Japa 101: How to use your mala beads

By Lana Sugarman, 889 Yoga Teacher

If you are currently exploring a meditation practice or are feeling unsure how to approach one, japa meditation can be a wonderful tool. The word japa often translates as ‘repetition of the name of the Divine’. It usually involves repeating a short mantra, sanskrit or otherwise, out loud or in the mind.

This is where our mala come in! You may already have one, or have seen the beautiful pieces in the 889 Boutique made by tinydevotions. Every mala has 108 beads as well as a Guru bead, often decorated with a tassel or jewel. It is your home base, letting you know your cycle of 108 mantras is completed, and if you choose you can do another round in the opposite direction. In my practice when my fingers reach the Guru bead I take a moment to acknowledge and thank all of my teachers.

A note on the word Guru- if you ever feel uncomfortable using this word, this translation can be helpful:

Gu- darkness/ignorance (or avidya)

Ru- that which removes

So a guru is simply someone who removes any darkness that obscures truth and beauty in your life. This can be a yoga teacher or a friend, child, stranger, family member….

There are many options when it comes to choosing words or phrases to repeat. I will offer three traditional mantras but you are welcome to use something that resonates with you. Perhaps simply ‘Let. Go.’

One translation of the word mantra:

Man- mind or thinking instrument

Tra- to cross over/bridge

A mantra can be thought of as a mind protector, a tool used to direct the mind or distract from troubling thoughts. The beauty of repeating the sanskrit is that the language is ancient and these words have been chanting by countless other yogis and seekers over thousands of years. The sound vibration created when you speak them aloud can be incredibly powerful and healing.

Om Gam Ganapataye Namaha

This is a mantra invoking Ganesha, the elephant headed deity. This is a great chant when you are beginning something new in your life. He is said to be the remover of obstacles and the gatekeeper to the door of our limitless potential.

Om Shri Maha Lakshmyai Namaha

Lakshmi is an aspect of the Divine Feminine energy. She provides abundance and prosperity in all forms- material and spiritual. A good one to repeat to cultivate generosity, and giving without expectation.

Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu

Very much a blessing or prayer. ‘May all beings everywhere be happy and free.’ My teachers add: ‘And my the thoughts, words, and action of our own lives contribute in some way to that happiness and to that freedom for all.’

These mantras can be repeated silently in your mind at any point during your day, with or without a mala. A crowded subway is a great place to try it out. Chant while you cook, walk, or are deep in a yin hip opener and see how it affects you. If you are a lover of words or music it may be a very helpful practice.

To learn how to hold the mala, pronounce the mantras, and put it all together, feel free to come and ask me in class or join me for our Kirtan, where we will learn some of the mantras on Friday November 25th at 889 Yonge at 7:30pm

In gratitude,

Lana

**Also, a note of acknowledgement to my teachers David Life and Sharon Gannon- many of these translations and concepts can be found in the Jivamukti Yoga book,a copy of which we have in our tea garden library at 889 Yonge.**