How to use a mala (Buddhist or Hindu rosary - Japa mala)

[mitragynine]

I didnt watch it with sound(speaker broken), but my understanding of a mala is that one roll the thumb around the bead one circle while silently chanting the mantra/prayer of choice, which should be done by the time the thumb is back at the beginning and then the bead is pushed down and the story repeats again?

Maybe I am mixing this up with Islam, since they also use the Malas, or perhaps there are many ways to use it.

my bet would be anyway that suits u is a good way :) nomatter tradition..

[destinationom]

@mitragynine : you got it; whatever suits you! :) There are however some qualities and techniques that are taught in varying traditions that are steeped in sages discoveries and offering advice to centre the mind. In the Hindu tradition the index finger is viewed as the Ego, hence it isn't used in the recitation of the mantra. In the end it is all about awareness, focus and love :) Whatever you have to do to see the light that lies within than that is your path :) OM.

[Gam3Rag]

Sorry to bother you, but I when to your website to look at the actual meaning of the swastika and couldn't find it and I was just wondering if you could tell me and if you want you can inbox me or which ever you want.

[destinationom]

@Gam3Rag : There is a link of the homepage called "Meaning of OM and Swastika" where you will be able to read more about the Swastika - otherwise simply good DestinationOM Swastika and you will find it at the top of the search engine. Hope this helps.

[Gam3Rag]

@destinationom yes it does help :) thank you

[destinationom]

@destinationom: there was a typo in my response. Sorry. I meant to say GOOGLE DestinationOM Swastika and you will find it at the top of the search engine. Hope this helps.

[rollingleaf71]

how much is the sandalwood 108 mala beads want to purchase one.

[destinationom]

@rollingleaf71 Sorry for the late reply. We respond quickly to emails but less so to YouTube posts. 8mm starts at $50, 9mm starts at $60, 10mm at $70 and 12mm at $150. Hope this helps and that we are not to late to assist. If we are too late feel free to visit our site to learn how to use your mala (if you don't already have a practice). Blessings.

[MrAtlantiz]

I practice meditation without the bead, but now I have some Mala beads that my girlfriend gave me as a gift. I am not really used to this practice because it requires a Mantra for every and each bead out of 108. It really throws me off because I am used to Meditation in silence with out using the mantra. Any advise for me to make my practice more comfortable with the Mala beads?

[destinationom]

@MrAtlantiz : Mala beads are useful to a certain point to calm the mind but at some point even the mala falls away and all that is left is the silence. Look at malas like "training wheels" :) So it may be that you are already good to ride on your own :) In other practices they are used to keep track of a certain amount of recitations so they are important in this manner. Other times they are used to keep the mind trained while active in the world; if they distract than they might not be for you

[Bonersoup183]

Do you know a mantra i could use to help my sick teacher? She has breast cancer and i really want to help her get well.

[destinationom]

@Bonersoup183: I am not in a position to give out mantras for specific purposes because they should be given by one who has realized through it - this mantra would be called a Chaitanya Mantra. To just pick out a mantra from a book does not have the same force.

Your love and prayers do work. With sincerity and devotion you can really serve people - pray for her with pure love and they will surely help because in the end prayers are really for ourselves since in prayer we find our true selves.

[Bonersoup183]

@destinationom thank you :)

[MastaChiefy]

@Bonersoup183 Medicine Buddha? :) Tad-ya-ta Om Be-kan-dze Be-kan-dze Ma-ha Be-kan-dze

Ra-dza Sa-mung-ga-te So-ha!

[destinationom]

@MastaChiefy: Great call! That is a great mantra to use that does call on the Medicine Buddha but is non-denominational since he represents the healing aspect. That mantra had not come to me - thanks MastaChiefy - hope Bonersoup can make use of it :)

[deepakrajput]

i read somewhere that you should not be touching your nails at all with the japa mala. could you please tell if this is correct? also, how high should you be holding the mala with respect to heart or navel?

