Bead Size : 8mm
Material : Lapis Lazuli

NOTE : Free mala bag will be included. The guru bead (109th bead) may be different from what is shown on the photo.

A Japa mala or mala (Sanskrit:माला; mālā, meaning garland) is a set of beads commonly used by Hindus and Buddhists. Malas are used for keeping count while reciting, chanting, or mentally repeating a mantra or the name or names of a deity. Malas are typically made with 18, 27, 54 or 108 beads. There are numerous explanations why there are 108 beads, with the number 108 bearing special religious significance in a number of Hindu and Buddhist traditions. The 109th bead on a mala is called the sumeru or guru bead. Counting should always begin with a bead next to the sumeru.

A wide variety of materials are used to make mala beads : seeds of rudraksha, tulsi, wood or sandalwood, seeds of Lotus plant, yak bone, shells, semiprecious stones and resin.

Mantras are typically repeated hundreds or even thousands of times. The mala is used so that one can focus on the meaning or sound of the mantra rather than counting its repetitions. One repetition is usually said for each bead while turning the thumb clockwise around each bead, though some traditions or practices may call for counterclockwise motion or specific finger usage. When arriving at the head bead, one turns the mala around and then goes back in the opposing direction.

METAPHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF LAPIS LAZULI

Lapis Lazuli brings truthfulness, openness, inner power, intuition, creativity, virility and manifestation. It strengthens the mind and body as well as increasing awareness and spiritual connection/evolution. It can help organize daily life as well as organizing and quieting a busy or restless mind. Lapis is also used to contact guardian spirits. Lapis also helps build self-confidence, and is a stone traditionally for royalty. Lapis bring spiritual love and is also known for enhancing love and fidelity within marriage. Lapis is also said to help one overcome shyness. It is associated with the throat and brow chakras and can help one say just the right thing, as if by magic. Lapis is also a stone that protects from both physical and psychic attacks. Lapis is also helpful for sinus ailments, headaches, nervous system, speech problems, pituitary gland and pain relief.

HOW TO USE A MALA :

The mala is traditionally held in the right hand and used in two ways :

In one method, the mala is hanging between the thumb and the ring (third) finger. The middle (second) finger is used to rotate the mala by one bead towards oneself with each repetition of the mantra. Mala is hanging between the thumb and the ring finger is used to rotate the mala by one bead towards oneself with each repetition of the mantra.

In the other method, the mala is hanging on the middle finger, with the thumb used to rotate the mala just as explained – one bead at a time. Either way, the index finger is never used to touch the mala.

The mala may coil on the floor with the hand resting on the right knee or used with the hand concealed in the Mala Bag.