October 19, 2014

How to make your own Mala

Be the observer of your mind.  Watch thoughts, feeling, emotions, worries come and go.  The mind thinks itself.  You do not always have to engage.  ~unknown

A mala (also known as Buddhist prayer beads) were commonly used by the Buddhist religion.  The Buddhist often used a Mala in prayer.  Malas were used for keeping count when reciting mantras or chants.  A Mala has 108 beads.  There are numerous reasons to be found as to why there are 108 beads.  Such as, Humans are said to have 108 earthly desires or there are 108 energy lines forming the heart chakra.  Either way, 108 there should be!  They are commonly made of wooden beads, but have been made using other forms of material as well.  The Buddhist used some materials like crystals or shells depending on the purpose of their prayer.  The Mala is used while holding in your hand and speaking or thinking a mantra (or affirmation) and rubbing your fingers around a bead.  Once done, proceed to the next bead and repeat the same mantra.  

Excited to make your own?  Lets get started!








I got my first Mala by a health coach and inspirational woman named Jessica Wyman (check out her blog here)  It is beautiful and I love it, but I wanted something a little more durable that could be worn on a daily bases (like, if I wanted to repeat my mantras in the middle of the day)  So, I created this simple and durable Mala.  I used wooden beads, turquoise painted (because I couldn't find the real thing) beads, red glass beads and red nylon thread.  All in all, it cost me about $15 and an hour of my time.  Feel free to get a little fancier if you want.  




Measure out your string 3 arm lengths and cut.  Tie a knot at one end so that the beads don't fall off.  Figure out how you are going to space your beads apart.  Remember, there are 108 beads total.  Start by stringing your beads in the order you want.  I used the little red beads as spacers and didn't count them in my bead total.  






Once you have finished stringing all the beads, tie the two ends together.  You can use a bead, crystal, pendant, or anything you want at the end where the two pieces meet.  I used a wooden bead and then knotted it to hold it there.  I then cut smaller pieces of thread and tied them in knots around the end knot to create a tassel effect.  




Now that you have completed your Mala, you can infuse it with crystals, Reiki, or intention.  This helps to bring energy and life to your Mala.  It may be durable, but it's still a Mala and should be treated with care.  One thing to keep in mind, the wooden beads can be absorbent and therefore can take on smells such as perfumes or lotions.  Try to avoid these while wearing your Mala.  




When you are not using your Mala, it is best to be kept in a pouch, or safe place.  It is a sacred piece and it holds all your thoughts and intentions.  It was created with love and infused with love, so treat it with love.  (a little sappy but I like it)  



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Happy crafting!!! ~ Amanda



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