Chanting mantras has been used for thousands of years by yogis throughout India and the Himalaya as a means of activating kundalini, achieving special powers or siddhis such as profound intuition and insight, and increasing their vibrant or radiant energy (aura).
Practicing mantra meditation can create and enhance your vibrant energy. Your vibrant energy depends on your ojas power. If you have enough vibrant energy you can pass your good pranic energy to those low in energy, sick or in need. Only if you have raised the level of your vibrant energy can you successfully project it to others.
The Mala
A mala (Sanskrit for garland) is a meditation tool, used to count the number of mantra repetitions completed per sitting. Mantra repetition using a mala is an effective way of keeping your mind focused, and can make meditation more relaxing and soothing by relieving physical tension.
Historically, malas have been used as a part of an integrated spiritual practice that may also contain hatha yoga, puja (worship) and other practices.
A mala contains 108 beads and a larger “meru” bead. The tassled “meru” bead is symbolic of the transcended state, and indicates the beginning and end of a cycle. The significance of “108” is because the Brahmand (universe) is made up of 108 elements (and according to modern scientific chemistry, the universe is made up of more than 108 elements). So 108 represents the universe.
Malas worn around the neck are 108 or 54 beads. A japa mala of 27 beads is very useful in daily life for chanting mantra, as it is small and portable.
Using a Mala
Sit in the Lotus position, Sukhasana, Vajrasana or any comfortable posture facing north or east. Keep your back straight and make a Gyan mudra with the left hand. Hold the mala in your right hand, over the middle finger.
The index finger should not touch the beads. Starting at the meru, pull the beads towards you, one by one, between your thumb and middle finger, and chant your mantra.
The mantra is repeated silently, internally for most effect. One bead is pulled per mantra repetition. If the mind wanders, bring it back to the breath, the beads and your mantra. Once you reach the meru, you do not cross it. Turn the beads around and continue in the reverse direction.
The Special Qualities of Rudraksha Malas
Although mala beads can be made from many materials, in the Vedic literature, rudraksha beads have particular importance.
Rudraksha beads are the seeds of the fruit from the Rudraksha tree (Elaeocarpus Ganitrus Roxb) found in a few locations throughout Indonesia, Nepal and India. The word Rudra is the name of Lord Shiva and aksha means eyes – meaning the “eyes of Shiva” and the Vedas tell us that rudraksha beads are endowed with medicinal and spiritual powers.
The rudraksha has been utilised in Ayurveda for medicinal purposes such as controlling blood pressure and mental diseases. The beads have dielectric (store electrical energy) and magnetic properties which can effect a positive change on the bio electrical field of the human body.
Yogis and adepts of India and the Himalayas have worn rudraksha beads for thousands of years because of their special powers and ability to enhance meditation practice.
Rudraksha malas of 108 beads are most commonly made from 5 faced beads (5 mukhi) and are normally worn for general happiness, prosperity, and the continuation of spiritual progress and development. It is said that by wearing these beads one achieves a peaceful tranquil mind and also focus and concentration.
Personal tuition and consultation is available if you wish to learn more about Mantra meditation and how to establish an effective practice