How to Use Malas: Your Ultimate Guide

Wondering how to use malas for your mantra yoga practice? Welcome, that’s exactly what I’m discussing in this article today. As a yoga teacher and someone who’s been supporting her practice with mala beads for years, I’m here to share all my knowledge with you. 

Ready to learn how to use a mala? Let’s get started. 

How to use malas according to the yogic tradition

A mala should have 108 beads and a large last one called the “Meru bead”. Other religions have different numbers, if you are doing any mantra from yogic tradition, you need the mala with 108 beads. 

Mala can have separation beads at the 21st, 27th, 54th, and 72nd positions. For the repetition of some shlokas or long prayers, there could be 11 separation beads. Each separation bead will mark the count of repetitions you have completed

The mala is held between the thumb and the second finger. The first finger represents the ego and so is not used to turn the beads. The extra bead, the meru bead (the united bead), represents the Divine. That bead should never be crossed over, so when you finish one mala just turn it around and go back the way you came, and start counting again. 

Keep your mala safe in a covered bag or box and do not allow others to handle it.

Why 108 beads

 A full mala has 108 beads, a half mala has 54, and a quarter mala has 27 beads. The shorter malas are only for the convenience of carrying; you still need to do the full 108 to get any results. 

The reasons for the 108 beads are varied. One explanation is that there are 108 nadis, psychic channels, in the body. Each repetition activates one nadi so you need 108 repetitions to activate all of them. 

Another explanation comes from ancient Vedic astronomy. The Vedic calculation of the distance between the earth and the sun assigns the number 108 as the diameter of antariksha, the intermediate dimension between heaven and earth. 108 is therefore the number of steps from earth to heaven through antariksha, symbolically the distance to moksha or realization. 

Steps to charge your mala

1. Make sure your mala is made of natural materials such as sandalwood, tulsi, rudraksha beads, coral, or crystals. 

2. Cleanse the mala before use, and then recite this mantra to energize it. Initially, chant the shloka at least 9 times to charge the mala. After that, chant it once with the mala in your hand before starting any mantra session.

   Om Avighnam Kuru Male Twam Ghruhnaami Dakshine Kare
   Jaapkale Cha Siddhyarthe Praseed Mama Siddhaye

   Meaning: Oh mala, which I hold in my right hand during japa, please remove all obstacles in my way and enable me to attain all success.

   Another mantra to charge the mala. This mantra contains bija letters and can be used instead of the one above. You can choose whichever resonates with you. Om Aim Shreem Akshamaalaayai Namah

   *Tip: When you get a new mala, chant this mantra 108 times to cleanse and empower it. Once that’s done, you only need to recite it once before each chanting session. If you need to cleanse the mala again or switch mantras, simply repeat the 108 repetitions to charge it once more.

My advice for choosing your mala

As I already mentioned, I really recommend you choose a mala from natural materials. Let’s explore some of the best natural japa mala materials and their unique significance. So that you can choose what aligns best with your needs. 

Natural Seed Beads for Japa Malas

Natural seed beads have been used for centuries in the creation of japa malas. They carry the essence of nature and are revered for their spiritual and healing properties. Let's explore some of the most commonly used natural seed beads and their significance:

Rudraksha Seeds 

Rudraksha beads are highly esteemed in various spiritual traditions, particularly in Hinduism. They are associated with Lord Shiva and are considered powerful tools for spiritual growth and protection. The legend that Rudraksha seeds are the tears of Lord Shiva imbues them with deep spiritual significance. 

Wearing Rudraksha beads is believed to bring peace, clarity, and spiritual enlightenment. It is also said to protect the wearer from negative energies and help in overcoming obstacles. Because of their potent spiritual properties, it's recommended that those who wear Rudraksha beads follow a vegetarian lifestyle to maintain the beads' purity and effectiveness.

Bodhi Seeds

Bodhi seeds come from the Bodhi tree, under which Siddhartha Gautama attained enlightenment and became the Buddha. Bodhi seed malas are used in Buddhist practices to symbolize the journey towards enlightenment. 

They are believed to promote spiritual growth, mindfulness, and inner wisdom. Using Bodhi seed malas during meditation can help practitioners connect with the teachings of Buddha and deepen their spiritual practice.

