Staff Speak~Conscious Motherhood with Malas

Elizabeth — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 12:00:36 +0000

Becoming a mother has taught me more about myself than any other vocation in my life. Children can act as behavioral mirrors for the parent, and for the open-minded, can result in a deep examination and commitment to enhancement of the self.

For me, malas have become a great tool for that purpose. Traditionally, malas are prayer beads used to count mantras while meditating and are made of various types of beads that incorporate the sacred number 108 and include a guru bead for dedication. I use these malas for my formal meditation practice.

Sometimes, though, I need a way to set an intention for the day so that I remember what my goals are for self-improvement. I have smaller malas that I take with me and power bracelets that are always there when I have a moment such as waiting at a stoplight or even while watching television. Instead of chanting, I use the guru bead to set an intention or declare a positive affirmation and use the other beads for my breath-work. I roll the bead in my fingers through the inhalation and exhalation while focusing on the initial statement. And, since my malas are made from crystals, my sessions are made even more powerful because they become programmed with the energy of my thoughts.

When I am done, I am more relaxed and can face situations with grace. I surrender to life’s flow rather than fighting against it.

Through my daily use of malas, I am increasingly aware of my thoughts and emotions and can focus them in ways that benefit me and my entire family.

Elizabeth is one of Crystal Life’s crafters, and handcrafts many of the fine malas in our line.

Staff Speak~Independence

Tammy — Mon, 04 Jul 2011 09:00:19 +0000

Today’s blog entry falls on the Fourth of July. Being that it is America’s independence day, I would like to talk about stones that would help one cultivate independence in their own life. The feeling of knowing what’s right for you and not being influenced by those around you. The first stone that comes to mind is Malachite. Malachite helps one create and maintain healthy boundaries. Having healthy boundaries with the people in your life can help you obtain independence. If you feel independent but lately you are having trouble saying no to other’s requests, Malachite will help you say no instead of taking on too much. Another aspect of independence is having strength and courage. Dragon’s blood stones assist one in finding their courage. However you may define independence and courage in your life we wish you well in your journey ahead.

Prayer Beads: Practice and Purpose

Atala — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 21:41:16 +0000

Yellow Calcite Prayer Beads

Prayer beads are the original sacred jewelry, used for thousands of years in prayer and meditation to help us connect with the ultimate oneness and unity of the cosmos. In different parts of the world, prayer beads are known as malas, masbaha, tasbih, worry beads, rosaries, and nowadays, yoga jewelry. Gemstone prayer beads from Crystal Life are appreciated for the healing properties of the materials, the natural beauty and energy of our gemstones and our fine handcrafting. The number of beads in a strand of prayer beads is sacred. Depending on your tradition, it is a base of 108, 99 or 100. Most prayer beads meet at a larger bead called a meru (meaning “mountain”), guru, or guide bead. This large, central bead represents your own guide, angel, guardian spirit, religious teacher, leader or guru. The meru protects your intent and connects to the tassel, releasing unwanted energy. Malas are the generic terms for prayer beads used by many traditions. Since ancient times, prayer beads have been used in spiritual and meditation practice by Buddhist, Muslim, Asian and Western traditions throughout the world. Power bracelets (known as wrist malas or prayer bead bracelets) are a derivative of this tradition; they contain a guide bead and are designed to fit snugly on the wrist. Prayer Beads in Hinduism and Buddhism Practitioners use the beads in mediation, prayer, and the quest for enlightenment. The mala is used to count repetition of mantras to achieve a higher spiritual level. Japa malas have 108 beads and fractions thereof: 54 beads (half count) and 27 beads (quarter count). 108 is a metaphysically powerful number that reappears throughout the structure of our outer and inner worlds in significant ways. This sacred 108 bead count provides many ways for practitioners to meditate and connect to powerful universal forces: The meaning of 108. 1 stands for God or higher truth, 0 stands for emptiness or completeness in spiritual practice, and 8 stands for infinity or eternity. In astrology, 108 signifies the 12 houses times the 9 planets. Physical and spiritual planes. In yogic understanding, there are 108 nadis, or lines of subtle energy, in the human body. The nadis converge to form the heart chakra. There are 108 marma points (concentrated centers of energy) in the human body. There are 108 human feelings, with 36 related to the past, 36 related to the present, and 36 related to the future. The average number of breaths per day is 21,600 with 10,800 being solar energy and 10,800 lunar energy (108 x 100 = 10,800). And there are 108 Sanskrit names for different aspects of God’s existence. Mathematics. In the Vedic tradition, 108 beads in a strand of prayer beads represents a harshad (“great joy”) number, which is an integer divisible by the sum of its digits. We know today that the diameter of the Sun is 108 times the diameter of the Earth. The distance from the Sun to the Earth is 108 times the diameter of the Sun. The average distance of the Moon from Earth is 108 times the diameter of the Moon.

Islamic Masbaha

Prayer Beads in Islamic Traditions Masbaha (plural: masabih), also called tasbih, is the Islamic and Sufi term for prayer beads. Masabih use a count of 99 beads, or a short count of 33 beads. There is one bead for each of the 99 names of Allah. Tasbih is a form of prayer that involves the repetition of short sentences glorifying God. To keep track of counting, a masbaha is often used. How to Use Prayer Beads When you wear or carry prayer beads, they resonate your prayers or intent inside their circle. When worn around the neck or on the wrist, prayer beads interact with the main energy flows in your body. Some keep their beads in a small bag, or on a shrine by the bed. Use prayer beads to assist in repetitively chanting an affirmation, prayer or mantra. Chants may include love, wisdom, joy, peace, and the names of God.

Rhodonite Power Bracelet

You may chant your intent out loud and fast to ground it in your physical body, or silently and slowly to inwardly enter this energy. Eventually, you will be able to sit in silence and enter directly into the energy of your intent. The usual practice is to rotate the prayer beads between your thumb, the second finger, and the ring finger. This position (sometimes called a mudra) helps you peacefully enter and ground your intent. When you reach the meru or gude bead, out of respect do not pass over it but reverse direction One exercise is to chant your prayer or intent six rounds, increasing by one round a day until you reach eleven rounds, then decrease back to six rounds. If you are sincere in your chanting, by the end of this period you will have made a significant step toward entering the world of your intent. When you wish to change your chant, mentally clear your beads and/or pass them through the smoke from incense. How to Choose Prayer Beads: Color, Materials, Intent Prayer beads should closely relate to the color or substance of your chosen practice or deity. That’s why Green Tara practitioners often choose a green gemstone like turquoise or malachite. Red carnelian or red jasper prayer beads are popular because red is associated with love, life, female energy and fertility. Blue lapis lazuli symbolizes wisdom and royalty, while green aventurine is the color of renewal and growth. Gemstone Prayer Beads In addition to color association, gemstones can provide healing or protective energy to your practice and personal space. See our Stones, Shells and Metals Index to learn about the qualities of various gemstones and natural materials. Caring for Your Crystal Life Prayer Beads Our Prayer Beads have been meditatively handcrafted in the USA. The intent handcrafted into these beads is for your inner peace and positive growth. Please do not wash or soak the beads. They are strung on silk, the best conductor of energy, which can disintegrate in water. You may polish your beads with a soft cloth.

Crystal Life » prayer beads

Staff Speak~Conscious Motherhood with Malas

Staff Speak~Independence

Prayer Beads: Practice and Purpose