How to use Japa Mala: Rules and guidelines for effective practice

Q: Dear Mahesh, please advise how I should use Japa Mala and what are the rules and regulations that I should follow.

- with MAHESH BANG

A: Almost every religion promotes chanting, prayer and the use of mala. However, there are certain methods on how to use it depending on how many beads one has in the mala.

According to Hinduism: Japa Mala should not be exchanged with another person.

The Japa Mala is a very personal spiritual instrument and hence should be treated with care and respect. It should not be exchanged with another person, not placed on the ground or thrown around.

It can be worn on your neck or kept safe in a special type of bag. This bag protects the mala, and for proper use, ensures your index finger does not touch the beads while chanting.

The index finger (in mantra sadhana) represents your ego and a mind looking outside for faults and blame.

A conscious effort not to touch the Japa Mala with your index finger reminds you, the practitioner, to be mindful of your ego that might come in the way of spiritual progress.

A second rule is not to cross the Meru during chanting. Japa Mala has a bead that stands out, called the Meru (same name as the spiritual mountain).