A simple question with many answers - where is the japa mala to be held and how? I've seen several forms and feel a couple of ways personally but don't want to offend or feel out of sorts on my trip to Rishikesh and Haridwar later this month.
First, I feel that the beads become energized more and more as they are chanted upon. Secondly however, I feel that they are a tool to aid in mantra meditation and PERHAPS not much more. Please no scolding here - I'd like your views on this.
Second - I've seen pictures and actual people using the beads in certain ways. Some use a bead bag and chant at waist or heart level. Some chant at heart level and cover the beads with a cloth. Another sits for meditation and puts them in the lap, allowing them to fall to the ground while chanting. With this, the beads are uncovered. Have seen additional methods but won't list all of them here. Perhaps members could add their own.
My personal preference is to either sit on the ground or a chair and let the beads fall as they may, uncovered, but I'm not sure that I feel that I'm honoring the "holiness" and sacredness that is becoming more and more a part of the mala. Thus the question.
I humbly ask for your replies.
Om Namah Sivaya!
Clayton
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