[destinationom]

Advice on do's and don'ts should only be taken serious if they come from your teacher, one you are devoted to and have surrendered to as they know what is best for your progress on the spiritual path. Otherwise, it really comes down to what feels right with you (within reason: there are cultural reasons that should be honoured when in the presence of these practices) but truly we need to remove ourselves from all the fears and dive within - this inner clarity has no do's or don'ts - it just is

[daskaustubh]

why must one never count over the guru bead?

[destinationom]

@daskaustubh - The reason you never count over the Guru bead is that it represents your relationship with the divine and at this point in the mala you should stop to reflect on WHY you are doing this practice, paying homage to your Guru (if you have one) or to honour the divine that exists within and without AND then at this point you would turn around and continue in the other direction.

It is about sharpening the mind and being attentive; instead of simply mindlessly reciting. Blessings.

[destinationom]

@daskaustubh: The guru bead is to be stopped at and turned around from because at this point you reflect on your relationship you have with your teacher (if you have one) and you reflect on why you are sitting in meditation, your intentions for sitting and what you want to give through this meditation. The Guru bead should always be the point where this reflection takes place as a pause from your mantra recitation.

[vj11100]

Most of the malas beads are 108 in count. but let me tell you many people or saints use more mala beads and sometimes less.

[destinationom]

wow, that is a tall order and it would take some time. i am presently in india and don't have the time at the moment but can write back and forth with you at the start of april when i am back in the shop. please write me then and i can work with you over email. blessings and sorry i can't be of service right away.

[destinationom]

It is good to advise on paths for people but not so to claim one more "pure" than another. Each path is created for a certain person and mental faculties but in the end we reach the same goal. It is better for us to live our lives in practice, devotion, grace and love and let people make their own judgements.

[sandihume]

If someone isnt qualified to make the judgement, and is affected by the three modes he will end up becoming cheated and will lead into a cycle which makes it very difficult to choose a guru. This is simple knowledge from the Bhagavatam.

Just see for yourself the wonders of Prabhupada.

Just even on youtube see videos of pure knowledge

[destinationom]

One will know when they have found their Guru because their life will forever be changed from that moment forward, everything previously intellectualized will make sense, and he/she will begin to see the world in a different light. The light of Grace.

[sandihume]

@destinationom its not as simple as that.

one may be cheated by many of the bogus gurus which were many especially in the 70s

their arent specified gurus for different people. a guru is one who teaches you pure love of God, not teaches you to redefine your world into a trance

[destinationom]

agreed. I am just talking from my own experience - not from literature read. We all have our own experiences and that is what makes this world beautiful. Many paths to the One.

Blessings.

[deepakshankar249]

Dear Sir,

I have couple of questions,

1) should it be 54 beads + 1 rudraksh or 53 beads + 1 rudraksh (making it 54 in total).

2) I am also thinking of 7 face rudraksh + spadigam for beads, is this good?

Please advice me.

Regards,

Deepak

[destinationom]

54 + 1 - the reason being that the 54 are to be counted on while the (+1) represents the Guru bead and is not to be counted but to be the focus at the end "of the round" and is a time for contemplation - ex. why are you reciting? what diety are you meditating to? a moment to focus on your Guru and deepen devotion, a time to focus on your relationship with God, Creator, Buddha, Alah,etc.

Spadigam is meant to be a motification of quartz crystal. Crystals help to clear the chakra channel because

[deepakshankar249]

Thanks for your reply.

The reply is incomplete, can you please complete it. Thanks

[destinationom]

of its vibrational qualities.

The wearer of the 7 face rudraksha (manmata) gets wealth, fame and spiritual knowledge. Poverty and want never touch the wearer. It should be worn by those suffering from miseries pertaining to body, finance, and mental set-up. By wearing this man can progress in business and service and spend his life happily. Cited from Rudraksha Magic by Dr Mohan Makkar and Dr. Geeta - Winsome Books India.

[Lucyskydiamon25]

I really wish i had a guru or someone to help me understand better. So far i have been walking into yoga and meditation alone and have no idea if i am doing wrong or right, other than the books i have read. I know you find your guru when you are ready and maybe right now im not.

