Yoga, Meditation, Mala and Mantras
By: Rita-Marie Murphy
Brrrrr! Winter is here and in full swing. Days are shorter, our body receives less sunlight, and many us as are emotionally impacted. Instead of being bummed out, we can use this time to develop a japa mala meditation practice in an effort to bring balance to our mind, body and spirit. By developing a continuous meditation practice, we can reduce stress and anxiety, feel empowered and guide ourselves towards enlightenment. You can get creative and make your own mala or you can purchase one.
Yoga has been practiced for thousands of years as a means of preparing the body for long periods of meditation. The physical asana practice exhausts the body, so that it can rest in Savasana (Corps Pose) and resist the urge to fidget or scratch, but instead slip into the sweetness of meditation. It is in space between almost falling asleep and being conscious that we can reach enlightenment, or at the very least, have an enlightened thought or too. Gradually working our way towards self-actualization and reaching our full potential. Yoga is the gateway to the inner temple within us all; the physical asana practice paves the way while offering numerous physical, psychological and physiological benefits. The body, mind and spirit (breath) are united allowing us to recharge, revitalize and transform ourselves.
Mala prayer beads are a popular accessory worn by many yogis and hipsters, but they are much more than a material adornment. Mala beads are prayer beads used to count prayers, as well as breath, and as a means of meditation. This ancient Indian tool has been used by many cultures for centuries to keep the mind focused during meditation. Bracelets or necklaces are organized in sets of 27, 54 or 108. Each bracelet or necklace has a larger bead called a guru bead that serves as a starting and ending point. The meditation process is called “Japa Mala.” The Sanskrit meaning of the word “Japa” is recitation; the meaning of the word “Mala” is garland. Japa Mala beads are infused with a particular mantra chosen by the wearer. The mantra is a prayer that is recited for each bead in repetitions of 27, 54, and 108. One last mantra is said for the larger guru bead with special intention sent to all teachers who have come before you, making an offering of reverence and respect. The repetitive use of mantras can have powerful effects on the practitioner, enabling them to manifest things into their lives and overcome obstacles.
There are many mantras to choose from, each invoking a specific power. This power, combined with the user’s intention can be used to heal and attain worldly desires. Mantras can be chanted allowed or mentally repeated. In the ancient Hindu tradition, these prayers, when chanted correctly, had the power to transform the mind, body and spirit. They come from the Vedas, originally an oral tradition passed down from generation to generation, and eventually recorded. The Aryans were an Indo-European group that migrated into ancient India somewhere between 1500 and 1700 B.C.; they are credited with bringing the Vedas into India. The Vedas is a series of spells, prayers, chants and incantations that were said to have magical powers. It is these prayers that were used to breathe life back into Lord Ganesha after his father, Lord Shiva, beheaded him; transforming him into the elephant headed deity that holds a special place in the pantheon of Hindu gods as being the gateway to Lord Shiva.
The uses of beads in prayer dates back as far as the 8th century B.C.E. and were first used in India. As a result of conquest, trade and cultural diffusion, japa mala was adopted by other cultures eventually becoming “Rosarium” or Rosary Beads used by Catholics to count their prayers. The word “jap” in Latin means rose, hence Japa beads became Rosary Beads.
You can purchase japa malas or you can create your own. You can chose from many different materials to make your japa mala. You may be able to recycle old or discarded jewelry or you can purchase new beads. Crystal beads and gemstones are known from having specific energetic effects. For example, the beautiful Rosewood is used to call upon Lord Ganesha, the “remover of obstacles” and the god of writers and academics. Rosewood is also associated with the Divine Mother and is said to improve circulation and offer protection from negative energy. Blue Lapis Lazuli is an ancient stone said to represent the spirit of God. When worn, it is said to bring harmony to relationships, generate mental clarity and release old karmic patterns. It is known for evoking the healing properties of truth, knowledge and wisdom.
