MALA-LED SEATED MEDITATION Set an intention, mantra or prayer. Hold your beads in your dominant hand. Begin turning each bead individually using your fingers. Take a deep inhale and exhale as you turn each bead. With each bead and each breath, silently repeat your mantra or prayer. Once you hit the guru bead, take a moment to reflect and pause. THE GURU BEAD
At the end of the strand, the guru bead attaches directly to the tassel and is the 109th bead. This bead symbolizes the guru that taught the prayer to the student using the mala and pays homage to the student-guru relationship. THE TASSEL
There are several variations of what the tassel at the end of the mala represents. Some argue it’s for aesthetic purposes, but more popular opinions include alignment, the connection of all people as one and consciousness. Whichever reason resonates with you is fine to take into your practice.
28 | may 2019 reflections
Sit in the stillness of meditation.
You can also use your mala to enhance asana practice (the physical practice of yoga poses) by placing it at the top of your yoga mat as a reminder of your intention as you move through your practice.