A Mala is a string of beads used to count mantra in sets of 27, 56 or 108. The string is comprised of 108 beads with one bead as the summit bead called a sumeru or meru.

Mala beads is a tool used to keep your mind on the meditation practice. Malas are usually made from different materials such as tulsi wood, sandlewood, crystal. Each type of material has different properties which subtly affect the subconscious mind of the practitioner. The beads are an ancient tool that was developed to keep the mind focused.

HOW TO USE

Hold the string of beads in your right hand over the middle finger. The index finger does not touch the beads.Starting at the meru pull the beads towards you one by one, between your thumb and middle finger.The large meru should not be counted or touched by the thumb and is used as a starting and ending point.

For each inhalation/ exhalation repeat your mantra and pull a bead. One bead is pulled per mantra. When the mind begins to wander bring it back to the breath, the beads and the mantra. Once you reach the meru bead do not cross it , if you plan to do more than one round, turn the beads round and continue in the reverse direction.

If you have a wrist mala of 27 you will need to repeat 4 times to reach 108.

108

pranayama- if one is able to be so calm on meditation as to only have 108 breaths in a day, enlightenment will come.

Time- some say there are 108 feelings, with 36 relating to past, 36 future, 36 present. Planets and houses in astrology there are 12 houses and 9 planets 12 times 9 equals 108.

1,0 and 8 – some say that 1 stands for god or higher truth , 0 for emptiness and 8 for infinity.

Meditations – some say there are 108 meditations

Breath – tantra estimates the average number of breaths per day 21,600 of which 10,800 are solar energy and 10,800 are lunar energy. Multiplying 108 by 100 is 10,800. Multiplying 2 x 10,800 equals 21,600.