How to use Japamala? ► Follow 6 simple steps

The Japamala is a series of beads used to count mantras, which are Sanskrit prayers, in sets of 108 repetitions. It can be used both for meditation and in order to receive its healing powers.

It is a spiritual tool in virtually every cultural and religious tradition. In this article, we will teach you how to use japamala for meditation in 6 simple steps. Check out!

How to use Japamala in meditation?

The practice of chanting a mantra while wearing mala beads is called japa meditation. This style of meditation is often used in the spiritual traditions of yoga and Buddhism.

Japa meditation is usually performed in a sitting position, but it can also be done standing or walking.

The mantra is repeated silently or aloud and can be repeated as slowly or as quickly as necessary to maintain focused attention.

It is recommended to practice japa meditation at least once a dayduring 10 minutesin order to enjoy its benefits.

6 simple steps to meditation with Japamala

Step 1 – Find a comfortable but well-aligned position for meditation

Traditionally, meditation is done with the person sitting on the floor. Pillows or folded blankets can be used to keep your back and buttocks comfortable.

If you are sitting in a chair, keep your feet flat on the floor and keep your spine straight. Do not lean against the back of the chair if possible. Keep your shoulders relaxed and your heart open.

Step 2 – Close your eyes or maintain a soft gaze

During japa meditation, the eyes can remain open, with a gentle gaze, or they can be gently closed. This helps to attract your attention and focus inward.

Try to minimize all outside distractions. A quiet, dimly lit room will be best for meditation.

Step 3 – Breathing should be slow, deep and relaxed

Breathe in slowly through your nose. Use diaphragmatic breathing during meditation – feel your belly expand outward with each inhalation and contract with the exhalation.

Step 4 – Hold your Japamala in your right hand and use your thumb to count each mantra

For japa meditation, one needs to hold the japamala with the right hand because in India the left hand is considered impure.

With your thumb, you count the mantras you have chanted. With each recitation, lightly pull the bead towards you as you complete the mantra to move on to the next bead.

The index finger must be away from the hand and must not touch the Japamala or be used for counting.

The great meru (mountain) or guru (teacher) should not be counted or touched by the thumb. It is used as a marker for the start and end point of the recitation.

Step 5 – Keep pulling the beads with each mantra until you end up in the guru

By the time you get to the guru, you will have completed 108 repetitions. You can continue the practice by chanting multiples of 108 mantras.

If you have a 27-bead wrist japamala, you will need to repeat the mantras 3 more times.

Step 6 – Keep your mind focused on the mantra and focus on the sensation of the thumb touching the Japamala bead

When thoughts arise, shift your focus back to the mantra and Japamala.

Experiment with different rhythms of chanting the mantra so that you can find the rhythm that is best able to focus your attention.

Some yogic and Buddhist traditions synchronize breathing with chanting to help focus the mind even more.

Japamala mantras – choosing one

In order for you to know how to pray a Japamala, you must first choose a mantra. A mantra is a word or series of words chanted aloud or silently to invoke spiritual qualities.

In yoga, a mantra is a Sanskrit word that has special powers to transform consciousness, promote healing, or fulfill desires.

A mantra is given to you by a teacher or chosen by yourself. When selecting a mantra, be clear about what your intention is and use your intuition over your intellect.

You can try each mantra for a few repetitions to see how it feels and choose the one that suits you best.

Empowering Japamala and Mantra

To empower Japamala and the mantra used, japa meditation must be practiced every day for 40 continuous days.

When the Japamala becomes powerful, it can be used or lightly placed on oneself or others to convey the energy of the mantra as well as the energetic qualities of the Japamala.

It can also be worn around the neck before being prayed for, but it won’t have a strong amount of energy yet.

When you use a new mantra with a Japamala, the cord energy is replaced. Therefore, it is recommended to use a different Japamala for each mantra.

How to use Japamala?

There are three different ways to use Japamala:

1. Wear a Japamala necklace around your neck. This is the most common way to use suitcase beads. You can have the guru or meru close to your heart or you can wear it in the opposite way, with the guru or meru at the back of your neck.
2. Wrap a Japamala necklace around your wrist. You will need to wrap your full Japamala around 3-4 times to fit your wrist. Not all Japamala works as it depends on the length of the Japamala. However, winding a Japamala is not recommended as it will put tension on the thread and shorten the life of the cord.
3. Wear a bracelet japamala around your wrist. This is the only option for Wrist Japamalas. If you find that the tassel is getting in the way of your daily activities, you can flip the Japamala during these activities or use sharp scissors to cut the tassel.

It is important to note that when Japamala beads are displayed out to people and the environment, the power of the beads can be diminished.

So, it is recommended to wear your meditation beads inside your clothes if possible.

How to store your Japamala

When not in use, store your Japamala in a special, clean and preferably sacred space.

A great place to store a Japamala is in a personal altar or statue of a deity.