Caring for your mala

Observing the physical changes to your mala that happen with time and use is a great reminder of the nature of impermanence and your commitment to your mantra practice. Mala beads may also need occasional physical and energetic cleaning to keep them looking their best. 

Mala care instructions:

• To clean most gemstone, wood and seed mala beads, put a few drops of mild dishwashing liquid in a bowl of room temperature water and soak for a few minutes.
• If your mala is heavily soiled, you may wish to leave it to soak overnight. Keep the mala’s tassel out of the water if possible.
• After soaking, use a very soft toothbrush to brush the beads gently or use a lint-free cotton cloth to wipe the beads using a circular motion.
• After cleaning, carefully rinse the beads with water and pat dry with a clean soft towel.
• Place the mala beads in a warm area to dry. Wood and seed beads may need several days to be completely dry.
• It important to rub coconut oil on the bodhi seed and sandalwood beads to prevent drying and cracking. Please do not forget this step!
• If your tassel is showing wear, you may gently wash the tassel in soapy water but be careful not to pull on the threads that hold it together. 
• Rinse your tassel in lukewarm water and wrap the tassel with a clean towel and gently squeeze excess water. 
• If your tassel is looking straggly, you may wish to gently comb through the threads and trim any loose ends with a sharp pair of scissors. 
• You can hang your mala to dry or leave it to dry on a towel overnight. 

Your mala can serve as a symbol and reminder of the beauty, importance, and sacredness of your meditation practice.

Mala beads are excellent for finding your center, clearing the mind, or to serve as a reminder of a personal aspiration. Over time, it’s about finding a balance between focus and loose observance of the world around you. It’s often the perfect catalyst for being mindful and still when we can’t quite locate balance. A challenge when you are trying to work in a loud environment. Try meditating with your mala at a quiet time, preferably in the morning. Alternatively, simply wearing your mala to remind you to stop and take a moment to check in with your practice.

Part of meditating with a mala is showing your commitment to your to your practice or intention. We see emotions not only passively as recreational; our bodies invest emotional resources into survival processes. Caring for your mala is another reminder to be mindful in everything that you do and can serve as a reminder to care for and nourish your body. Keeping your mala near is helpful when the tolls of life and emotions become overwhelming. Practice radiating light and love daily, work on feeling healthy and nourishing your body, practice self-love and compassion in every waking moment and don't forget to dedicate your merit to others. Happy meditating!