My Mala and Me
It is said that when a mala breaks, its work is done.
A mala is a strand of beads (traditionally 108, or a fraction thereof) used for keeping count during meditation. Mala beads have been in use for thousands of years, with the earliest examples dating back to the 8th century B.C.
A mala can be used for meditation only, worn as a necklace, or wrapped around your wrist several times.
Most importantly, it is a tool focusing our awareness and concentration during your spiritual practice, meditation, prayer, or reflection. Also, if you wear your mala throughout the day, it serves as a constant reminder of your intentions. (description from https://www.modernom.co/blogs/blog/what-is-a-mala)
My Life-Changing Summer
I purchased this mala in 2004 when I spent the summer at Ananda Ashram in Monroe, NY. I had been drawn there for a spiritual retreat. I arrived on July 2nd – Guru Purnima – the full moon where we celebrate the Guru.
I agreed to a work-study to keep the cost down and was assigned to be the primary cook. In between twice daily meditation and Vedic teachings, I, and a host of revolving volunteers, prepared the main meal for the entire community. I was exhausted much of the time, wondering what I had gotten myself into.
I had gotten myself into a life-changing summer.
A Surprise Shakipat from Swami Sivananda Saraswati
One morning near the end of my stay, I was in a solo meditation in the Cosmic Temple. A picture of “Mr. Clean” flashed in my mind’s eye and I was suddenly writhing on the floor. Waves of energy moved through me for a period of time and then I went into a deep meditation.
When I came to, I was terrified. What had just happened?
I spoke with a long-time resident who explained I had received shakipat from a Guru. In Hinduism, shaktipat refers to the transmission (or conferring) of spiritual energy upon one person by another. While shaktipat is typically transmitted in person, it is not uncommon to receive it from a Guru who has left their body.
So, I received an energetic awakening of my third eye, initiating me on a spiritual path. Yehnemsah sent me to the bookstore to look at photos of bald gurus to determine who had initiated me.
It was Swami Sivananda Saraswati, a doctor, Ayurvedic physician, guru, and founder of the Divine Life Society who died on July 14, 1963.
I bought the mala shortly after.
Then I returned to Tucson to reenter my life, committing myself to a spiritual path, infusing the mala with that intention.
Two months later, I was mired in the day-to-day once again.
I guess I needed a more dramatic course correction because on November 8th I was in a rollover car accident. My brain was cracked open with psychic and energy-healing gifts. This “accident” offered me a no-going-back opportunity to stay on the spiritual path.
My Mala’s Work is Done
The mala broke on November 12, 2022, the day I returned to Tucson from the EPIC Life retreat.
It had been fraying for many years and I tended not to wear it often in the hopes I could extend its life. But I had to bring it to this retreat. I knew this was my new spiritual and professional community. I was entering a new era – bar one small thing. My heart had hardened and I did not know why or how to soften it.
When I arrived at the retreat, I meditated in front of the altar, paying homage to the Masters – Yuktaswar, Paramahansa Yogananda, Krishna, Jesus, Babaji, and Lahiri. And then I simply asked, “Please crack me open.” Palms touching in front of my heart, I bowed and left it to them.
While there, I asked someone if they knew of anyone who re-strung malas because I was concerned mine would break soon. She reminded me that when a mala breaks its work is done. I took note and dove into the work – and play – of the retreat.
With the support of the incredible healers and the Masters, my heart did crack open and I came to understand why it had hardened in the first place. That story is for another time.
This is the story of my mala. Its work is complete, it now lays on my altar reminding me of the karmic cycle that has been broken and the incredible amount of healing (personal, professional, psychological, and karmic) that I undertook over 18 years.
I am a more aligned expression of my soul, ready to move into “legacy work” – passing on the lessons from this journey through stories, coaching, intuitive work, and energy healing.
It’s time to celebrate and set new intentions.
It’s time for my new mala to find me.
Thanks for reading!
