How to Use Bodhi Seed Malas for Meditation and Prayer

Ancient Traditions in a Modern World

In today’s digital world, information is readily available to us at the click of a button. However, many people still don’t know what Bodhi seed malas are. Let alone, they haven’t even the slightest clue how to even use them. So, I’ll begin by saying that Bodhi seed malas hold deep spiritual meaning. And this isn’t because a famous author or celebrity said so. It’s because they stem from Buddhist traditions, dating back over 2000 years. In fact, this was time of The Buddha himself. And although they may seem like simple beads strung on a string, I can assure you that they are far more than that. Bodhi seed malas hold a story of deep reverence for all that is sacred. They serve a purpose beyond the duties of our daily lives. And they form a connection to something greater than ourselves and the world.

The Sacred Connection to Enlightenment

Bodhi seeds originate from the sacred Bodhi tree. Yes, this is the very tree under which The Buddha is said to have attained enlightenment. Now, imagine that for a brief moment, holding these seeds in hand. It’s no wonder so many people value them. They are, by all means, the seeds of awakening. Now, I don’t know about you, but just hearing that makes me feel a sense of awe. The simple act of touching a Bodhi seed mala, is like touching a piece of history and spirituality all in one.

What Is a Bodhi Seed Mala?

First, let’s break it down. A Bodhi seed mala is, as mentioned, a string of beads. This string of beads usually consists of about 108 beads. Though, there are also Bodhi seed malas consisting of 54 beads, 36 beads, 27 beads and so on. In fact, any factor of 108 is ideal for making a Bodhi seed mala. People use these beads to count prayers, recite mantras or breaths during meditation. Think of it as a tool, much like a compass. It helps guide your focus and keeps your mind steady and present.

Why 108 Beads?

In many cultures around the world, certain numbers are significant. The same goes for 108 in Buddhist traditions. Some say it represents the number of earthly desires. These are the desires which practitioners strive to overcome. It’s said that, by overcoming these desires one moves closer to enlightenment. Others believe that it symbolizes the connection between the universe, emptiness, and infinity. Whatever the case may be, there’s a certain depth to it that gives the mala even more meaning.

Preparing Yourself and Your Bodhi Seed Mala

Before you begin, it’s important to take a moment to prepare. Now, this isn’t just about grabbing your mala and diving into your practice. It’s about creating a space that’s both physically and mentally calming. This will allow you to connect on a deeper level. And when I say connect, I don’t mean connect with your thoughts or worries. I mean quite the opposite — connect with the awareness of these things and what you feel in your body.

Choose Your Space

Find a quiet spot with the least amount of distractions. It could be a corner of your home, a park, or even a cozy seat by a window. Wherever it is, make sure it feels calming and inviting. This step is crucial, as it sets the tone for your practice and helps you focus your attention on your awareness.

Cleanse Your Mala

Indeed, malas can hold energy, and some of this energy may not resonate with yours. So, when you first receive your Bodhi seed mala, you should cleanse it. You can smudge it with sage or incense. Also, you can place it under the light of the moon. Some people choose to hold it in their hands and set an intention for it. as such, this helps to clear away any lingering energy, and thus make it truly yours.

Set Your Intention

Before you start, think about why you’re meditating or praying. Are you seeking peace, clarity or healing? Setting an intention helps to ground your practice and gives it purpose.

How to Use a Bodhi Seed Mala

But how do you actually use a Bodhi seed mala? If you’re new to this, don’t worry. We’ll go step by step. And by the end, you’ll feel confident in starting your meditation or prayer practice with one. Now comes the practice itself. Using a mala is quite simple, but it can also feel quite profound. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Hold Your Mala

Take your mala in your right hand (or left if you feel more comfortable that way). Let one of the beads rest between your thumb and your middle finger. This will help you to get a feel for the energy of the Bodhi seeds and your state of mind. Before you begin, the first bead you’ll touch is the one next to the guru bead. The guru bead is larger than the others and marks the start and end of your mala.

