Malas, which traditionally have 108 beads, are typically made with 18, 27, 54 or 108 beads and are used as a tool to help the mind focus on meditation. The mala should be held in the right hand. In one method, the mala hangs between your thumb and ring finger, while your second finger rotates the mala by one bead toward oneself with each repetition of breath or mantra. using another method, your mala hangs on your middle finger, as your thumb rotates the mala the same way as the first method; one bead at a time.
I mentioned the word "mantra." Broken down into two parts: “man,” which means mind, and “tra,” which means transport or vehicle. In other words, a mantra is a tool for the mind—powerful words or sounds that you can use to enter a deep state of meditation. I prefer to use and teach mantras like, "I am strong," "I will be ok," or "I can do this" which remind ourselves about the state of mind we wish to cultivate.
Not only are malas helpful tools for meditation using either of the two methods, they are also meditative to create. Making malas is especially mindful for children, who must concentrate on sliding a string into a small bead hole. I encouraged the kids to use at least 18 beads. Many of them made mala bracelets.
The malas were also expressive because the kids chose which colored beads they wanted. One girl chose green because it was school olympics day and her class color was green. By using green, she was showing pride and respect for her self, her school, her classmates, and the athletes of the olympics. She created a tool to give her faith that she would do well in the "olympic" games that day.
I was most impressed by the enthusiasm of both the girls and boys while making malas. I had assumed that the boys would not be as interested in making what they would initially perceive as "jewelry," however I explained the concept of malas to them and both genders enjoyed the mala activity.
