How to Wear and Use Mala Bracelets For Mantra Meditation

There are a lot of people that use mala beads nowadays. Especially, if you have joined a new meditation class or yoga studio, you might see a few people wearing these fancy beads. In fact, the instructor or people around may ask you to buy some for yourself. They are also known as Buddhist and Hindu prayer beads, and you will find people wearing both bracelets and necklaces around in the yoga studios and meditation halls. These mantra beads often come with the intention and goal of helping you with your meditation and other mindfulness practices.

What is a mala bracelet?

Mala beads are a string of beads used as a rosary to count repetitions of mantras and to focus the mind during meditation. They can be used and worn as a mala necklace with 108 beads or as a mala bracelet with 27, 21 or 18 beads. Both mala bracelets and mala necklaces will have an extra bead that is larger and not for counting. This is called the meru or guru bead and is said to store the energy of the meditation beads.

However, in the modern era, Hindu and Buddhist rosaries are not only worn today for meditation purpose. Many people use it only because it adds up a little more bohemian and hippy style to their appearance and is an excellent addition to their yoga wardrobes. The fact that every mala bead bracelet is made with a meaning behind it and many people believe that a gemstone mala comes with specific healing and spiritual effects. To get the maximum benefit from it, you need to learn the rules and how to wear it.

Rules for wearing mala bead bracelets

There are certain traditional restrictions when we talk about wearing and using bracelet mala beads. First of all, they should never touch the ground. It is stated to be as something unethical and an action that will take away the energy and power from your mala beads. In case that you drop them off on the ground by accident, you can use the cleansing techniques to restore their energy.

There are instances when you will have people around you saying that your mala beads should not be touched by anyone else. Well, it is sometimes a little tough ask because they are usually pretty stunning and you simply can’t make it untouchable for everyone. If you do not want your mala beads touched then wear clothing over them or do not wear them in public.

Moreover, there are some other rules that you may come across. However, it all depends on the purpose for which you are wearing the mala beads and whether you believe in its energy or not.

How to wear mala bracelet

According to the tradition, the mala bead bracelet should be worn on the right wrist. Some people even use the necklaces and wrap them around their wrist to gain the feel of the bracelet. But this is not a hard and fast rule that you must wear it on your right hand. It is just a tradition to which we have pointed out for you. If you like, you can put it on your left wrist too.

Using malas in meditation

Sit comfortably with a straight spine and align yourself by breathing deeply for a few moments. For the people that are on a particular mantra, chant it aloud or say it within yourself silently. Start by holding the guru bead with the mala placed in your right hand. Make sure that it is draped between the middle and index finger. Use your thumb to pull small beads towards you while reciting your mantra and counting it. As you reach 108 counts, you will come back at the guru bead. Then, you may end your meditation or keep on counting. However, make sure that you reverse your direction this time.