Lotus Seeds

Lotus seeds are symbolic of purity and spiritual awakening, as the lotus flower itself emerges pristine from muddy waters. These beads are particularly associated with Goddess Laxmi, the Hindu deity of wealth, prosperity, and beauty. Chanting Laxmi mantras with lotus seed malas is believed to attract abundance and remove financial obstacles.

The lotus seed's association with purity also makes it a powerful tool for spiritual growth and transformation.

Sandalwood Mala

Sandalwood malas are prized for their soothing fragrance and calming properties. Sandalwood is often used in spiritual practices to promote relaxation, focus, and inner peace. 

The natural aroma of sandalwood is believed to create a serene atmosphere conducive to meditation and mantra chanting. Using sandalwood malas can help to quiet the mind, reduce stress, and deepen one's meditation experience. 

It is also said to attract positive energy and dispel negativity.

Tulsi (Holy Basil) Beads

Tulsi beads are revered in Hinduism for their purifying and protective qualities. They are commonly used for chanting Vishnu and Krishna mantras. Wearing Tulsi beads is believed to bring spiritual blessings and protection.

Rosewood Beads

Rosewood is known for its ability to attract positive energy and dispel negativity. These beads are often used for chanting mantras related to love, compassion, and healing. Rosewood malas are believed to enhance emotional well-being and promote a sense of inner peace.

All About Japa Malas: Quartz and Stones

All gems, with the exception of coral and pearls, are the purest and finest consolidation of minerals that were formed due to extreme heat and pressure inside the body of Mother Earth.

All gems are therefore energy in crystalline form. They absorb and transmit energy as frequencies because they are composed of minerals that emit electrical charges under increased pressure, that radiate in low heat, and that glow from within after the light source is removed. 

Let's delve into some of the main quartz and stones used in japa malas, organized by their association with the seven chakras.

1. Root Chakra (Muladhara) - Obsidian

Obsidian is a powerful protective stone associated with the root chakra. It is believed to shield against negativity and provide grounding. Obsidian malas are used to create a sense of stability and security, helping practitioners feel anchored and protected.

2. Sacral Chakra (Svadhisthana) - Carnelian

Carnelian is a vibrant orange stone associated with the sacral chakra. It is believed to enhance creativity, passion, and vitality. Carnelian malas are used to boost energy, stimulate creativity, and promote a healthy flow of life force.

3. Solar Plexus Chakra (Manipura) - Citrine

Citrine is a bright yellow stone associated with the solar plexus chakra. It is often referred to as the "stone of abundance" and is believed to attract prosperity and positive energy. Citrine malas are used to boost confidence, creativity, and motivation, helping practitioners manifest their intentions.

 4. Heart Chakra (Anahata) - Rose Quartz

Rose quartz is known as the stone of unconditional love and is associated with the heart chakra. It is believed to open the heart to all forms of love, including self-love, romantic love, and divine love. Rose quartz malas are used to promote compassion, forgiveness, and emotional healing.

 5. Throat Chakra (Vishuddha) - Turquoise

Turquoise is a blue-green stone associated with the throat chakra. It is believed to enhance communication, self-expression, and truth. Turquoise malas are used to improve communication skills, promote honesty, and encourage self-expression.

6. Third Eye Chakra (Ajna) - Iolite

Iolite, also known as "water sapphire," is a stone associated with the third eye chakra. It is believed to enhance intuition, spiritual insight, and clarity. Iolite malas are used to deepen meditation, improve intuition, and connect with higher spiritual realms.

 7. Crown Chakra (Sahasrara) - Clear Quartz

Clear quartz is known as the "master healer" and is associated with the crown chakra. It is believed to amplify energy and thought, as well as the effect of other crystals. Clear quartz malas are used to enhance spiritual clarity, focus, and connection to higher consciousness.

Additional Stones for Japa Malas

(You could use any stones/ crystals just make sure the purpose of the crystals matches the purpose of the mantra)

Jade

Jade is a green stone that is often associated with purity, harmony, and abundance. It is believed to attract good luck and prosperity. Jade malas are used to promote emotional balance, enhance spiritual growth, and attract positive energy.

Kunzite

Kunzite is a pink to lilac-colored stone associated with love and compassion. It is believed to open the heart and connect with divine love. Kunzite malas are used to promote emotional healing, compassion, and a sense of inner peace.

