How do I 'activate' my mala beads?

Mala beads are fantastic tools for mantra meditation and spiritual practice. When activated, they are believed to hold great spiritual power to assist you in your meditation practice as well as your overall spiritual journey. In activating our mala beads, we’re unlocking the sacred energy inherent within these sacred objects. Without activation, the sacred energy lies dormant, just like kundalini energy does within our own energy bodies if we don’t unleash it. During activation, we’re also making mala beads unique to our Spirits—aligning them with our own personal energies and intentions.

There’s no right or wrong way to activate your mala beads. But, there are options. Typically, you’ll want to hold your beads in the right hand. It’s believed that your right hand gives energy, while the left hand receives it. Another way to hold the mala during activation is to place both hands around it with the hands at your heart center in prayer position. If there’s another way to hold your mala, one that resonates with you, then by all means do that. Trusting your higher self is part of the activation process.

You can sit cross-legged in a meditation posture, lie in savasana, or even stand during this sacred ritual. Again, relax into whatever position feels right for you. I like to light a candle and some of my favorite incense to create a sacred ambience. Now, gently close your eyes and become rooted in the breath. Inhale and exhale deeply. Bring into your mind’s eye a clear intention for your beads. Visualize how you’d like to see your life, and how your mala will help you create this life. Many people like to then chant the following mantra three times:

Om Hreem Namah Shivaya Om
Om Hreem Namah Shivaya Om
Om Hreem Namah Shivaya Om

Sit in silence for the next 5 minutes to seal the sacred practice.