Choosing Your Mala

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Choosing Your Mala
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The mala is a strand of beads that are
traditionally used for counting while doing
mantra meditation. The can consist of one hundred
eight beads, fifty-four beads, twenty-seven
beads, twenty-one beads, or nineteen beads.
Since approximately the tenth century, they
have been used as a meditation aid. Mala beads
allow you to focus your mind on a single task as
you work through your meditation. It can be a
powerful tool during your quest for clearer
understanding and wellness if you practice yoga
and meditation.
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Selecting the correct mala for your meditation
and yoga practice and be a somewhat challenging
task because of the wide variety of products on
the market. Traditionally the beads were made of
yak bone, rudraksha seed, or bodhi seed. These
are not an expensive material so they are an
affordable option. Some others are made from
gemstones, which have many advantages for a
spiritual and physical perspective. When made of
gemstone they are typically smoother and heavier
than the ones that were traditionally used.
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The weight of the gemstone mala becomes an
advantage because you hold your mala between your
middle finger and thumb. Gravity will help to
hold the mala in place and since gemstones are
smooth, they can glide with more ease. Gemstones
also have special meanings that can help you
choose a spiritual or an emotional aspect that
you would like to work on while mediating. Your
mala can now become your focused object that you
will carry with you to help you during your
spiritual journey.
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An example of a spiritual journey would be
wanting to work on a spiritual and mental spring
cleaning with spring just around the corner. Some
of the things you might focus on would be
purification and detoxification from the winter
season that is ending. One of the gemstones that
could help you with this spiritual journey would
be the amethyst.
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It is a great choice for purification and
protection. It was believed that this gemstone
could aid in helping you give up bad habits and
curb overindulgence. It is the perfect stone to
help clear out negative influences and bring your
body light, inner space. It can also help to
balance your energy field.
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During springtime using amethyst gemstones/mala
beads along with meditation for renewal of energy
for your body, addictions, or to release
negativity can be a very powerful combination.
You can make your own mala but there are also
those who specialize in mala and will custom
design your own mala necklace or mala bracelet.
Once you have decided on a spiritual or emotional
area you want to work through with meditation
they will find that special gemstone to create
your perfect mala.
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Visit us atwww.buddhistmala.com