To use the japa mala in meditation, one must pick a mantra and set an intention to focus on during meditation. After your yoga practice, find a comfortable place to sit and chose a comfortable seated posture. Hold your japa mala in your right hand, close your eyes, and use your thumb to count each bead. While holding the bead in between the thumb and the middle finger, repeat the mantra. The large guru bead is not counted until the end. If you are using a wrist japa mala (27 beads), you will need to repeat this three times in order to reach 108. The last mantra is said on the guru bead, making it a total of 109. Keep the breath slow and steady, the back straight and the brow soft. Allow the mind to focus on the repetition, let the thoughts slip away, clearing space in the mind. The meditation should be repeated for 40 continuous days. After that time, the japa mala will be infused with the energetic power of your mantra and your set intention.
Select a mantra using your intuition. Choose a mantra that can be used to attract something to you, to receive healing energy, or to remove an obstacle. Om Gum Ganapataye Namaha (Om Gumm Gun-uh-pah-tah-yay Nah-mah-ha) is a mantra that can be used to resolve problems and bring about the unity between our desire and the object of that desire. It translates into, “Om and salutations to Ganesha, the remover of obstacles.” Om Shreem Maha Lakshmiyei Namah (Om shreem mah-hah lahk-shmee-yay swah-hah) is a mantra offered to the Goddess Lakshmi who is known for working with Lord Ganesha. Once your obstacles are removed, the Goddess Lakshmi ushers in abundance, grace and beauty. It translates into “Om and salutations to she who manifests every kind of abundance.” It is known for manifesting money and prosperity of all kinds.
Use the winter months to restore and recharge your body, mind and soul. When the weather outside becomes frightful, use the down time to make your own japa mala. Set an intention. Challenge yourself with 40 days of meditation. Change your life for the better. Gain mindfulness, reduce stress and empower yourself to reach your full potential. Connect to that inner light that shines within us all to illuminate the temple within.
With love and thanks to Jenna DiPaolo of Always-At-Aum Yoga School, Babylon, NY for the inspiration for this blog entry.
Namaste.
By: Rita-Marie Murphy
Brrrrr! Winter is here and in full swing. Days are shorter, our body receives less sunlight, and many us as are emotionally impacted. Instead of being bummed out, we can use this time to develop a japa mala meditation practice in an effort to bring balance to our mind, body and spirit. By developing a continuous meditation practice, we can reduce stress and anxiety, feel empowered and guide ourselves towards enlightenment. You can get creative and make your own mala or you can purchase one.
Yoga has been practiced for thousands of years as a means of preparing the body for long periods of meditation. The physical asana practice exhausts the body, so that it can rest in Savasana (Corps Pose) and resist the urge to fidget or scratch, but instead slip into the sweetness of meditation. It is in space between almost falling asleep and being conscious that we can reach enlightenment, or at the very least, have an enlightened thought or too. Gradually working our way towards self-actualization and reaching our full potential. Yoga is the gateway to the inner temple within us all; the physical asana practice paves the way while offering numerous physical, psychological and physiological benefits. The body, mind and spirit (breath) are united allowing us to recharge, revitalize and transform ourselves.
Mala prayer beads are a popular accessory worn by many yogis and hipsters, but they are much more than a material adornment. Mala beads are prayer beads used to count prayers, as well as breath, and as a means of meditation. This ancient Indian tool has been used by many cultures for centuries to keep the mind focused during meditation. Bracelets or necklaces are organized in sets of 27, 54 or 108. Each bracelet or necklace has a larger bead called a guru bead that serves as a starting and ending point. The meditation process is called “Japa Mala.” The Sanskrit meaning of the word “Japa” is recitation; the meaning of the word “Mala” is garland. Japa Mala beads are infused with a particular mantra chosen by the wearer. The mantra is a prayer that is recited for each bead in repetitions of 27, 54, and 108. One last mantra is said for the larger guru bead with special intention sent to all teachers who have come before you, making an offering of reverence and respect. The repetitive use of mantras can have powerful effects on the practitioner, enabling them to manifest things into their lives and overcome obstacles.
