Om Shanti Crafts Mala Beads Stretch Bracelet Black Obsidian & Tiger Stone, Buddhist Prayer Beads, Yoga Bracelets, Wear for Daily Meditation & Spiritual Growth, 6mm Meditation Beads, Unisex

WHAT IS A MALA?
A Mala is string of beads used to keep count while practicing Japa (chanting of a prayer). Many religious practices recite a prayer 27, 54 or 108 times. Accordingly, Malas have 27, 54 or 108 beads with one larger bead known as the Sumeru, or Guru, bead. The Sumeru bead is the start and end point of each set of Japa (recitation).

HOW TO USE A MALA?
A Mala helps one focus on the sound of a mantra rather than on counting. Each bead represents one recitation of a mantra. One starts the practice of Japa with the first bead next to the Sumeru bead and continues around the Mala, pulling each bead through the ring or middle finger toward the heart. When one full rotation of the Mala is completed, one does not cross over the Sumeru bead. Rather, one simply rotates the Mala and continues to recite in the opposite direction. The Sumeru bead is considered to be the goal you wish to achieve in your spiritual practice and, thus, always strive toward.

Japa is practiced in a cross-legged sitting position on the floor. The Mala is held in the right hand above the heart. This position helps prevent one from falling asleep. Some believe the act of chanting a mantra induces energetic vibrations which are stored within the beads of a Mala. Therefore, it is recommended to use a new Mala when starting any new mantra.

HEALING PROPERTIES OF TIGER EYE ARE BELIEVED TO:
-Promote focus, clarity and problem-solving abilities.
-Reduce fear, tension and anxiety.
-Stabilize volatile emotions and mood swings.
-Enhance courage and self-confidence.
-Shield negative energies.

HEALING PROPERTIES OF BLACK OBSIDIAN ARE BELIEVED TO:
-Reduce resentment, fear and anger.
-Disperse selfish intentions and thoughts.
-Remove accumulated negative emotions.
-Aid in letting go of past love.
-Boost self-control.
-Block geopathogenic radiation.

**Crystals are not a substitute for medical attention.