All malas help to center the mind, develop concentration and encourage mindfulness, but those made with gemstone beads impart a very special cleansing aura, thanks to their innate healing and magical properties. As vessels of concentrated yang energy, gemstone malas readily absorb the sonic vibrations of the mantras recited over them,energizing their positive qualities, making them the perfect conduits for sending your wishes and intentions out into the universe.
When it comes to choosing a gemstone mala, there is no hard-and-fast rule. The most important thing is that you must feel a connection to the mala you use, for it to be effective. But if you also want to harness its power, it helps to be aware of what their inherent strengths are.
Here are ten excellent gemstones choices, each with their own unique meanings and properties:
AMETHYST
FULFILLS AMBITIONS
Amethyst beads relieve stress and balances the mood. They encourage harmonious relationships by neutralizing anger energies. Amethyst is also very lucky for those with big ambitions. Dedicate this mala to chanting the mantra of the Bodhisattva Chundi, the18-arm manifestation of Buddha Avalokitesvara for career and business success, as well as trustworthy friends and relationships.
NAMO SAPTANAM / SAMYAKSAM BUDDHA KOTINAM / TADYATHA OM / CALE CULE CUNDI SOHA
AVENTURINE
ATTRACTS ABUNDANCE ENERGIES
Gemstone malas made out of Aventurine emanate strong energies of prosperity, abundance and success. Aventurine attracts new opportunities, encourages resilience and opens the mind up to new ideas. If you find yourself down in the dumps or losing drive, keeping this gemstone mala close recharges your motivation and reconnects you with the things that really matter.
CAT’S EYE
IMPARTS WISDOM
Cat’s Eye imparts secret wisdom and stimulates intuition. It promotes concentration and helps those studying for exams or pursuing scholastic success. Malas made with Cat’s Eye beads are wonderful for students and perfect for using to chant the mantra of Manjushri, the Wisdom Buddha:
OM AH RA PA CHA NA DHIH
CINNABAR
BOOSTS INNER VITALITY
This red-colored stone boosts one’s inner vitality. It enhances mental agility and improves self-confidence, making one more resilient to obstacles. Cinnabar is also well-known for manifesting successful collaborations at work. For those pursuing career success, this is an excellent gemstone to keep close to your body.
Especially powerful when dedicated as a personal mala of Goddess Avalokiteshvara. Chant one mala of her mantra daily to remove obstacles and to enhance personal happiness:
OM MANI PADME HUM
CLEAR QUARTZ
CLEARS AWAY OBSTACLES
Clear Quartz is extremely powerful when used in recuperative meditation. It stimulates the immune system, aligns the chakras and brings the body back into balance. Those looking for spiritual growth will find this the perfect gemstone mala to incorporate into your meditative practice, as it frees the body and mind of negativity and promotes mental clarity so you can focus on creating a clear pathway towards your goals.
WHITE AGATE
REDUCES STRESS
White Agate helps to release tension so that you only make good decisions. It purifies thoughts, encourages rational thinking and reduces stress. By turning your focus onto the good side of things rather than the bad, this stone encourages harmony in all your relationships, and a smooth pathway in all your endeavors. Dedicate a White Agate mala to chanting White Dzambala’s mantra to accumulate wealth and prosperity. White Dzambala’s mantra:
OM PEMA KRODA ARYA DZHAMBALA HRIDAYA HUM PHET
AMBER
ATTRACTS WEALTH
Amber is an organic gemstone formed from fossilized tree resin. Its bright, golden hue symbolizes the regenerative properties of the sun, providing protection against harmful yin energies. It is also believed to preserve youth. Amber is also said to be an excellent magnet for wealth. To enhance prosperity and success, chant one mala of the Yellow Dzambala mantra daily. The Yellow Dzambala:
OM DZAMBALA JALEN DRAYE SOHA
LAPIS LAZULI
A HEALING STONE
The gorgeous blue colour of Lapis Lazuli encourages good fortune from all the ten directions. It has strong spiritual energies that empower the senses, and heightensself-awareness, compassion and morality. Chanting mantras with this gemstone improves one’s intuition and wisdom. Blue is also the colour of Medicine Buddha. Chanting one mala of his mantra daily invites his blessings and manifests his powerful healing energies.
TADYATHA OM BEKANZAY BEKANZAY MAHA BEKANZAY RADZA SAMUDGATAY SOHA
RED AGATE
BOOSTS CREATIVITY
Red Agate boosts creativity and ignites motivation.An excellent gemstone for artists in all fields– actors, painters, writes, creators. Red agate is also excellent for unblocking the chakras and for strengthening one’s inner power and inner chi. Those facing bullies, office politics or fierce competitors should dedicate this mala to Red Tara, the Goddess of Power and Magnetism. Chant one mala of her mantra daily to dissolve your problems and to win everyone over onto your side.
OM TARE TAM SOHA
MALACHITE
AGAINST NEGATIVITY & BLACK MAGIC
Known as a protection stone
Malachite absorbs harmful energies like radiation and electromagnetic pollution. This vibrant green crystal is bedecked with swirl formations called “eyes” believed to unleash one’s psychic abilities. It brings power, status and personal growth, but also increases empathy and compassion. Harness this stone’s power to ward off negativity and black magic.
Malas turn into sacred objects over time so you can imagine just how powerful they become. Wear them as a necklace or bracelet throughout the day to reap their versatile benefits. Whenever you are in doubt or in need of a reminder of your intentions, activate the gemstones by passing the mala beads through your fingers and rubbing them gently. Learn up one or two of your favorite mantras of Buddhas you feel most affinity with, and chant their mantra whenever you wish to invoke their help.
