How to Use a Japa Mala/Rosary Beads?
• Hold your japa mala in your right hand. • The index finger is extended and should not touch the japa mala. • Use your thumb to touch the bead for counting each mantra during the recitation. Then lightly push the bead away on completion and move on to the next bead. • The Sumeru (mountain) bead is the starting and ending point on the mala for counting the repetitions but should not be counted or touched by the thumb. • Continue counting by pulling the beads and going backwards until you again end at the meru. Continue till you have done 108 repetitions or multiples of 108. • Whenever the mala is taken up, it automatically conditions the mind to the meditative state. The mala that you use for Mantra Japa meditation should not be exhibited and is best kept privately in a special Mala Bag.
