Mata Saraswati, the Goddess of Wisdom and Learning, is always seen holding a mala in her hand. The mala, on a very basic and mundane level, represents the power of recitation and repetition. This can be done out loud or silently.

In the Hindu and Buddhist tradition, 108 beads are used for counting the recitations of one’s prayers. When you pray, whether out loud or even silently, know that each rotation of the mala is changing and transforming the very fabric of your being, especially if it is performed at the right time consistently.

In Hinduism, beads made from the rudraksha tree are considered sacred by the devotees of Shiva. Beads made from the wood of the tulsi plant are used and revered by Vaishnavas, followers of Vishnu.

For a mind to remain healthy, it must remain engaged in some form of work. And yet, even in a world where we must do some form of work, the greatest work of our life is often the one that gets neglected due to our work.

A mantra, especially one that has been given to us to meditate upon, purifies both the body and the mind. Purity is attained by repeating the mantra over and over again. This work must be done daily. The human teacher or even a sacred inscription may be the one to teach and to transmit the mantra, but it is only with consistent recitation that God breathes the spirit of the Mantra into the soul.

In life, one often has to suffer the consequences of one’s karma. This includes what one has done and what one has failed to do. But by repeating the name of God, the consequences of one’s karma is significantly reduced in its intensity. The effect of one’s own karmic backlog can be counteracted to a great extent by daily repeating the name of God.

When a person finally becomes steady in meditation, he will clearly see the Lord in his heart and hear His voice.