Beginners Guide To Japa Meditation: How To Choose A Japa Mala

Japa meditation has been a staple of yoga practice since the beginning, and it is practiced regularly by many different schools of the discipline. Mantras are used in japa meditation to calm and concentrate the mind to reach the inner equilibrium of well-being. Because it involves repeating a mantra, japa meditation is often referred to as mantra meditation. A mantra is a sound, word, or phrase with a single syllable repeated quietly or audibly. Japa meditation is employed for various objectives, including helping people reach enlightenment and as a religious practice.

With the help of a japa-mala, a string of typically 108 beads, one can perform japa meditation. The benefits of japa mala meditation extend to one's physical, spiritual, and emotional well-being. It offers a variety of medical and psychological advantages by reducing stress. Mantra meditation effectively maintains mental clarity and utilizes the body's and mind's subtle energies to complete the yogic path of personal change.

Types Of Japa Mala Meditation

Vaikhari Japa

The Mantra is spoken loudly enough for everyone in the area to hear it. It is, therefore, best suited for beginners and may be helpful when other sounds are present or when concentration is challenging.

Upamanshu Japa 

The Mantra is muttered quietly or silently. The practitioner's lips hardly move, making it challenging for the observer to understand what is being stated. 

Manasika Japa 

This type involves mentally repeating the Mantra. As a result, it is regarded as more durable and effective than the others. For individuals not previously grounded with the Vaikhari Japa, it is thought to be challenging to perform.

Likhita Japa

This type of japa meditation practitioner writes the Mantra while chanting it loudly. Due to its singular attention on the Mantra, it is considered far more beneficial than the other types. Frequently, Likhita Japa is written in books meant for mantras. 

Techniques Of Japa Mala Meditation

Repetition

Repetition is a tool used in religious ceremonies to help people connect to their spiritual selves. It is a way to feel tranquil or as a way to communicate with a higher spiritual being. Mantras may be chanted to express thankfulness, a need for forgiveness, and to share with God. 

Counting 

Counting plays a significant role in many meditation practices. Japa mala meditation practitioners frequently track how many times they repeat their mantras. People mostly use the japa mala, a necklace made of beads, to keep track of how many times they have chanted or prayed. Many individuals wear the beads as necklaces because of how they appear to be. They enable the wearer to repeat a meditation all day long by moving their fingers around the chain.

Affirmations

One may also select affirmations and uplifting words and phrases which  direct the attention to your aims. Positive affirmations when repeatedly repeated, can alter unfavorable thinking and behavioral patterns. These phrases encourage positive thinking, lessen stress, endure through challenging situations, and boost wellbeing.  Example - “I am capable”, “I am calm”.

How to Choose a Japa Mala

Intention

Malas come in various materials, including seeds, wood, and gems. The options are essentially limitless. When selecting the mala, the best way is to consider your intuition and goals. Thereafter find a mala that will assist in achieving those goals.

Colour 

Scientists who have examined how color and light affect our emotions and mental states have discovered some recurring patterns, as well as how color affects everyone differently. Both chakra treatment and color therapy hold that wearing specific colors and utilizing them in your surroundings can have therapeutic effects. Therefore, when selecting a new mala, consider the energy of the colors of the mala beads.

Attraction and Meaning 

The appearance and pattern of mala beads can differ, ranging from a plain strand of wood or seed beads to malas fashioned with exquisite gemstones and embellished with crystals, metal spacer beads, and hand-made tassels. Pay particular attention to the design, and style you feel drawn to and attracted to while browsing mala beads.

Intuition 

A potent method for selecting your mala is to tap into your intuition if you're having trouble choosing between two or three mala beads. Everyone has a different way of using intuition, but an excellent place to start is by closing your eyes, taking a few deep breaths, and focusing on how you feel in your body rather than your thoughts.

Astrology 

Due to a correlation between the energetic qualities of gemstones and the astrological signs and personality traits, one may also refer to their zodiac or astral symbols while choosing a japa mala. It is also believed that wearing one's birthstone may act as a charm or talisman with protective properties. It is advisable to consult an astrologer or an expert in this case.

Bead size 

Mala beads often come in 6mm and 8mm diameters. There are a few malas available that are constructed with larger beads. However, they can be challenging to wear and use for japa mala meditation. The optimal size of bead to use for japa meditation depends on the length of your fingers and the skill of your hands.