Global Mala Project

We’re excited to participate in the Global Mala Project this Sunday, September 20. For the past few year, the worldwide yoga community has come together to celebrate the Fall Equinox, which is, coincidentally, the UN’s World Day of Peace. Local communities around the globe pledge to complete 108 rounds of sun salutes, inspired by the intention of peace and change. In addition to participating in this simple, yet powerful, prostration, it is a fundraising event for local charities that promote the spirit of peace. At Mala, we’re raising money for D.O.V.E (Domestic and Other Violent Emergencies), a program at New York Presbyterian Hospital that assists victims of domestic and other violent crimes when they are taken to the emergency room. D.O.V.E volunteers provide new clothes when a victim’s clothes are taken for evidence, toiletries for a shower, and support when a victim interacts with law enforcement or medical staff. The support of these trained volunteers is compassion in action and can restore a sense of dignity to those devastated in mind and body by violent crimes.

We learned about this great organization because a Mala student performs her seva, or service, work at D.O.V.E.

Performing the powerful prostration of the Sun Salute – a cornerstone of yogic practices, both ancient and modern – on behalf of D.O.V.E’s work is a wonderful way to honor peace and the different forms that peace can take. Our practices on Sunday will form an intentional mala much like mala beads that are used in meditation practices. In meditation, mala beads are placed in the practitioner’s right hand and help corral the “monkey mind” by having a physical object on which one can focus and keep track of his/her recitations of mantras, or spiritual prayers. There are 108 beads on a mala (in addition to the guru or Buddha bead that is outside the mala). This is considered an auspicious number in many cultures. For Buddhist malas, the 108 is said to represent the following formula:

• 6 x 3 x 2 x3 = 108

• 6 senses of a human being: sight, sound, smell, taste, touch, thought

• 3 times: past, present, future

• 2 conditions of heart, mind or intention: pure or impure

• 3 disturbing emotional states or “kleshia”: like, dislike, indifference

I often think of the symbolism of mala beads in my practice and my teaching. As the beads on the mala are separate from each other, so are we; but as the beads are held together by a single thread, so we share the breath. When we choose to come to class, we’re doing so intentionally. In class, through the breath and asana, we further our mindfulness practices. These practices stay with us as we step off the mat and into our lives. Hopefully, through these practices, we are more attuned to our commonalities and sense of community than our separateness and differences. And that’s the essence of the Global Mala Project – inspired by the symbolism of mala beads and the devotional nature of Sun Salutes, we’re reminded that our practice goes beyond having great “yoga arms.”

Our humble effort at our small studio in Brooklyn has a big heart and supports a big cause. I hope you set an intention to join us this Sunday for this powerful moving meditation.