Malas And Materials
When using a mala (a rosary), count with the thumb and middle finger or ring finger of the right hand (not the index or little finger). The mala should not touch the floor. The current produced from the mantra can be lost if it touches the floor. Hold the mala up and repeat the mantra mentally or aloud. For more energy, you may hold mala at the navel or solar plexus in the morning, at the heart in the afternoon, and at the third eye in the evening . (The last is difficult and is not necessary unless specifically suggested for you).
A mala generally has 108 beads (totaling the cosmic number 9 when the three digits are added together). This number is suitable for all purposes. We also use malas of 54 or 27 beads. Other number may also be used for specific purposes.
Without a mala, a beautiful system of japa uses visualization in the lotus of the heart. Visualize the eight- petalled lotus in the heart center. Imagine 12 bright golden dots in each petal and 12 dots in the center of the lotus. Repeat the mantra for each dot. This adds up to 108 times.
Malas are made of gemstones, metals, seeds or wood which are directly related to the rays of the planets and their corresponding colors. The guru can recommend the proper mala for a particular mental or physical condition, or for a particular mantra, considering the astrological aspects, color science and the objective of the japa.
Malas and Their Effects:
Gold : Sun energy
Silver : Moon energy; emotions, alleviates restlessness, peace, love
Ruby : Sun energy; navel, circulation, digestion, sushumna
Pearl : Moon; emotions, peace, harmony
Coral : Mars; purification of mind and blood, wealth, health
Emerald : Mercury; fixed thoughts, wisdom, strength, boldness, life force
Diamond : Venus; general beauty, worldly attainments, wealth, health and love
Sapphire : Satrun; wisdom, intellect, life force
Onyx : North and south nodes; removal of bad luck and karmic problems
Cat's Eye : North and south nodes; protecting from evil eye
Amethyst : Saturn; good for right eyes trouble, use instead of Sapphire as it gives the same effects.
Amber : Jupiter; stomach, liver, kidneys, disinfectant
Turquoise : Saturn; prana, removal of fears, heart trouble, circulation
Moonstone : Moon; can be used instead of Pearl as it gives the same effects.
Jade : Mercury; heart, respiration, harmony, prana
Topaz : Jupiter; wisdom, discipline, sushumns
Sandalwood : general goods purposes and Tulsi
Rudraksha : Sun and Saturn; worldly or spiritual benefits
Lipis Lazuli : Saturn; healing, circulation, skin, eye problems, depression
Quartz : Moon and Venus; emotions, peace, intellect, love Crystal.
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Source : From Song And The Soul, By Acharya Sushil Muni
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Mail to : Ahimsa Foundation
www.jainsamaj.org
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