A Japa mala is a string of prayer beads commonly used to count mantras. It is usually made from 108 beads, though other numbers 27, 54 are also used.

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A Japa mala is a string of prayer beads commonly used to count mantras. It is usually made from 108 beads, though other numbers 27, 54 are also used. Mala beads are an ancient tool that was developed to keep the mind focused on the practice of meditation. Malas are used for keeping count while reciting, chanting, or mentally repeating a mantra or the name of a deity.

Mala beads are seen in other cultures and religions and are also known as prayer beads, rosary beads and worry beads. Over two-thirds of the world’s population employ some type of prayer beads as part of their spiritual practice. The use of beads in prayer appears to have originated around the 8th century B.C.E. in India. Mala beads are typically made out of different materials, and the properties of the beads are said to have specific energetic effects. Beads made from the seeds of the rudraksha tree are considered sacred by Shaivas, while beads made from the wood of the tulsi plant are used and revered by Vaishnavas. Other common beads include wood or seeds from the sandalwood tree or the Bodhi tree, and seeds of the Lotus plant. In Hindu Tantra, as well as Buddhist Tantra (or Vajrayana), materials and colors of the beads can relate to a specific practice.

Some Hindu traditions hold that the correct way to use a mala is with the right hand, with the thumb flicking one bead to the next, and with the mala draped over the middle finger. The index finger represents ego, the greatest impediment to self-realization, so it is considered best avoided when chanting on a mala. That's the reason while applying tilak also, index finger is not used. While tilak is applied with ring finger and thumb is beneficial. The area below the ring finger is called the 'surya parvat' and the 'agaya chakra' is situated in the forehead. It is believed that by applying tilak with the ring finger gives 'surya' or sun like glow to the face. This also awakes the 'agaya chakra' and the person gets wisdom and fame. And at the base of the thumb is Venus. Venus gives life force, health, is the creator of new life, the bestowed of gentility and politeness. This is achieved by applying Tilak with the thumb. 📿🕉📿🕉📿🕉📿
Hari Om Tat Sat ~ Har Har Mahadev ~ Om Namah Shivaya!