Step 2: Choose Your Focus

Decide what you’ll focus on. This could be a mantra, like “Om Mani Padme Hum,” or a prayer that holds a specific meaning to you. If for some reason, you don’t want to speak, you can focus on your breath instead. To do so, you can inhale deeply and exhale fully. But don’t hold your breath. The goal is to focus on your breathing.

Step 3: Begin Your Journey

As mentioned, you’ll want to start with the bead next to the guru bead. As you hold it, say your mantra, prayer, or simply take a mindful breath. Then, move to the next bead and repeat until you arrive back to the guru bead.Here’s something important to remember: Don’t rush the process. This practice isn’t about finishing. It’s about the journey of self discovery, and of course, being present. And just like the seeds themselves, they didn’t grow to a mature size in one single day. It took them quite a while before they reached their full growth. The same goes for this process. You can’t rush it. That said; let the journey of the seeds remind you of this.

Step 4: Pause at the Guru Bead

When you’ve gone all the way around and reach the guru bead again, pause. This is a moment to reflect or offer gratitude. However, if you feel called to continue, don’t cross over the guru bead. Instead, go in the reverse direction and move back along the mala. You can keep doing until you feel a sense of completion.

Tips to Deepen Your Practice

As you can see, using a Bodhi seed mala is quite simple. But, there are ways to deepen the experience and make it even more meaningful. For instance, instead of only reciting a mantra, you can also set an intention. Any such small addition can transform your mala meditation into a powerful ritual. Below are some of the ways to deepen your practice:

Breathe With Intention

Sometimes, speaking can feel like too much, especially if your line of work requires you to speak a lot. So, if you’re too tired to speak or words feel too distracting, let your breath guide you instead. Inhale on one bead, exhale on the next. This creates a rhythm that can be deeply calming.

Anchor Yourself in the Present

If your mind starts to wander (and it will, trust me — it happens to everyone), gently bring your focus back to the mala. You can do so by feeling the texture of the Bodhi seeds in your fingers. Hence, their presence serves as a touchstone that can help to anchor you in the present moment.

Use It Daily

The more you use your mala, the more it becomes a part of your practice. Over time, it begins to hold the energy of your intentions, your prayers, and your meditations. Thus, it becomes like that of a sacred companion on your spiritual journey.

Bodhi Seed Malas and Prayer

While Bodhi seed malas are often used for meditation, they’re just as powerful for prayer. For example, in Christianity, rosaries serve a similar purpose. Like Bodhi seed malas, rosaries consist of small beads or seeds strung together. They often feature a tassel or a cross as well. Both are used as aids in spiritual practice. They help to focus the mind as well as deepen one’s concentration to their faith.

How to Use a Bodhi Seed Mala for Prayer

As you move through each bead, you can say a prayer. Maybe it’s gratitude for the blessings in your life. Or, maybe it’s a request for guidance, healing, or strength. Whatever it is, let the repetition of the prayer deepen your connection. And if words seem to escape you, that’s okay too. Sometimes, sitting in silence with your mala, and just thinking of your request, is enough.

The Journey Is Yours

At the end of the day, there’s no “right” way to use a Bodhi seed mala. It’s your journey, so it’s your practice. Just remember to be gentle with yourself as you explore these practices. And be patient with yourself, because like the Bodhi seed, it takes to grow into this.Some days, it might feel easy and natural. Other days, your mind might wander endlessly. But that’s okay. The mala is there to guide you, not to judge you.Remember, every time you pick up your mala, you’re choosing to pause, to connect, to grow. In fact, that’s the beautiful of mala meditation.So, whether you’re seeking peace, clarity, or simply a moment to breathe, let your Bodhi seed mala be your guide. It’s more than a string of beads. It’s a tool for transformation. It’s a reminder of your inner strength, and thus it is a symbol of the wisdom you carry within.