Informative

How to choose Japa Mala (Chanting) Beads?

Meditation and Mantra chanting are like exercise. Just like consistent workout makes your body stronger, Mantra chanting makes your mind stronger. May it be Mantra chanting or exercise, repetition is the key to perfection. The process of repeating the Mantra over and over again is called Japa or Mantra Chanting. It is known to reduce stress, blood pressure, negative thoughts, enhance positivity, improve mood, build more grit, and a resilient mind. Beej Mantras have ancient energies, cultivating the divine power, aiding you in the path of spirituality.

Even though all you need for a Mantra Chanting is a powerful mantra, the Mala Beads or rosary, given by your Guru, helps you keep track of the count. It is believed that Mantra changes the frequencies of the surrounding objects, and Japa Malas store these energy vibrations. Hence, it becomes vitally important to choose your Mala beads very carefully before beginning a Sadhana. In this blog, we are going to discuss how to choose Mala Beads, suitable for your intentions and goals. 

Choosing the Beads

Many factors should be taken into account before one chooses the Beads Mala, that we will be mentioning below. You do not necessarily have to follow all of them, but you can use these tips as general guidelines before selecting one. 

Before selecting the Mala beads, you have to ask yourself:

What am I going to do with this Mala? What am I trying to manifest?

Am I naturally drawn towards certain gems or beads that can be used as Malas?

How long should the Mala be? Is it for wearing on my neck or my wrist?
In between every mala bead, it may have a simple thread knot, or a smaller sized and different kinds of beads. How does it feel, while sliding after each mantra? 

What is my Guru’s suggestion?

Answering these questions will help you select the Japa Mala beads. Mentioned below are the factors people consider before buying their Japa Mala.

Chakras

If your goal is chakra activation, cleanse, or balance, it is advised to follow the colors of the chakras you are concentrating on while chanting.

Root chakra: red is Muladhara or root chakra, representing the basic needs of food, clothing, and shelter. The color red represents warmth, energy, and strength. So, using the red-colored gemstones in the beads directly affects your Muladhara chakra.

Recommended Mala Stones: Red zincite, onyx, smoky quartz, garnet, red jasper, and tiger’s eye.

Sacral chakra: orange is the color of Sacral or Svadhishthana chakra, which rules over the sense of abundance, well-being, pleasures, and sexuality. Balancing the Svadhishthana chakra brings health and great self-control to progress further in spirituality. Using the orange-colored gemstones as Mala beads help in balancing the sacral chakra. 

Recommended Mala Stones: carnelian, orange zincite, orange jasper, and fire opal.

Solar plexus chakra: yellow is the color of the solar plexus or Nabhi chakra, and it governs self-worth, confidence, ambition, and esteem. Balancing the Nabhi chakra brings out focus, decision-making abilities, spiritual growth, and high self-confidence. Using the yellow shaded gemstones for Mala beads helps in balancing this chakra.

Recommended Mala Stones: amber, calcite, topaz, citrine, yellow jasper, yellow sapphire, etc.

Heart chakra: Located at the center of our chest, the heart chakra is usually related to the color green. Cleansing and balancing the heart of the Hridaya chakra creates unconditional love, compassion, kindness, joy, and inner peace. Green-colored gemstones are considered helpful when it comes to chanting the mantras, related to activation and balancing the heart chakra.

Recommended Mala stones:   green aventurine, moonstone, jade, malachite, tourmaline, and rose quartz.

Throat chakra: throat chakra, or Vishuddhi chakra, governs the higher intellectual abilities like cognitive intelligence, speaking, and insight, and it is depicted with the color blue. While an imbalanced throat chakra brings criticism, dishonesty, stammering, and poor communication cleansed and well-balanced chakra invites qualities like open communication, speaking the truth, and confidence.

Recommended Mala stones: turquoise, aquamarine, blue lace agate, and blue calcite.

Third eye chakra: represented with the color indigo blue, third eye or Agya chakra is all about spiritual awareness, clarity, insights, and completing the resolutions. 

Recommended Mala stones: sodalite, lapis, and luzi sugilite.

Crown chakra: also known as Sahasrara chakra, which is located at the top of the head, this highest chakra is represented with the color purple. Balancing this chakra brings our pure transcendence towards the divine, along with free thoughts and a complete physical and emotional balance. 

Recommended Mala stones: white calcite, howlite, clear quartz, and amethyst.

Zodiac signs and Malas:

Different gemstones are associated with the birth charts, correlating these stones’ energetic properties with the personalities. Astrological stones, birthstones, or gemstones help you harmonize with the vibrations of the universe, revealing things that were out of reach to you previously. The energy of these stones and crystals aid us in the emotional, physical, and spiritual transformation. An expert Vedic astrologer will be able to guide you in this matter of choosing the Mala beads based on your zodiac signs and birth chart.

Intuition:

Everyone has intuition. Everyone inclines to certain things. Instinct is a compass of the soul, guiding us from time to time to make a way through life. While selecting your Mala, intuition plays a significant role in it. Call it a sixth sense or a hunch, but when you find yourself stuck in between choosing from hundreds of Malas, intuition will help you in the selection process. Just close your eyes, clear your mind, take a few deep breaths and try to feel the sensation of each Mala in your hand. You will get to know when you will hold the right one in your hand.   

Japa Malas have a trendy look and soothing touch, but they are much more than a trendy jewelry necklace. If chosen correctly, Malas will act as a powerful tool helping and guiding you in your mindfulness practices. But before you go out shopping for a Mantra Japa Mala, you need to do some soul searching. It’s an exciting process in your spiritual journey, fulfilling the Sankalp, healing, and enhancing the meditation practice.

Please remember, the Japa Mala doesn’t necessarily have to be made up with expensive gemstones or rare Rudrakshas. You have to choose what feels correct for you.

We hope you have understood how to choose the beads for your Mantra chanting Mala. If you still need help choosing one, please write to us at info@ChamundaSwamiJi.com. We would love to help you, finding a correct mala based upon your unique spirituality, personality, birth chart, and experiences.