Découvrez la puissance des Malas
Malas, also known as Japa Malas, are sacred tools used in the practice of Buddhism for meditation, recitation of mantras, and worship of deities. These precious prayer beads are much more than just an accessory; they embody the tradition, spirituality, and depth of Buddhist philosophy.
ORIGIN AND MEANING
Malas have their origins in ancient spiritual practices of India, particularly in the teachings of Shakyamuni Buddha.
Traditionally, they were made from natural materials like sandalwood, lotus, reed or semi-precious stones.
Each bead symbolizes a step on the path to enlightenment, and reciting mantras while counting them helps to focus the mind and cultivate positive states of mind.
BENEFITS AND SPIRITUAL MEANING
INNER CALM AND SERENITY
Repeating mantras and meditating with a mala soothes the mind, promoting a sense of calm and inner peace.
FOCUS AND CONCENTRATION
By counting beads while reciting mantras, malas help focus the mind, improve concentration and eliminate distracting thoughts.
SPIRITUAL CONNECTIVITY
Malas are considered tools to connect with deities, Buddhist teachings and universal energy.
PERSONAL SPIRITUAL PRACTICE
They facilitate a personal and deep spiritual practice, allowing each person to find their own path to awakening.
COMPOSITION AND NUMBER OF PEARLS
Traditionally, a Mala is made up of 108 beads, a sacred number in many Asian spiritual traditions. The number 108 is considered sacred for several reasons: it represents the number of human passions, the number of the names of the Buddha, the number of cosmic energies... Malas also include a central bead called a "guru", which symbolizes the spiritual guide or master. Some Malas also include counting beads, used to keep track of the repetitions of Mantras.
USE
Using a Mala is simple yet meaningful. Here’s how to use them in your spiritual practice
Choose a Mantra : Select a mantra that resonates with your intention or spiritual practice. Some popular mantras include “Om Mani Padme Hum” and “Om Namah Shivaya.”
Holding the Mala : Hold the mala in your right hand, starting with the first bead after the guru bead.
Recite the Mantra : Recite the mantra slowly and deliberately while moving your fingers along the beads of the mala. Each bead is counted by reciting the mantra once.
Continue the Cycle : Continue reciting the mantra until you reach the Guru Bead. If you wish to continue, simply turn around and continue in the opposite direction.
Conclude the Practice : Once you have recited the mantra 108 times or have completed your meditation, take a moment to breathe deeply and feel the effects of your practice.
