Yoga Necklaces: Meaningful Meditation Beads

Yoga necklaces or meditation beads are known as 'mala' beads. They are a type of prayer bead that has been used for centuries by a range of religions, from Hinduism to Catholicism. Today, they are used as a mindfulness aid without any religious affiliation. Mala necklaces are usually made up of 108 beads, with a larger 'guru' bead in the centre, which is said to hold the energy generated during your practice. The beads are often made from stones, crystals, sandalwood, or rudraksha beads, and are believed to carry certain energies. They can be used to enhance spiritual practice and guide meditation by helping to keep the mind focused.

Yoga necklaces are also known as 'mala' or 'japa mala' beads

Yoga necklaces are also known as mala or japa mala beads. They are commonly used to enhance spiritual practice and have been around for thousands of years, created in India over 3,000 years ago. Rooted in Hinduism and Buddhism, they are meant to help you focus your mind during meditation.

Mala necklaces are strands of 109 beads—typically stones, crystals, sandalwood, or rudraksha beads that carry certain energy. They are traditionally used during japa meditation, where a mantra is quietly repeated 108 times. The beads help the practitioner keep track of their place as they move through a meditation practice. The 109th bead is used to give gratitude to teachers and important people in your life.

Mala beads are commonly made from seeds, precious or semiprecious stones, wood, or other materials. They are used to promote calm and relaxation, so it is important to choose beads that feel good to you.

Mala beads can be worn as necklaces or bracelets throughout the day to help manifest the power of the stone. They can also be placed at the top of your yoga mat as a reminder of the intention you are trying to manifest as you move through your practice.

They are used as a mindfulness aid to enhance spiritual practice

Yoga necklaces and meditation beads, also known as mala beads, are used as a mindfulness aid to enhance spiritual practice. They are a type of prayer beads that have been used for centuries by a range of religions, from Hinduism to Catholicism. Today, they are used by people with or without any religious affiliation to enhance their meditation and yoga practice.

Mala beads are commonly known as a japa mala or simply a mala and are often made into necklaces or bracelets. They traditionally include 108 beads, which is a sacred number in Hinduism and Buddhism, in addition to a guru bead, which is larger than the rest of the beads and often has a tassel. The guru bead is said to hold the energy generated during your practice.

Mala beads can be used in a variety of ways, but breath control and mantra repetition are two common techniques. For breath control, you hold the mala with one hand and drape it across your fingers, moving it easily by placing two fingers around one of the beads next to the guru bead. Then, you complete one full breath (inhale and exhale) and move your fingers to the next bead, breathing in and out once per bead. You finish at the guru bead to complete 108 breaths.

For mantra repetition, you follow the same process as breath control but instead of exhaling and inhaling at each bead, you repeat your mantra. A mantra is a phrase, word, or sound that helps focus your awareness during meditation, such as "Om". You can also create your own mantra that feels reassuring or calming, such as "I am calm" or "I am safe".

Using mala beads in these ways can help increase concentration, improve sleep, lower blood pressure, and promote a more beneficial meditation experience. They are a powerful tool that can guide and enhance mindfulness practices.

They have been used for centuries by a range of religions, from Hinduism to Catholicism

Yoga necklaces or meditation beads, also known as mala beads, are a type of prayer and meditation beads. They have been used for centuries by a range of religions, from Hinduism to Catholicism.

Mala is a Sanskrit word meaning "garland" and is used to enhance spiritual practice. The practice of using malas is rooted in Hinduism and Buddhism and was created in India over 3,000 years ago. The necklaces usually consist of 108 beads, with a larger "guru" bead in the centre, which is said to hold the energy generated during the wearer's practice. The number 108 is considered sacred in Hinduism and Buddhism, with each religion ascribing symbolic significance to the digits.

In Hinduism, the number 1 is said to stand for God, the universe, or an individual's highest truth; 0 stands for emptiness and humility; and 8 stands for infinity and timelessness. The guru bead is considered sacred and is not crossed over during meditation, with practitioners instead reversing direction after moving through the 108 beads.

In Buddhism, the 108 beads can be used to count mantras or chants as practitioners advance through each bead. The act of moving the beads through the fingers is calming, and the beads are often used to help with anxiety. Buddhist practitioners may also wear the mala around their neck or wrist as a physical reminder of their intentions and spiritual state.

In addition to Hinduism and Buddhism, yoga necklaces and meditation beads have been used in Catholicism and Sikhism. Today, they are also used by those with no religious affiliation as a mindfulness aid, especially in yoga or meditation practices.

They are made from a variety of materials, including stones, crystals, sandalwood, rudraksha beads, seeds, precious or semi-precious stones, and wood

Yoga necklaces and meditation beads, also known as japa mala or simply mala, are a type of prayer beads. They are commonly made from a variety of materials, including:

Stones

Natural stones are often used to make yoga necklaces and meditation beads. These can include semi-precious gemstones, such as jade, amethyst, rose quartz, and agate, as well as healing crystals. The stones are believed to have spiritual healing properties and are meant to help with focus and relaxation during meditation.

Crystals

Crystals, such as quartz and amethyst, are also used in yoga jewellery. They are believed to have healing properties and are associated with different chakras, or energy points in the body.

Sandalwood

Sandalwood is a popular choice for yoga necklaces and meditation beads. It is a fragrant wood that is believed to have spiritual and grounding properties. Sandalwood beads are often used for japa meditation, which involves counting each bead per mantra.

Rudraksha beads

Rudraksha beads are seeds that are commonly used in yoga jewellery. They are believed to have spiritual and healing properties and are said to increase immunity, energy, and stamina.

Seeds

Seeds, such as lotus seeds and bodhi seeds, are also used to make yoga necklaces and meditation beads. They are simple and natural materials that are associated with detachment from material and mental possessions.

Precious or semi-precious stones

Precious and semi-precious stones, such as pearls and moonstone, are sometimes used in yoga jewellery. They are believed to have spiritual and healing properties and are associated with different chakras.

Wood

Wood, particularly sacred wood from India, is a traditional material for yoga necklaces and meditation beads. It is a simple and natural material that is meant to remind the user of detachment from the physical and mental senses of the world.

The variety of materials used to make yoga necklaces and meditation beads allows individuals to choose beads that align with their personal beliefs and practices. These beads are used as tools to enhance spiritual and mindfulness practices, providing a sense of calm and focus during meditation and yoga.

They can be worn as a reminder of your intentions

Yoga necklaces or meditation beads, also known as malas, are more than just jewellery. They are powerful tools that can help guide and enhance mindfulness practices. They can be worn as a reminder of your intentions.

Malas are strands of 108 beads, with a 109th "guru" bead in the centre, which is said to hold the energy generated during your practice. The number 108 is considered sacred in the yoga practice, with 108 energy lines converging to form the heart chakra, 108 goddess names, and the diameter of the sun being 108 times the diameter of the earth.

When choosing a mala, trust your intuition and let the power and energy of the stones guide you to the right one for you. The different types of stones used in malas are said to have different properties, energies, and meanings. For example, jasper is considered the supreme nurturer and a protector from life's negativities, while turquoise is a stone of healing and purification.

Wearing a mala as a necklace or bracelet throughout the day helps you manifest the power of the stone. It is recommended to wear a new mala for 40 days to form a connection with it. Every morning, associate yourself with the energy and aura of the beads so you feel their protection, confidence, and strength throughout the day.

Meditation with mala beads can help focus your mind and breath as you move through your practice. The act of rolling the beads between your fingers is a physical reminder of your intentions, prompting you to return to your breathing and refocus your attention.

Frequently asked questions