[destinationom]

The desire has to come from the right place in your heart. My Guru says that most people attracted to her are suffering from WANT, NOT from love of the Guru. PURE DEVOTION WITH NO DESIRE IS IT'S OWN RECOGNITION!

To know this is to understand the guru-disciple relationship and your genuine desire will bring the Guru to you. You will know when that person is your Guru because they will awaken an energy in you that will be all too obvious, your life will change dramatically and your outlook too!

[Anrwi]

Thank you for this video. I knew Tibetan Buddhists divide their malas differently than Hindus & Theravadans, but didn't know why. We use 2 to divide the mala into 3 sets of 36.

We also have a bigger space between beads, since we push them away, instead of pulling them towards us. As such, whenever a bead is released, it clicks against the lower bead.

Very informative. Again thank you

[Anrwi]

I knew Tibetan Buddhists demarcate their malas differently than Hindus & Theravadans, but never knew why (we use 2 to divide it into 3 sets of 36).

Though we also rest the chord on the middle finger, the use of the index being a no-no, our malas generally have a 1" space, since instead of pulling the bead toward us, we push it away with the thumb.

Each time a bead is used, it clicks against the bead dangling below.

Thank you for the information you've provided.

[magebaba]

today the greatest day of mankind. the day lord buddha came to this world. the day he attained niravana. lets celebrate that great day

"Theruwan Saranai".

[smoothgoomer]

This video is beautiful, I've watched it several times and it brings a sense of contentment every time. Would I be able to order a mala exactly like yours? It's rather attractive.

[destinationom]

That is a good point. I should start making videos of the island here :)

Do you have a single rudraksha bead? Who advised you on HOW to wear it? How many "faces" does it have? Faces are determined by counting the portions between the solid lines that run from one hole to the other.

Once I know these answers than I may be able to give a reason WHY the rudraksha will not go on your mala.

[Ischi71]

Thank you so much. That was wonderful. I just started with my own mantras and with a lotus mala as well. However I have the rudraksha tied externelly in the middle after 54 beads. My mala isn't as shiny as yours yet but I already starts to feel like my very own :)

The music in the backgroud is lovely. I wonder in which beautiful part of the world you were as you recorded this.

Thank you so much again.

Om shanti,

Ischi

[destinationom]

This was filmed on the front porch of my home/shop on Saltspring Island, BC CANADA...truly a paradise on earth.

[Ischi71]

It sounds like paradise. Maybe when you film yourself next you could place the camera a little further off so we can see something of the scenery? I have a question regarding a mala. I use a lotus mala with 108 beads. I was advised to wear my Ruydraksha at least one hour per day. Could I add it externally to the mala right in the middle after 54 beads or would it be best to keep it seperartely. The rudraksha almost came off the other day and I wasn't sure if it wants to go with my mala...

[broidery]

thank you

[destinationom]

Correct. The name rosary came from around the 13th century when missionaries went to India and found that the local spiritual followers were using strings of beads fashioned out of rose petals and mashed into a paste, dried, and strung to make a mala.

When the missionaries came back to Europe they used the same process and beads and called them "Rosaries" after the original material used. Roses :)

[Roxxoxo]

So! This is where the Catholics got the rosary!

[Purushadasa]

Great video!

For factual, scientific answers to any and all questions about God, please visit my channel, "Purushadasa."

All answers given there are guaranteed to be 100% scientific fact, based entirely on observational data, a guarantee that the atheist cannot provide.

God bless you!

[horrormike]

I hope this is not a foolish but do you wear the mala around your neck as well?

[destinationom]

Yes in most traditions you wear the mala around your neck but some teachers will advise you to put it on your puja table (altar) when you are not using it. As a general rule though they are worn around your neck.

[FaerieFlames]

So you can just wear it all the time? Or should you only wear it when you're using it?

[destinationom]

Yes you can wear it all the time as it becomes a talisman and a full circle charge of all the practices that came before. You can wear the guru bead in two ways, either behind your neck or down the centre of your chest. The largest point of charge in the mala is retained in the guru bead so where people are feeling a lack of energy or a need for additional energy, they place the guru bead either over their heart chakra or throat chakra.

