Mala Stones and Beads

The spiritual qualities of various mala (meditation beads) materials are presented in "Beads" (natural wood, bone) and "Stones" (minerals, gem stones, etc.). In "Malas, etc." are descriptions of some of the common terms used for meditation beads. The last section is a recommended reading list.

Beads

Bodhi Tree Seed: Sacred to Vishnu & Buddhist teachings, to bring focus, clarity, cleansing of the mind during meditation and everyday life.

Bone: Sacred to Kali, Durga & Shiva, Buddhist Teachings. Reminder of impermance, suffering and changes of Life. Constant reminder of Death.

Ebony:Sacred in Christianity, a black hardwood famous for its beauty and durability, used for Fatherhood, embracing light into darkness.

Lotus: Sacred to Laxhmi & Buddhist teachings, awakens and stirs the mind to abundance and connection to the universal truths, awareness and growth.

Rosewood: Sacred to Christianity and the Native Americans, used for connection to the sacred spirits, guides and ancestors.

Rudraksha: Sacred to Shiva, Durga and Kali, transforms everyday mundane activities into higher purposes & spiritual realms, good for ending relationships, habits and thoughtforms. Enhances the power of mantras and prayers. The smaller the bead, the more expensive it is.

Sandalwood: Sacred to Ganesha, good  for removing obstacles and creating opportunities, bringing sacred activities into your life. General purpose fragrant wood that can be used for any spiritual discipline.

Teak: Used by students and teachers, enhances clarity, learning, concentration, study & focus/memory.

Tulsi: Sacred to all Goddesses & Rama or Krishna (manifestations of the god Vishnu).Connection to the feminine energies of Motherhood, healing, abundance, growth and to the Earth.

Stones

Amethyst: The stone of peace, relieves stress and protects against harm/poisons and can be an aid in overcoming addictions. A wisdom stone and helps in meditative practice. Planets: Jupiter and Neptune. Element: Water.  Energy: Receptive.

Aventurine: Promotes success, wealth and prosperity, increases mental power. Planet: Mercury. Element: Air.  Energy: Projective.

Carnelian: Promotes peace and harmony, dispels depression and increases patience, confers eloquence and bolsters courage. Planet: Sun.  Element: Fire.  Energy: Projective.

Citrine: Increases 2^nd and 3^rd chakra’s, sexuality and bodily energy, an aid against nightmares. Planet: Sun.  Element: Fire.   Energy: Projective.

Clear Quartz: Good for programing, clear thinking and meditation, Planets: Sun & Moo. Elements: Fire & Water.  Energy: Receptive/Project.

Garnet: Enhances bodily strength and endurance, gives extra vigor. Repels negative energies. Planet: Mars.  Element: Fire.  Energy: projective.

Hematite: Draws illness and toxins from body, grounding and focus attention. Planet: Saturn.  Element: Fire.  Energy: Projective.

Moonstone: Connection to the Goddess and emotions. Travelers protective stone. Planet: Moon.  Element: Water.  Energy: Receptive.

Planetary Stones (Navaratna): Nine stones for the nine planets, used for releasing/moving  Karma.

Rose Quartz: Powerful healing of body and spirit, psychic and intellect raising stone. Stimulates love and opens heart chakra. Promotes peace, love and happiness. Planet: Moon.  Element: Water.Energy: Receptive.

Tiger’s Eye: Protective, increases courage and confidence, gives strength and increases energy flow. Planet: Sun.  Element: Fire.   Energy: Project.

Malas, etc.

Japa:   Special recitation and count of a set number of prayers or mantras for a set spiritual or everyday purpose.

Japa Hand Malas:Have the bead count of 27 plus Guru Bead, worn on either wrist (left for internal applications or right for external), can be used for prayers, recitation/count of mantras, or just as a reminder of spirituality.

Japa Full Malas: Have the bead count of 108, and are worn around the neck or on the wrist, used for Prayer, Recitation /Count of Mantras.

Mantras: Sacred sounds said aloud or quietly in the mind, that bring in spirituality, changes,healing, awareness or other effects.

Guru or Mount Meru Bead: The Large bead included in the Mala, that represents the  teacher/Guru or the center of the Earth/Mount Meru, when using the Mala, this bead is not crossed (it stores the mantras or prayers being used) and the opposite direction is used.

Counters: Usually made in gold or silver, comes in sets of two, used for the counting of prayers or mantras.

Mala Bags: Traditionally made of silk, used to store Malas and helps contain their energies.

Restringing: Restring is strongly recommended for all full mala’s and can be done at: Contempo Collection, 7985 Santa Monica Blvd, Suite 103, Los Angeles, Phone: 323-936-3274.

Recommended Reading:

Healing Mantrasby Thomas Ashley-Farrand

The Book of Buddhasby Eva Rudy Jansen

The Book of Hindu Imageryby Eva Rudy Jansen

Crystal Enchantmentsby D.J.Conway

Complied by Mario Cisneros, Gift Department, Bodhi Tree Bookstore

REF:        e:\publish\Mala Stones and Beads

REV:       12/12/05