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How to Use a Mala for Mantra Japa Japa malas are traditionally used during the practice of japa, or mantra repetition. It is important to hold the mala in the right hand, draped over either the third or fourth finger. Amma recommends using the fourth, or ring finger. Start with the bead immediately adjacent to the guru bead and tassel. Use your thumb to pull the mala over your ring finger (towards your body), one bead for each mantra. So as you chant each mantra, you hold one bead gently between the thumb and ring finger. As you finish each mantra, pull the mala towards you with the thumb, and then hold the next bead. When you reach the guru bead again, you know you have completed 108 recitations. If you will be continuing your japa, it's important to switch the mala around before starting the next round, so that the last bead you held becomes the first bead held for the next round.
When you recite mantras, the powerful energy of the sacred seed sounds causes a lot of purification to take place. As the negativity is purified, it must be released. Switching the mala around helps in this process of releasing negativity. If you don't switch the mala around, a practice known as "crossing the guru bead," negativity can actually build up. So in order to ensure maximum purification and spiritual progress, make sure not to cross the guru beads
For more information on the use and care of japa malas, please see The Spiritual Significance of Malas and Murtis.
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