A mala is a garland of 108 beads used as a meditation tool or worn as jewelry to keep the wearer mindful and present, always in yoga. 108 is a sacred and most auspicious number, having roots in Vedic science and legend (CLICK HERE for Swami Jnaneshvara Bharati’s insight into 108) .  The material of the beads on a mala can be as varied as creativity and abundance allow.  These beads hold beauty and meaning and are generally the focus of a mala. However, the thread that connects them represents the oneness, continuity and discipline that are the foundation of any successful endeavor and the basis of yoga, or union.  The humble, forgotten thread gives context to the beauty and meaning of the beads. In a mala, these two elements come together to represent a complete practice.

INTERNAL WORLD MALAS
A mala used for mantra japa meditation should be uniform and modest, as the focus of awareness should rest on the mantra and any irregularity or intrigue can create distraction.  Traditional malas are made of natural materials like rosewood, sandalwood, rudraksha, tulsi, and a wide variety of semi-precious stones.  These can be chosen to suit your personal mantra practice based on the seed sounds of your mantra or any intention you would like to support.  A mala used for meditation becomes steeped in the energy of your practice and should be kept in your meditation space as a sacred and intimate item. It is not worn and is not to be shared with or touched by others.
EXTERNAL WORLD MALAS
Divine creativity reigns when it comes to a mala that will be worn on the body and shared with the world.  It is best to set an intention regarding how you’d like your mala to serve you.  The materials will then be chosen based upon your intention.  Here are some ideas to inspire you:
Lunar mala
– to invoke the energy of the Moon – insight, calm, clarity, restoration
Solar mala
– to invoke the energy of the Sun – determination, will, power, action
Malas to pacify a dosha
-VATA
-PITTA
-KAPHA
Malas to support one of the 5 elements
-EARTH
-WATER
-FIRE
-AIR
-ETHER
Malas to invoke the energy of a deity
-Ganesh
-Shiva
-Durga
-Lakshmi
-Saraswati
-Kali
-Tara
etc…
CONTACT KAIA to bring your one-of-a-kind mala to life!
**Pricing is based largely on the materials chosen and designs can be made to suit almost any budget.  Don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions.