Introduction
Mala denote a “garland
of beads” which is used for counting the mantra repetitions in mediation. It is
also known as Japa Mala and the process of repeating mantra is called “Japa”. A Japa Mala consists of 108 beads plus 1 (for
guru bead) with a knot between the beads. The number 108 has several meanings
and interpretations. For years it has been considered a sacred number in many religions
and in yoga also.
Why Mala has 108 beads
Today I am going to discuss the significance of 108 beads in
a mala. There are many thinkers who have tried to explain the reason for having
108 beads in a mala in different ways and their explanation range from
attributing it to 27 constellations and 4 padas (parts) of each constellation
thus deriving number 108 (27x4) or there are 12 zodiac houses and 9 planets
which guides us to arriving at number 108 (12x9). Some says there are 108
upanishads while some say there are 54 letters in the Sanskrit
alphabet. Each has masculine and feminine, Shiva and Shakti (54x2=108).
For me, 108 beads
represent the entire universe. This is due to the reason that 108 is a multiple
of number 9 and when you total the numbers in 108 it comes to 9 (1+0+8=9). 9 is
a mystic number. The number 108 is derived from number 9. The universe consists
of three factors, time, space and causation. There are three gunas prevalent in
universe known as sattva, rajas and tamas. The
universe is constituted of the three functions - creation, preservation and
destruction. If we total all these components, we come to derivation of 9 which
is also attained when we total all the numbers in 108. Number 9 is a
universal number and signifies completion and salvation. All the multiples of
number 9 add up to 9 when each digit is separately added. This shows yet
another characteristic of Number 9. Number 9 is the number that has the
potential to absorb everything. All vices and good deeds are absorbed in it.
Having
108 beads in mala shows the number of techniques of meditation available with a
devotee. These 108 beads representing techniques of mediation represent an essential
part of the entire universe. Whenever we count these beads, we are remembering the
presence of deity who is the Universal self in every part of the universe and
by each cycle of repetition, we are covering the entire universe through feeling
and touching the presence of deity of the mantra in it. The 109th bead
is knotted to the mala which is known by different names like Sumeru Bead, Meru
Bead or Guru Bead. This bead is never crossed when doing the mantras using
mala. Instead the mala is turned around so that the next round of counting
starts with 108th bead. This bead symbolizes that Master is the
force beyond the universe and is crucial in attaining spiritual objectives of
the student.
If we interpret number
108 from a numerological perspective, number 1 represents Sun which is the
symbolism of start of the day, i.e. birth and number 8 represents Saturn which
is the symbolism of sunset, i.e. death and number 0 is infinity which is the
universal self that does not change with life or birth. The ultimate goal of human life for which we
have attained human body is to come out of this cycle of birth and death. By contemplating
the mantra of our deity through using mala, we try to associate our self with
the universal force which is eternal, unchanging and which can help us in
getting out of this cyclical nature of birth and death.
What
String and Knot of Mala denote?
The string of the mala is
symbolic of whole Universe which is manifested by God. It holds and supports
the beads which show that there is an invisible force that supports or sustains
every part and every being of the universe. The circular arrangement of beads
in the mala is a representation of cyclical nature of universe without an end
or a beginning. In this cyclical nature of birth and death, the universal self
is the only unchanging principle.
If you have seen a
rudraksha or any other mala, you must have noticed that a knot is kept between
the beads. There is a scientific reason for this also. Knot is kept between the
beads to ensure that they should not touch each other so as to avoid the
distraction that may be caused due to frictional sound of bead during meditation.
Knot signifies the divine link present between all beings of this universe. It
reminds us that all of us are strung in the thread of the Universal Self like
the beads are strung by thread in the mala.
Choosing
the right type of Mala and importance of energization of mala
There are many
different types of mala that are used for different deities. For example, for
worshipping Lord Vishnu, use of Tulsi (holy basil) mala is recommended. For Maa
Lakshmi, lotus seed mala/sphatik (crystal) mala is recommended. For worshipping
Maa Durga, Red Sandalwood mala is recommended. For worshipping Lord Shiva,
Rudraksha mala is recommended. In my opinion, Rudraksha mala is best to do
mantra chanting for any deity. An important aspect is that this mala should be
properly energized and then it would enhance its effects many times.
Precautions
for using Mala
There are many people
who use to wear the same mala which they are using for meditation purpose. This
should not be done due to the reason that spiritual energy is stored in the
mala when we chant mantras or meditate using this mala. So if you want to wear
mala also, then you should have one separate mala which is used for wearing
only.
It is also important
that you should not exchange the mala you wear or use for mantras with anyone
else because when you use a mala, a special bonding gets developed between you
and your mala.
It carries your
positive aura and that is why it should not be shared with anyone.
When you are not
using mala, keep it inside a cloth bag at a sacred place to show respect and
gratitude towards the mala as it is going to be a guiding force in your
spiritual journey. You can contact us for getting all types of
energized mala.
http://lalkitabastro.com/articles-and-information.php
Hari Om Tat Sat
