All About Your Rudraksha Mala
'The world would be at peace if everyone was wearing Rudraksha beads.' Papaji
The Power of Rudraksha
Rudraksha Beads are regarded as timeless jewels of the Gods, being the most powerful aid in the path of Self-Realisation.
Believed to represent the compassionate tears of Lord Shiva, they have been used for thousands of years for self-empowerment and for leading a fearless life.
Rudraksha Beads are rare and precious seeds used for spiritual practices such as meditation and mantra chanting. Rudraksha's have an incredible ability to attract, amplify and transmit the subtle energy called Prana, as well as:
- heal the body of various ailments and increase energy levels
- calm the mind and induce deep inner peace
- energise and purify the chakras
Rudraksha Beads and Malas have been worn since ancient times to cultivate mindful awareness, compassion, and Self-knowledge for the benefit of all living beings.
How to use your Mala
1. Using your right hand, start by holding the first bead, the one after the large main bead (called the Guru bead) with your thumb, ring and middle fingers.
2. Verbally or mentally repeat a mantra one time (i.e. Om Namah Shivaya), then pull the next bead towards you and continue chanting one mantra per bead until you come to the final 108th bead (the one before the Guru bead).
3. Complete your Mantra Japa (repetition of Mantra) with a prayer as you hold the Guru bead.
4. If you want to chant more Mantras, turn the Mala around and go in reverse order (i.e. make the 108th bead the 1st and go backwards), and continue going forwards and backwards until you are finished.
How to care for your Mala
1. A Rudraksha Mala can be worn for its healing power and protection from negative forces on a daily basis, or you may choose to wear your Mala solely for spiritual purposes only during your yoga and meditation practice.
2. When not wearing your Mala, keep it in a clean, sacred space, such as your altar, and place it in a protective pouch when carrying it around. Try not to let your Mala directly touch the earth, as the magnetic pull can withdraw some of the spiritual energy out of the Mala.
3. It is best not to wear your Rudraksha Mala in the bathroom, as exposing your Rudraksha Mala to impure energies dissipates the higher vibrations it collects.
4. Wash your Mala once or twice a year with water and mild soap. After the Mala dries, you can apply oil directly to the Mala to prevent the beads from cracking.
Written by Lily Goncalves aka Lalita Devi of Blooming Lotus
Lily Goncalves' comprehensive booklet on Rudrakshas, 'Mala Magic' is available here.
