breath in through your nose, directing the breath into your low belly.
2. Pause for 1-2 seconds.
3. Slowly exhale the breath out through the nose.
4. Pause for 1-2 seconds.

(3.) Gratitude contemplation practice

Start with a few slow deep breaths to clear your mind and then proceed thinking or feeling of something you are grateful for. Each time you touch a new mala bead think of something you are grateful for.

( 4. ) Mind-body Healing

Using, wearing, touching or placing a gemstone mala bead on your body will transmit the specific healing powers to benefit your body, mind, and heart. The mala’s guru bead is thought to store the power of the japamala.

(5. )Fashion statement-
Wearing meditation malas only as a fashion statement is generally frowned upon by dedicated yogis and Buddhists.

Be clear on what your intention is when wearing malas out in public so that it becomes an extension of your path of mindfulness.