Mantras and Malas
Those of you who have taken class with me know how much I love to talk, which may explain why I like mantra so much. In my opinion, as well as the opinion of some pretty amazing teachers, mantra is one of the most powerfully transformational practices you can have. This can be a daunting topic just because of the sheer countless numbers of mantras out there. Where do you begin? You can start really simple and chant "OM" or "Shanti". One fairly simple mantra I work with is to honor the god Ganesh, the remover of obstacles. It is Om Gum Ganapataye Namaha (gaa-naa-paa-tye-YAY). Do not worry so much about getting the pronunciation of every syllable spot on, it is more about the intention behind the sounds. One essential tool for practicing mantra is a mala. Mala beads are used to keep track of the number of repetitions of mantra. Typically, malas come with 108 beads and central bead called the guru bead. When you chant, you move along with your fingers until you hit the guru bead. Then you have completed a cycle of 108 repetitions of mantra! You also see malas that are smaller, but always in divisions of the sacred number 108, such as wrist malas of 27 beads. Our beloved Jennifer has made some gorgeous malas which are for sale at the studio! She has used different stones and styles. Come check them out and see which one calls to you! Once you get your mala, keep it sacred. Try not to let anyone else use it or touch it. It is a powerful tool to be charged with energy from your mantras!
No comments:
Post a Comment