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FAQ – Mala Beads and Meaningful Jewelry

What Are Mala Beads ?

A mala is a string of beads that are used in meditation to help keep track of the number of times you've recited, chanted or said a mantra or prayer. Mala beads are made from a variety or materials including wood, stone, minerals, gemstones, bone and seeds. An individual chooses one based on their own personal needs and preferences. Beads come in many different colors representing specific beliefs and energies. For example: red represents passion or energy; white represents purity; black symbolizes power and strength; green stands for health and healing while blue signifies calmness and peace. Malas are available in necklaces and wrist bracelets and are worn as jewelry by both men and women. They make a great accessory or fashion statement for any outfit.

Why Use Mala Beads ?

Mala beads are used for meditation and prayer. It's a Buddhist tradition that has been around for thousands of years. Mala are also worn as jewelry, as a reminder of who we are and what we have to be grateful for. The prayer beads originated in Tibet and were originally made from stones or wood that had been worn smooth by water. Today, they are made from many different materials such as glass, jade, turquoise, crystal and more. A mala necklace is usually arranged on a string of 108 beads with a guru bead. The word "Mala" means garland of flowers in the Sanskrit language. It is considered to be symbolic of spiritual practice because it's said, that when we wear our mala beads, we carry them around our neck like a garland, representing both protection and beauty. Using mala beads during meditation allows one to focus on the mantra and its meaning rather than counting the number of repetitions. This helps to stay focused and keeps the mind clear from distractions. Each bead represents one recitation of the mantra or prayer.

How do I use Mala beads ?

A mala is a Buddhist tool used for meditation to count prayers. It can be worn around the neck or carried in your pocket to remind you that you have something to pray for or meditate. The beads are strung together on a strand or cord. Each bead represents an aspect to focus on when meditating, making it easier to concentrate while repeating mantras (Buddhist prayers).

Starting with the bead next to the guru bead, hold the mala in your right hand with the middle finger and thumb. Recite a mantra or prayer, then pass one additional bead through the finger and thumb and continue around the entire length of the necklace or bracelet. By using this method, you avoid counting the beads which causes a loss of focus and clarity of the mind and mantra. Let the beads count for you, don't count the beads.

What is Meaningful Jewelry ?

Meaningful jewelry has multiple definitions. A necklace may be meaningful because of the person who gave it to you. Earrings might be special because of where you were when you bought it. The bracelet is memorable because someone you know personally made it for you. Chopa searches for special pieces and unique finds. Jewelry that is made by local artisans or created with the goal of betterment for the designers and craftspeople who work hard to create the final masterpiece. We offer jewelry that speaks to us and hopefully resonates with you, our customers.