The Healing Power of Crystals
Mother Earth has so much beauty to offer mankind. From her majestic rivers, oceans, and lakes, to her expansive forests and mountains. When we dig deeper into the Earth, we can discover something truly special; minerals, metals, and crystals with powerful energetic frequencies. Healing colours, vibrations, with each different minerals and crystals have their own special resonance.
For thousands of years, ancient cultures have worn gemstones and precious metals, using them in meditation, in sacred rituals or simply wearing them as ornate pieces of jewellery. Ancient cultures believed the different gemstones found within the earth and metals such as gold and silver, had profound healing properties and talismanic power. In today’s society, this belief lives on. Buddhists will place crystals on their sacred altars and wear mala beads embellished with gemstones during prayer. Although the power of crystals is a metaphysical belief without current scientific proof, it is difficult for anyone to doubt the awe-inspiring beauty of Mother Earth’s sparkling creations.
History of Mala
It is believed that malas appeared around the 8th century BC in India during Buddhist and Hindu ceremonial meditations called Japa, meaning repetition. Mala is a Sanskrit word meaning garland. A traditional mala consists of 108 beads plus one ‘Guru bead.” The mala is used to count the mantra (prayer) during meditation. A guru bead indicates the beginning and endpoint of the prayer beads. It is known to symbolize the bond between guru and disciple. The tassel on a mala has many significances but one of them is a representation of the lotus flower, a symbol of the higher consciousness.
Significance of 108
Our mala collection reflects the traditional mala bead count of 108. The numbers 108 hold special significance in many spiritual traditions. It is believed to be in ways, a secret code. There are many beliefs about its true interpretation. Some believe the number 108 represents wholeness and completion. It is also believed that there are 108 energy lines connected to the heart chakra. Buddhists believe that the road to Nirvana is laden with exactly 108 temptations. So, every Buddhist must overcome 108 earthly temptations to attain Nirvana.
108 also connects the Sun and the Moon to Earth. The Sun is 108 times the diameter of Earth. In addition, the average distance of the Sun and the Moon to Earth is 108 their respective diameters which is why Vedic mathematicians connected the number to the cosmic order.
The Sanskrit alphabet Devanagari has 54 letters. Each letter has both Shiva (masculine) and Shakti (feminine) energy. So when we multiply 54 by 2 is 108.
There are also 108 Upanishads and Pithas. Pithas are sacred sites considered to be the seats of the goddess and associated with her different parts of her body.
No matter its spiritual meaning, in all interpretations, this cosmic number seems to reflect the wholeness of our existence and a reminder of the interconnectedness of our universe.
Finding the Right Mala
When choosing a mala, always use your intuition and feel which one you are most drawn to. Your intuition will find the one whose energy you need at the present moment. Be open to receiving guidance from your higher wisdom.
Malas can make a very special gift for a friend. When choosing, follow the same method by using your intuition. Let it guide you to the perfect gift.
It is possible that during a new phase of your life you may need to acquire a new mala with a different vibration. Always trust your intuition.
If in doubt, get in touch with us and we can recommend one of our malas.
Using Your Mala
Once you have chosen your mala, it can be used to count repetitions of mantras or affirmations during meditation. To begin, find a comfortable seated position and take several deep breaths. Hold your mala in your right hand and let the tassel face towards you. Position the guru bead at your thumb. Focusing on your prayer, mantra, or affirmation, and begin your chant.
Use your thumb and middle finger to pull each bead towards you, one by one. One bead counts one chant. Make your way around the mala until you reach the guru bead. Then begin to count in the opposite direction, don’t pass the guru bead. As your Mala is a sacred and actual daily representation and a reminder of your own inner intentions and prayers you might like to use some shawl or special cloth on the ground so your Mala will not touch the ground while meditating.
Rudraksha
Rudraksha are often used for Japa mala meditation due to the powerful healing and protective qualities of the seed. Rudraksha is the seed of the Elaeocarpus ganitrus tree. According to ancient Vedic scriptures, the seeds were formed from the tears of Lord Shiva. In Sanskrit Aksha (tears) and Rudra (one of the names of Lord Shiva ). In Rigveda Rudra is described as mightiest of the mighty. It represents the path to liberation. The seeds are known to guard against all negative vibrations and bring a sense of peace to the wearer. They will absorb and store the positive energy from prayer, mantras, and chants, so over time, your mala will be an even more powerful protective tool. As Lord Shiva is considered to be the creator of Rudraksha it is a symbol of fearlessness and spirituality. For all of these reasons, the rudraksha mala is favoured by monks, sages, yogis, and mystics across the world.
