Meditation Beads
Meditation beads are important for those who participate in mantra meditations. These beads, called Mala beads, are counted with each repetition of a mantra, or with each completion of a breathing exercise. The beads are of religious significance to the Hindu, as they are believed to be the first people to use the Mala, where the beads are commonly referred to as the Japa Mala. Japa, or the repetition of a mantra or name of a diety, is a fundamental part of the Hindu meditation practices. Mala have 108 beads typically crafted from Rudraksha seeds. The Rudraksha seed holds religious significance, as the typical bead has five faces, which is symbolic to the number of faces of Shiva.
Meditation beads are not only made from the Rudraksha seed. As meditation by mantra has gained popularity, the styles and types of items used in the string of beads has evolved. For those of great wealth, precious and semi-precious stones have replaced the simple seeds, as well as seeds from more exotic plants. The materials in some meditation beads are also different based off of which religion they are being used for. Christianity, for example, tends to use meditation beads called a prayer bread, which is composed of fifty-nine different beads. These beads are typically crafted of glass, amethyst, rose quartz stone, crystal, black onyx, lavender glass or pearl, with the center crucifix being crafted of silver or gold.
Meditation beads in the Islam religion typically have either thirty-three or ninety-nine beads, which corresponds to the ninety-nine names of Allah. There is no requirements for the type of beads that must be used in the Misbaha strand of beads. While these meditation beads are still in use, many people own them for personal significance or for status symbols, rather than use in religious ceremony.
If you want to purchase meditation beads, you will need to decide which type of meditation beads you want to purchase first. Many sellers will only carry one type of bead, although some online providers will cater to the needs of all religious groups. As meditation beads are typically tied to a religion, many people will only purchase beads from those who follow the same religion. Meditation beads tend to be a private item for those who are serious about meditations. Due to this, they are typically stored in finely crafted boxes or bags to keep them secret from those around them.