August 26, 2011 on 7:05 am
Dear Spiritual Explorer: Can you recommend to me a mala that will give me strength and endurance to pass my university test? Joan H., Jupiter, FL
Rosewood Turquoise and Coral Mala
Dear Joan: With your question in mind, I chose a mala for you that I can’t put down myself. It’s the Rosewood, Turquoise & Coral Neck Mala. Let me tell you a few things about this mala. Rosewood of course comes from the rosewood tree which is a very strong timber. To counteract any fears that you may have with regard to your test, let me assure you that rosewood dispels negative energy. Any time we are tested in the exam room there is a heightened sense of fear and excitement; it is easy to fall into not only yours but other people’s anxiety. This mala will give you that added protection.
I have to say that I just love the look of this mala and I keep returning to gaze at it. I like the way the turquoise and coral blend together with a perfect harmony, so that has to add harmony to you. Turquoise is a very warming stone, improving any circulation problems you might have which is just what happens when we are under stress. Our limbs become cold especially in an air conditioned exam room. Coral in a mala symbolizes life and blood force energy. Dark red coral is used for heating and stimulating the bloodstream. Pink shades within the mala restore harmony to the heart and are used as an aid to depression, fear and lethargy.
Hold onto this mala and perhaps say a soothing mantra to accompany each one of the 108 beads traditionally within a mala. A simple mantra according to your religious tradition, might be if Christian, Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, if you’re Hindu, Ram,Ram,Ram, if you’re Buddhist,Om Mani Padme Hum or anything that brings you into a place of peace. I think that feeling peaceful while taking tests has to improve performance. It takes that additional stress away and you are left with just what you know to be the correct response
Malas are indispensable to spiritual practice. When one thinks of mala, one thinks of japa. Japa is the recitation of mantra, either said silently or out loud. As one says their mantra, one uses the beads as a counting device. It is traditional to say your mantra at least 108 times which is the preferred number of beads in the mala. As you proceed by touching the mala and saying your preferred mantra, you come upon what is called the Guru Bead; it is the largest bead in the mala. Once approached you then reverse and count the opposite way. The tradition is that you do not go over the Guru bead to convey respect.
So now you are fully prepared for your test: You have learned discipline by saying your mantra, you have felt a place of peace within yourself from doing so, and then, offering prayers to your devotional master will seal the deal! Good luck to you, Spiritual Explorer
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