MEDITATION, MANTRAS & 108 BEADS..
HOW TO MEDITATE WITH A MALA..
A mala is more than just a beautiful strand of beads. For centuries, malas have been used as a meditation tool to help calm the mind, focus attention, and cultivate positive intentions.
To meditate with a mala, begin by sitting comfortably and choosing a mantra, affirmation, or simple word that resonates with you. Hold the mala in your right hand and start at the bead next to the guru bead (the larger focal bead). With each repetition of your mantra, gently move to the next bead using your thumb. Continue around the mala until you reach the guru bead again.
The repetitive movement of the beads combined with the mantra gives the mind something to focus on, making meditation easier and helping to reduce distractions. Many people find that using a mala creates a deeper sense of presence and connection than meditation alone.
One of the most beautiful aspects of mala meditation is its simplicity. Whether your intention is peace, gratitude, self-love, abundance, or spiritual growth, the mala becomes a tangible reminder of what matters most to you.
With regular practice, mala meditation can help reduce stress, increase mindfulness, improve concentration, and create a greater sense of inner calm. In a busy world, it offers a simple yet powerful way to return to yourself, one bead at a time.
WHY 108 BEADS?
One of the most distinctive features of a traditional mala is its 108 beads. While the exact origins of this sacred number vary across spiritual traditions, it has long been regarded as a number of wholeness, wisdom, and spiritual connection.
In yoga and meditation traditions, 108 is considered a sacred number that appears throughout nature, astronomy, and ancient teachings. Some believe it represents the 108 energy lines, or nadis, that converge at the heart centre. Others associate it with the 108 sacred texts of Hinduism or the 108 earthly desires that meditation helps us transcend.
From a practical perspective, 108 repetitions of a mantra create enough time for the mind to settle and move into a deeper state of meditation. The rhythm of moving through each bead encourages focus, presence, and mindfulness.
Whether you connect with its spiritual symbolism or simply appreciate the ritual, the 108 beads of a mala serve as a powerful reminder to slow down, breathe, and return to your intention—one bead at a time.
MANTRAS
Here are some simple and powerful mantras that work beautifully with a mala meditation practice:
So Hum
Meaning: I am That (I am connected to the universe). A calming breath-based mantra often used in meditation.
Om Namah Shivaya
Meaning: I bow to the divine within. One of the most traditional and widely practiced Sanskrit mantras.
Om Mani Padme Hum
Meaning: The jewel is in the lotus. A mantra of compassion and wisdom.
Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu
Meaning: May all beings everywhere be happy and free.
Om Shanti Shanti Shanti
Meaning: Peace, peace, peace. Ideal for cultivating inner calm and harmony.
I Am Peace
A simple affirmation mantra that helps quiet the mind and bring awareness to the present moment.
I Trust the Journey
A supportive mantra for times of change, uncertainty, or personal growth.
Love Flows Through Me
A heart-centred mantra that encourages compassion, connection, and openness.
I Am Enough
A gentle affirmation for self-acceptance and self-worth.
Thank You
A powerful gratitude practice that can transform your mindset and focus.
