Care for Your Mala

 Mala Prayer Beads

Malas, in Buddhist cultures and communities, are frequently given as gifts, for example, to celebrate a birthday, marriage, or holiday. In Tibetan Buddhism, you may receive (or purchase) a mala when it is time to begin to formally count your prostration mantra recitations. They are also given as keepsakes and a source of protection to loved ones, of any denomination, and also work with healing and birthstones.If you have a spiritual teacher, it is traditional for you to request that he or she "bless" your mala, to ensure that your meditation practice is free from obstacles.

How to Bless Your Mala

You can "bless" your own mala by creating a sacred space, for instance- lighting a candle and then holding your mala over sage, incense or juniper smoke. While you are doing this, say a quiet prayer with an aspiration that your use of this mala may bring benefit to all. Malas become sacred objects to be treated with respect and taken care of. They should not be left lying around carelessly, placed on the floor or stepped on, and should be cleaned with a damp cloth, or even soaked overnight in warm salt water and kept in good repair. Malas that have damaged beads that are beyond repair should be disposed of properly  and are, in Tibetan Tantra, called "Dharma Waste" are sacred waste, because they hold blessings. They would be taken to a Holy Place or Shrine, where other sacred objects are, and offered to the shrine or buried, or... recycled into another mala reincarnation!