Is there a difference between a mala used for chanting versus simply wearing as jewelry? It depends on the purpose

Japa Mala: The mala used for mantra recitation or chanting is called Japa Mala which usually has 108 beads (could be 11, 21 or 54). The sole purpose of this mala is to create a loop of specific mantra energy within it and locking it in the Sumeru (the first and the bigger bead of the mala). It is typically made of the same stone, seed, wood, root, so all the 108 beads are alike. The nature of the bead changes as per the mantra, goal and prakruti of the subject. Japa Malas are used only during the time of Japa and then placed on the altar.

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Chikitsaka Malas used for therapeutic purpose. In Ayurveda known as prabhava: special effect that is passed on through the arterial regions by the means of touch, where a specific stone, seed, wood, root brings the essence of that tattva (elemental constitution) into the body. In case of Chikitsaka Malas, it could be a combination of beads which are complementary to each other as well as balancing for a specific dosha. These combinations are carefully chosen by an Ayurvedic counselor or jyotish. These malas are worn for minimum 4-6 hours per day during the solar cycle in order to affect the metabolism and cellular intelligence and are used until the prakruti is established or the beads changes in color or texture.

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Saundarya Mala is worn as jewelry, simply pleasing to the eyes. The Saundarya Malas are a combination of any or every possible bead which.

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WAYS TO PRACTICE

1. Listen to the Mantra Album on iTunes or Amazon Music
2. Practice the 108 Japa of Gayatri Mantra and MahaMritunjaya Mantra with me.

Essential Ayurveda for Yoga Professionals, Starting Aug 23, 2023