There are many mantras to choose from, each invoking a specific power. This power, combined with the user’s intention can be used to heal and attain worldly desires. Mantras can be chanted allowed or mentally repeated. In the ancient Hindu tradition, these prayers, when chanted correctly, had the power to transform the mind, body and spirit. They come from the Vedas, originally an oral tradition passed down from generation to generation, and eventually recorded. The Aryans were an Indo-European group that migrated into ancient India somewhere between 1500 and 1700 B.C.; they are credited with bringing the Vedas into India. The Vedas is a series of spells, prayers, chants and incantations that were said to have magical powers. It is these prayers that were used to breathe life back into Lord Ganesha after his father, Lord Shiva, beheaded him; transforming him into the elephant headed deity that holds a special place in the pantheon of Hindu gods as being the gateway to Lord Shiva.
The uses of beads in prayer dates back as far as the 8th century B.C.E. and were first used in India. As a result of conquest, trade and cultural diffusion, japa mala was adopted by other cultures eventually becoming “Rosarium” or Rosary Beads used by Catholics to count their prayers. The word “jap” in Latin means rose, hence Japa beads became Rosary Beads.
You can purchase japa malas or you can create your own. You can chose from many different materials to make your japa mala. You may be able to recycle old or discarded jewelry or you can purchase new beads. Crystal beads and gemstones are known from having specific energetic effects. For example, the beautiful Rosewood is used to call upon Lord Ganesha, the “remover of obstacles” and the god of writers and academics. Rosewood is also associated with the Divine Mother and is said to improve circulation and offer protection from negative energy. Blue Lapis Lazuli is an ancient stone said to represent the spirit of God. When worn, it is said to bring harmony to relationships, generate mental clarity and release old karmic patterns. It is known for evoking the healing properties of truth, knowledge and wisdom.
To use the japa mala in meditation, one must pick a mantra and set an intention to focus on during meditation. After your yoga practice, find a comfortable place to sit and chose a comfortable seated posture. Hold your japa mala in your right hand, close your eyes, and use your thumb to count each bead. While holding the bead in between the thumb and the middle finger, repeat the mantra. The large guru bead is not counted until the end. If you are using a wrist japa mala (27 beads), you will need to repeat this three times in order to reach 108. The last mantra is said on the guru bead, making it a total of 109. Keep the breath slow and steady, the back straight and the brow soft. Allow the mind to focus on the repetition, let the thoughts slip away, clearing space in the mind. The meditation should be repeated for 40 continuous days. After that time, the japa mala will be infused with the energetic power of your mantra and your set intention.
Select a mantra using your intuition. Choose a mantra that can be used to attract something to you, to receive healing energy, or to remove an obstacle. Om Gum Ganapataye Namaha (Om Gumm Gun-uh-pah-tah-yay Nah-mah-ha) is a mantra that can be used to resolve problems and bring about the unity between our desire and the object of that desire. It translates into, “Om and salutations to Ganesha, the remover of obstacles.” Om Shreem Maha Lakshmiyei Namah (Om shreem mah-hah lahk-shmee-yay swah-hah) is a mantra offered to the Goddess Lakshmi who is known for working with Lord Ganesha. Once your obstacles are removed, the Goddess Lakshmi ushers in abundance, grace and beauty. It translates into “Om and salutations to she who manifests every kind of abundance.” It is known for manifesting money and prosperity of all kinds.
Use the winter months to restore and recharge your body, mind and soul. When the weather outside becomes frightful, use the down time to make your own japa mala. Set an intention. Challenge yourself with 40 days of meditation. Change your life for the better. Gain mindfulness, reduce stress and empower yourself to reach your full potential. Connect to that inner light that shines within us all to illuminate the temple within.
With love and thanks to Jenna DiPaolo of Always-At-Aum Yoga School, Babylon, NY for the inspiration for this blog entry.
Namaste.
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