Meditation Beads

Using Them Perfectly

Meditation beads have been used for centuries as a meditation aid. And from Buddhism to Christianity, meditation beads are central to most religions. Are they for you? Lets find out ...

• Why meditation beads help.
• How to use meditation beads

Why Meditation Beads Help

When you meditate, these beads can act as an "anchor" or grounding point to help you focus in a better way. This helps to quieten and still your mind. If you become distracted by thoughts you use the beads as a point to return to.

Some types of meditation use different anchors. Breathing meditation for example uses the sensation of the breath moving over the nostrils. Or the movement of the belly. Mantra uses a repeated phrase or word. And Body Scan meditations use the body itself.

You can find out exactly how to do each of these at

• Breathing Meditation
• Mantra Meditation
• and Body Scan Meditation.

Some people though find it easier to use beads - probably because its easier for the mind to stay with. As you mind becomes filled with the feel of the beads against your fingers - and the rhythm of their movement - it becomes quiet and peaceful. You find it easier and easier to do this as the minutes go by.

The Best Meditation Beads?

Some practitioners refer to meditation beads as the "mala", rosary or prayer beads. They're usually made from basil leaves, rosewood, Rudraksha seeds or crystal. I'll be adding some readers reviews of mediation beads to the bottom of the page soon. So you can decide which will suit you without trying them all yourself.

How to Use the Meditation Beads?

Before you start meditating, change into loose-fitting and comfortable clothing.

Relax by breathing rhythmically and allow your mind to remain blank for some time. Your mind should ideally be free of all thoughts especially negative emotions. When you reach such state, you can start chanting the mantra.

Hold your little, ring and middle finger against your hand. The index finger should be extended so that your thumb can touch the middle finger.

Wrap the meditation beads or mala around your fingers that are held against the hand. Care should be taken not to touch the meditation beads with the index finger. You can use either your ring finger or the middle finger, for pushing beads while chanting mantras. This is the ideal way to hold the beads and is quite comfortable.

You can allow the meditation beads to rest on the room floor or on your lap if required. This can be helpful in using the meditation beads perfectly since you can move the beads comfortably without any hindrance.

Start the chanting with the first bead or the Sumeru. The "Sumeru" can be easily distinguished because of the special color and enlarged size. Continue to chant the mantras by pushing one bead at a time, till you reach the Sumeru again. You can identify the Sumeru though its feel without opening your eyes.

Make sure that the Sumeru is never crossed while chanting mantras since it is not included in the beads count.

Using meditation beads might feel uncomfortable in the beginning, but with regular practice you will be able to use it perfectly. Meditation beads enable you to practice meditation with ease and complete focus, making it a blissful experience.

Enjoyed Meditation Beads ?

Then read

• Japa Meditation
• Third Eye Meditation
• Chinese Meditation

Return from Meditation Beads to Learning Modern Meditation