In preparation for next week's Spring Equinox Sun Salutation Mala, here's some information about what, in fact, a mala is!

"Mala" - from the Sanskrit word for 'garland'.  It is usually a string of 108 beads or links used to count mantras, help focus meditation, and encourage mindfulness.  Most mala are composed of 109 beads, with the sumeru bead (also called the guru, binda or stupa) marking the beginning and end of any set of mala.  Normally, when reciting more than one mala, you reverse the direction of the counting beads rather than crossing the sumeru bead. 

So why 108?  There are numerous references in both mathematic and religious systems.  Most Buddhist temples have 108 steps, a number taken from a story in which Buddha was asked 108 questions and refuted them by negating the "statements" - the Sanskrit word for "statement", pada, is also the word for "footstep".  Buddha is also quoted in reference to the 108 possible human emotions, 36 each refering to the past, the present and the future.  

Normally, a whole mala of 108 Surya Namaskar are done four times a year.  It is used to focus the mind and encourage purification of the body.  Mental, emotional and physical "spring cleaning", if you will. 

Why should you sweat through 108 sun salutations (besides for charity)?  We all have our own reasons for coming to the mat.  Think of a mala as a chance to focus closely on your practice, and come face to face with how that intention manifests both in your life and on your mat. 

Happy (almost!) Spring, and enjoy everything you take from your practice, both on and off the mat.  

Namaste.