Let us NOT call it Mala Beads
I see a lot of misunderstandings and ignorance around the Japa Mala.
3 minutes
Q:
How long should one hold the mudras during the recitation of Gayatri mantra?
A:
It is not about the time duration. There are two vibrations that constitute the universe, one of sound and the other of light. Mudras represent the light and Mantras the sound. Together they create a complete experience of divinity.
Gayatri Mantra constitutes 24 Syllables
Om
tat savitur varenyam (8 syllables)
bhargo devasya dhimahi (8 syllables)
dhiyo yo nah prachodayat (8 syllables)
(Rig-veda 3.62.10)
Each syllable is a sound form, has a related light form, this light form is the Mudra. You can find these 24 + 8 Mudras along with other explanation in my book, Mudra: The Sacred Secret
There are 3 ways to do the practice:
Practice Tip: Fingers are considered the rays of solar energy. The rays of solar energy are considered the fingers of the sun. During the Mudra practice let the rays emanated from your finger tips merge into the solar energy and the solar rays enter your finger tips. May the entire body become the body of Prana. When we practice Mudra with such knowing then the practice becomes spiritual.
Gayatri Mantra album available here
I see a lot of misunderstandings and ignorance around the Japa Mala.
"This Ayurvedic herbal mixture for healing the skin brings beauty, color and glowing complexion to the face. It is a wonderful and most authentic product." Vasant Lad
Asana means to become that you which you are going to practice. It is not make believe, it is not mimicking, it is not performance, rigidity, adamancy, challenge or an accomplishment. 11 steps to do the abhyasa (practice) of an asana so that one may become that which one is practicing.