Many of the clients I see in my Vedic astrology practice have little to no background in any of the Vedic sciences or spiritual paths. This means they don’t usually have experience with mantra chanting, which can feel quite intimidating at first.
I get it.
This was also me three and a half years ago when I first got into Jyotish. In the meantime, my mantra practice has brought an incredible sense of well-being and many blessings into my life. Yes, it does take some getting used to, but the more you work with mantras, the easier it becomes.
To help anyone new to mantra, I’m going to write a two part series on what you need to make your mantra practice more approachable. If you’re an absolute mantra greenhorn, read this post first.
Japa and mala – say what?
Two words that confused me when I first started studying Jyotish were japa and mala. Many of my fellow students had a background in yoga and/or Ayurveda, and they used both words as though they were the most natural thing in the world – which certainly wasn’t true for me at the time.
If these words are also new to you, here’s what they mean:
"Japa" typically refers to the meditative repetition of a mantra or a divine name. It's a practice common in Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism, as well as other spiritual traditions. In Sanskrit, "japa" literally means "muttering" or "mumbling," but in the context of spiritual practice, it refers to the repetition of a sacred sound, word, or phrase as a form of meditation.
"Mala" refers to a string of prayer beads used in various spiritual practices, particularly in Hinduism and Buddhism. The word "mala" originates from the Sanskrit language, where it means "garland" or "necklace." Malas typically consist of 108 beads, although variations with different numbers of beads are also used. The beads are often made from materials such as wood, seeds, or gemstones and are strung together on a thread or string.
What are malas used for?
Malas are used for counting the repetitions (i.e., japa) of mantras during meditation or prayer. In fact, they are often simply called “japa malas.”
Each bead is passed through the fingers as a mantra is recited, helping the practitioner maintain focus and concentration. There is usually a larger bead, called the guru bead, that marks the beginning and end of the mala.
More on this in part two of this post series.
Do you have to use them when reciting mantra?
No, malas aren’t necessary to use when reciting mantra. However, they are extremely helpful for keeping count, especially when reciting mantra for a longer period. They are also beautiful, sacred objects themselves and can support, enhance and intensify the energy of the mantra you are chanting.
Why do malas usually have 108 beads?
108 is considered a sacred number, as is the number 9 (1+8=9). A japa mala with less than 108 always has the number of beads that is divisible by 9, such as 18, 27 or 54. In most cases, however, japa is done with a standard 108-bead mala.
Many theories abound as to why 108 is sacred. These include the following:
The Sanskrit alphabet is made up of 54 letters, each embodying masculine (Shiva) and feminine (Shakti) energies. Hence, 54 multiplied by 2 equals 108.
108 energy lines converge to form the heart chakra in the body.
In astrology, the multiplication of 12 constellations by 9 arc segments yields 108. Similarly, there are 12 houses and 9 planets, totalling 108 when multiplied.
Remarkably, the sun's diameter surpasses that of the earth by a factor of 108.
Which type of mala should I use?
If you search online or go to a yoga gear shop, most likely you will find many beautiful malas for sale made from various gemstones and silver charms. Although lovely to wear as jewelry, most of these malas are less ideal for actual mantra practice.
If you wish to work with a specific deity or mantra, it’s better to use the type of mala ascribed to it.
Below are some basic guidelines for which mala to use according to the deity/mantra you may work with to remedy challenges in your Vedic chart or your overall spiritual path.
Rudraksha
Rudraksha beads are seeds from the Rudraksha tree (scientifically known as Elaeocarpus ganitrus) and are primarily found in the Himalayan region, as well as parts of Southeast Asia, Indonesia, New Guinea, and Australia.
According to Hindu mythology, Rudraksha beads are believed to be the tears of Lord Shiva. They are considered sacred and are believed to have various mystical powers, including protection, healing, and spiritual enlightenment.
A rudraksha mala should therefore be used for any Shiva-based mantras. It can also be used for Ganesha and the goddess Sarasvati.
Sphatik
Sphatik malas are made of rock crystal. These malas can be used for any Devi (goddess) mantra. You can also use this mala for various Surya (Sun) mantras, including the famous Savitur Gayatri mantra.
Tulsi
Tulsi malas are made from the wood of the Tulsi (Holy Basil) plant. This plant is associated with Vishnu as well as his consort Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and happiness.
Therefore, Tulsi malas should always be used for any Vishnu-based mantra and can also be used to work with Lakshmi or Guru/Brihaspati (Jupiter).
A few other choices and a rule of thumb
This is by no mean an exhaustive list. Many other malas are also commonly used with specific deities, such as rosewood for Durga or Ganesha, red sandalwood for Ganesha, Lakshmi or Hanuman, citrin for Guru/Brihaspati, red coral for Mars, black onyx for Kali, lotus seed for Lakshmi and so on.
I think the best takeaway here is:
Rudraksha for Shiva, deities related to Shiva or more fierce deities (e.g., Kali).
Tulsi for Vishnu, deities related to Vishnu or more gentle deities (e.g., Krishna, who himself is a Vishnu avatar).
This distinction is the most important one, as Shiva and Vishnu embody two very different aspects of the divine.
Often depicted as the destroyer, Shiva symbolizes transformation, dissolution, and regeneration. He is associated with asceticism, meditation, and the cosmic dance of creation and destruction. In contrast, Vishnu is portrayed as the preserver, responsible for maintaining cosmic order and harmony. He embodies mercy, compassion, and protection, often incarnating on Earth in various forms or avatars to restore balance and righteousness. While Shiva represents the power of destruction as a necessary force for renewal, Vishnu embodies the sustaining and nurturing aspects of the divine, ensuring the preservation of the universe.
This is very different energy, and that energy is built into these two types of malas. Therefore, it is important to use the correct type of mala that matches their energy, rudraksha (Shiva) being naturally hot and intense in feel (those beads have quite a bump to them) and tulsi (Vishnu) cool and soothing.
Sphatik is a go-to choice for goddess forms (particularly mother goddesses). It also has such a beautiful weight and feel to it. I love working with mine. However, you can usually use other malas for them as well, depending on what works best for the goddess in question.
Ok, that’s all for part 1 of this series. Stay tuned for part 2, where I’ll give instructions for how to properly use a mala.
This is so interesting! I’ve always wanted to make my own rosary with rose petals, but I love the concept of invoking different energies with different materials. As an astroherbalist, this is giving me a lot of ideas!
Beautiful post and photos!