A mala traditionally includes 108 beads, offset by a larger guru bead, crystal or charm after the 108th bead. Why 108? Below are some examples of the significance of the number. To me, it’s simply magical.

• There are 108 sacred sites, called pithas, in India.

• Vedic culture views 108 as the number of wholeness of existence because there are 108 marmas, or sacred places, in the body. The number one represents solar masculine energy, the zero represents lunar feminine energy, and the eight represents the nature of infinity.

• The Sanskrit alphabet contains 54 letters, with a masculine and a feminine version of each. (54 + 54 = 108)

• There are 27 constellations in our galaxy, and each has four directions. (27 x 4 = 108)

• The distance between the Earth and Sun is 108 times the diameter of the Sun.

• The distance between the Earth and Moon is 108 times the diameter of the Moon.

• Stonehenge is 108 feet in diameter.

The never-ending circle of the mala - always a ringed garland and never a straight strand of beads - emphasizes continuity. The extra guru bead or charm identifies the point of completion of one circuit through the beads, and may also serve as the jumping off point for another journey through the mala.

Mala beads may be worn as a necklace or bracelet. If you choose to wear a traditional 108 bead mala as a bracelet, simply wrap the beads 3 or 4 times around the wrist. Wearing the beads ensures they are available to you wherever you are and whenever you wish to use them. Endeavor to keep them dry, though, to avoid damaging the beads and the cord on which they are strung.

Mantra is another Sanskrit word, where ‘man’ means mind, and ‘tra’ means free from. Thus, a mantra is used to free the mind, and it works through repetition. Mantras may be spoken, chanted, or sung. The number 108 is as relevant here as it was with malas, as mantras are traditionally chanted in cycles of 108 repetitions. This also ties to the Vedic culture referenced in the second bulleted item above as the 108 repetitions correlate to the 108 marmas. Each repetition raises the vibration of a marma until the entire body – the wholeness of existence – is humming at a higher level, aligned and in balance. If using a mantra in conjunction with mala beads you will, by default, incorporate a repetition of 108.

Meditation comes in many styles with different purposes. One definition of meditation says that it is to think deeply or focus the mind for a period of time. Others speak of it as a technique to achieve mental clarity and a state of emotional calm. Yet another purpose is to open the mind for spiritual growth and enlightenment. The definitions and the practices are as varied as the individuals who choose to pursue meditation.

When the focus is placed on a singular action such as the breath or a mantra it is called concentration meditation. Thoughts will come during this practice, but the basic goal is to ignore them. Concentrate on the process, but not on the thought.

Mindfulness is currently a popular form of meditation. The purpose of mindfulness is observation of thoughts as they come and go. Here you do not ignore what passes through the mind. There is absolute awareness of the thought, but it should be without involvement or judgment.

Walking meditation is rather self-explanatory. But rather than heedlessly putting one foot in front of the other, bring awareness to each step. Allow yourself to be fully present and cognizant of the placement of each foot as it settles upon the earth. My preference, weather permitting, is to be barefoot for this practice. The pace of a walking meditation should be slow and steady. While the focus is on the step, the mind is free and clear to ‘hear.’ I often employ this type of meditation walking the labyrinth, and the insights presented have been amazing. Read more

Malas, mantras and meditation may be used alone or in combination. There is no wrong way to do any of these practices. Start small. Experiment. Remember that what feels right in one situation may not be what most suits another circumstance. Use what feels best to you in any given moment. Namaste.