Some teachers will ask you not to wear it but it is rare.

[ryanfrizz]

How many beads are on your Mala, 54, or 108? I can't tell =)

[destinationom]

There are 54 because most people like a mala that is about 30" around so that the guru bead sits over the heart chakra.

[lilnlake]

54 beads ? I have never heard of that before ? what does the number of beads represent then, the 54 and the 108 ?

[destinationom]

54 beads is half of 108. If you want to know more about the meaning of 108 you can go to my website where I explain it under "Why 108?" Too long to explain here :)

[AntieBadoooo]

thank you for sharing, very inspiring for a zen student, too!

[Aleque]

thanks

[Aleque]

great thanks for this wisdom

[jb1552]

Thanks for this explanation. I appreciate it.

[karmadhyana]

I study Tibetan Buddhism, and my teacher (Lama Karma Namgyel) has shown us to use the index finger of the oppostie hand we normally use when doing our recitations. However, I have heard that the use of the index finger in Hinduism is not proper. Is that correct?

[destinationom]

Correct in both ways, Tibetan Buddhism tends to do things in their own way :) as I have found in my practices of Vajrayana. They use 21 beads in a wrist mala as well :) as opposed to 27.

In Hinduism, the Thumb represents the Guru and the index finger represents the Ego. By not using the index finger you are not involving the Ego in your recitation...this is the understanding in the Hindu faith.

[karmadhyana]

Thank you for the reply! It makes sense. When I first started using my mala--before I became a Buddhist--I always used my ring finger and thumb. Now, I do it the way my Lama-la's suggested

.

Also, about the 21 vs. 27 bead thing, from what I understand the meaning is that 2+1=3, 3 being an auspicious number (Three Precious Jewels), but anything divisible by 3 also works. We use 27 bead wrist malas, too.

Blessings!

[lilnlake]

I am confused, someone help ? I thought all the mala beads had to be 108 ? now I see a psoting about 50 something beads, now 27 ? Help !!! thanks ,lol !!!

[destinationom]

again 27 is a fraction of 108. The focus is on 9s and all multiples of 9s. Example: 27 x 4 = 108 (2+7=9, 1+0+8 = 9)

54x2 = 108 (5+4=9, 1+0+8=9)

each number sequence chosen totals 9 on itself and is used as a division of the total length of a mala - 108. So whatever division you want to do, I even make malas with 18 beads (1+8=9)

hope this helps. I talk more about 108 on my site.

[Ischi71]

Hi again! I always thought you weren't supposed to touch the mala with the index finger because it stands for the shiva fire and would just be too cleansing. As you said before the mala becomes a taliman, charged with all the energy accululated during chanting. So this energy would be erased if one used the index finger. but maybe I misunderstood?

:-)  Ischi

[destinationom]

You are correct, the thumb is not used in recitation of mantra on a mala. The thumb represents the master and the index finger represents the Ego; so to NOT use the index finger during recitation is to recognize the existence of the ego. With this awareness you are helping to break down your attachment to the Ego.

Obviously since I makes 1000s of malas I cannot go without using my index finger in the MAKING of the malas but when it comes to reciting mantra then the index finger is never used.

[PunchinTheMunchkin]

If those are lotus seeds, then my lotus seed mala (and all the others I've ever seen) must be baby lotus seeds. Because those are huge.

[destinationom]

The ones you are familiar with are round and small as you say. They are chinese lotus and are often salmon orange or a yellow colour and have small black dots. The lotus you see in this video are large and come from Bodhgaya, India. They are Indian lotus and are far different in size from their Chinese counterparts.

[PunchinTheMunchkin]

thanks!

[lilnlake]

would loveee one made from lotus seeds !!! can you get them through you ? ( fingers crossed )

[tyandambika]

good to have a neighbour with peaceful, positive intentions and that music is perfect for this video. nice work.

[thismoment23]

nicely explained. I highly recommend to use a mala and to recite a mantra that suits you. Afterall it will put you in touch with that which is beyond the mind and body mechanism. It will also cleanse mind and emotions. The mala will store some of that divine energy and will help you to focus. cheers....