Mala

I have two malas: one clear quartz, the other green jade.  The crystal one I bought at the Sivananda ashram in Austria. I chose crystal because this is traditionally used for devi (goddess) worship, and I was initiated into a goddess mantra (saraswati). An Indian priest who was staying at the ashram informed me that I couldn’t wear a rudraksha mala because I wasn’t pure enough, and it could be dangerous! He, on the other hand, was a brahmin priest and never frequented pubs, so it wasn’t a problem. (People always seem to think that English people spend all their time in pubs).

I use the the crystal necklace (which was relatively cheap) for japa practice (reciting a mantra with a mala). The jade one (expensive) I use for decoration. I once wore it on a retreat and felt very self-conscious because it was just too ostentatious — spirituality shouldn’t be about material possessions.

I’ve been told that the key to choosing a mala is to go with whatever one you’re drawn to. In Sure Ways  to Self-Realization Swami Satyananda says the most common malas are made from tulsiwood, sandalwood, rudraksha and crystal.

Tulsiwood is a sacred plant (a type of basil) with a strong purifying effect on the emotions and is soothing to mind, says Satyananda. Often devotees of Vishnu use malas made of this as it is believed that tulsi is an incarnation of Lakshmi, the wife of Vishnu.

Sandalwood is believed to have pacifying and protective vibrations. It is also believed to have a cooling affect and is good for people with a pitta (firey) constitution. if your head is cool, you are supposed to meditate better, which is why the best place for meditation, and the dwelling place of the great yogi Shiva,  is said to be the HImalayas.

Rudraksha, the inner seed of a jungle fruit, is said to be be the most powerful mala for japa meditation and is used by devotees of Shiva. Satyananda says Rudraksha is good for the heart, and he recommends it for those with high blood pressure.

Crystal malas are said to have psychic properties. Clear quartz is also a stone associated with Venus in Vedic astrology, so it is also said to promote love and success.

In Tibetan Buddhism, the colours of the malas match the deity whose mantra you are practising, said Khenpo Thubten of the Sakya lineage at a retreat I was on. Bodhi seed is a good general mala for all mantras. Clear crystal is appropriate for mantras relating to purification, such as those of Chenrezig. Yellow-coloured malas are suitable for deities whose mantras emphasise growth and wisdom,  White and Green Tara for example. Red-coloured malas are used for powerful and controlling deities such as Manjusri, while dark-coloured ones are for wrathful ones like Mahakala.