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You've seen the strings of knotted beads... perhaps you noticed yogis wearing these necklaces. So: What is a mala for? And how do we use it?
It's so important to understand this ancient tradition from India! As my teacher would tell us: Japa meditation isn't another "thing to do" in your life. Rather, japa meditation is meant to fit in the gaps of your life! In Sanskrit, the word japa means “rotate.” The word mala means "garland." Thus, Japa Mala Meditation involves using your fingers to rotate a mala, bead by bead, while repeating a Sanskrit sound or mantra — all with the goal of training your mind to shift attention away from the chatter of life, toward the calm, unhurried movement of the mantra through your consciousness. Our minds are just like pets — they need training and boundaries in order to life a more harmonious life. Below is a video Mollie originally recorded for her online course, "Awakening Shakti," where she talks a bit about the benefits of using a mala for Japa Meditation: |
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We never truly "get rid" of our thoughts in meditation — that's not the point! The point of any mantra-based meditation program (which includes Japa Mala Meditation) is to teach our mind to use an anchor. Aka - a mantra.
Thoughts come and go, but we stay rooted to repeating the anchor. For those who struggle with a mantra-based meditation, I've found that students thrive using a mala in their hand, because it employs a more tactile approach. The mala in your hand can help improve concentration even more. |
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