Sunstone

Sunstone is a bright, reflective stone associated with joy, positivity, and personal power. It is believed to inspire confidence, self-worth, and a sunny outlook on life. Sunstone malas are used to boost vitality, enhance self-esteem, and attract success.

Emerald

Emerald is a rich green stone associated with the heart chakra. It is believed to promote love, compassion, and harmony. Emerald malas are used to enhance emotional healing, promote balance, and attract positive energy.

Caring for crystals in your mala

Cleansing Crystals before make/ use your mala

Crystals are tools that always have a flow of energy through them. This also means that they can clog with built-up energy, and they also can be contaminated by negative energy. Cleaning and cleansing are different things, cleansing works with energies.

For crystals, you should cleanse them right after you buy them or receive them and cleanse them regularly to keep them effective. If you use the crystal mala daily for mantra chanting cleanse it every time you touch it with strong negative emotions, If you wear crystal japa mala all the time, do cleansing every week.

Be sure to use a technique that doesn't damage your crystals. The sequence is cleansing your crystals, then charging and programming. 

Crystal cleansing techniques

1. Sunlight Cleansing

Sunlight is a powerful cleanser that can remove negative energies from your mala. 

Method: Place your mala in direct sunlight for a few hours. The sunlight will cleanse and recharge the crystals.

*Tip: Be mindful that prolonged exposure to sunlight can fade some crystals, such as amethyst and rose quartz. It's best to place them in sunlight for a limited time.

2. Moonlight Cleansing

Moonlight, especially during the full moon, is a gentle and effective way to cleanse your mala.

Method: Place your mala under the moonlight overnight, ideally during a full moon. The energy of the moon will purify and recharge the crystals.

*Tip: Moonlight cleansing is suitable for all types of crystals, and the full moon energy enhances the cleansing process.

3. Saltwater Cleansing

Saltwater is known for its purifying properties and can effectively cleanse your mala.

Method: Dissolve sea salt in a bowl of water and submerge your mala in the solution overnight. The saltwater will draw out negative energies from the crystals.

*Tip: Rinse your mala thoroughly with fresh water after the saltwater cleanses to remove any residue. Be cautious with porous or delicate crystals, as saltwater may damage them.

4. Incense Cleansing

Incense smoke is a traditional method for cleansing crystals and malas.

*Method: Light an incense stick and pass your mala through the smoke(clockwise circle movements)  several times. The purifying properties of the incense will cleanse the crystals.

*Tip: Choose incense with cleansing properties, such as sage, sandalwood, or palo santo.

Charging Techniques

1. Sunlight Charging

Sunlight can also be used to charge your mala with positive energy.

Method: After cleansing, leave your mala in direct sunlight for a short period. The sunlight will infuse the crystals with vibrant energy.

*Tip: Ensure you don't leave your mala in sunlight for too long to prevent fading of sensitive crystals.

2. Moonlight Charging

Moonlight, particularly during the full moon, can charge your mala with powerful lunar energy.

Method: Place your cleansed mala under the moonlight overnight, set your intention. The moon's energy will recharge and enhance the crystals' properties.

*Tip: Moonlight charging is gentle and safe for all crystals.

3. Crystal Clusters or Geodes

Placing your mala on a crystal cluster or inside a geode can amplify the charging process.

Method: Lay your mala on a large crystal cluster, such as amethyst or clear quartz, or place it inside a geode overnight. The energy of the cluster or geode will recharge your mala.

*Tip: This method is especially effective for amplifying the energy of your mala.

Programming malas with intention

Programming your mala with intention aligns the crystals with your personal goals and desires.

Method: Hold your cleansed and charged mala in your hands. Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths to center yourself. Focus on your intention or goal and visualize it clearly. Repeat your intention mentally or aloud, infusing your mala with your energy and purpose.

*Tip: Be clear and specific with your intention. You can use positive affirmations or mantras to reinforce your programming.

Final thoughts on how to use your mala

By regularly cleansing, charging, and programming your crystal mala, you can ensure that it remains a powerful and effective tool for your spiritual practice. I hope these tips gave you an understanding of how to use malas. 

If you have any questions, feel free to DM me on Instagram and I’ll be in touch. If you’d like to join me for a yoga class where we explore these traditional practices, you’re welcome to book your class here. I’m looking forward to seeing you there!


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