Mala Composition - the parts of a mala
Mala means 'garland' and over the course of man's history and spirituality - malas have featured as important tools of spiritual significance and practice.
Malas, like those made here by Pranachic for your Intention work - have a specific pattern and distinct parts that each work toward your end goal - of directing your prayers, energies, thoughts or intentions to your higher self, the Universe and the Divine.
Here is a diagram showing the composition of a mala:
In various places throughout the site, you can learn about the energies of the crystals and beads used, about the origins of the mala, how to choose, care and incorporate your mala into your daily practices. Let's take a look here at HOW a mala is composed and the meanings attributed to each part...
- The 108 Beads : Most malas have 108 beads in their primary string. 108 is a sacred number in Hinduism - it was viewed by renowned Vedic mathematicians as representing the 'wholeness of existence'. It is also significant in connecting the Earth to the Moon and the Sun - each of these heavenly bodies is approximately 108 times their diameters from Earth. In yogic tradition it is believed that there are 108 marma (sacred junction points) in the body and 108 'pithas' (sacred sites) around India and that there are 108 nadis (energy lines) that run through the body and converge to form the Heart Chakra.
- The Marker Beads : Placed at an interval of 27 (in Tibetan tradition) - dividing the mala into 4 - these are larger sized marker beads. Markers are placed at different intervals according to different traditional patterns. These are there to ensure your mind does not wander off during meditation - but stays centered in your practice.
- The Thread : is the tie we have to the Universe. It shows the bond and interconnectedness of everything in the vastness of the Universe. Everything is connected, 'tied' together.
- The Knots : are there to separate the beads: they don't touch, and thus remain silent during practice and we can feel their separateness during meditation with our eyes closed. They also ensure that if a breakage happens - the beads are not lost.
- The Guru : The guru bead is named that for a reason. It symbolizes our Teacher, Our Guru, the Divine, or God. It is the sacred in your mala - the energy to guide, teach and support you.When practicing with your mala - the guru bead is where you stop - and reverse your process. It is seen as disrespectful to 'cross over' the guru bead.
- The Tassel : The strands of the mala travel through the guru and finish in the tassel - they literally bind it. This symbolizes our connection to the Divine and the energies of the Universe. It also represents our desire to touch turiya - enlightenment.
Namaste
