Meditation 'props R Us'
federica
Seeker of the clear blue sky...Its better to remain silent and be thought a fool, than to speak out and remove all doubt Moderator
I don't want people to imagine I can't do without them. These are merely tools to aid and deepen the experience of meditation.
I am delighted to have found, ordered and received this mala, because it gives me a sense of grounding and helps me to concentrate, enjoy and focus on my meditation, and supports my dedication and discipline.
I meditated before I received this, with a home-made mala of tiny haematite beads.
Now I have received 'The Real McCoy' and feel as if I'm on a roll.
Those who know me, will understand why this mala is important to me, having lost everything I possessed previously, including mu Buddha-altar statues and lamps, to an unscrupulous and mean-spirited landlady....
Would you like to post pictures of your dispensable, transitory 'precious tools'....?
Comments
What an excellent mala.
My "precious tool" is a painting (24x36). The expression .. the peace and quiet joy in the face.
Love it, @federica! I really like the button-shaped beads on the end of the tassles. Unique! It looks treasured.
I did mine as a package deal, lol. I guess I consider the whole box a toolbox, in essence. I have never been fan of the word "altar." This sits on my bedside table where it is protected from the kids and dog.
The box is a handcarved calligraphy desk, from what I have been able to find. I got it off a local classifieds page for $15. In it I keep my most special treasures: my Lojong slogan cards, my inspired pen, wax seals and scrolls, the remainder of my grandma's ashes and a couple of malas that were gifts. Oh, and also a medicine bag that was gifted to me by a Native American friend.
Buddha and meditating lady hang out on top. I know Buddha is supposed to be above everything but I decided he didn't mind the company! The wood and turquoise mala was made by a friend several years ago. Turquoise is my birth gem. The blue one is a lapis lazuli mala that I chose about 5 years ago. It is the only one I use for meditating or mantras. I have always loved lapis because each one of them looks like a little planet Earth.
on the bottom, a sand dollar that I found and a 1926 Walking Liberty coin that belonged to my grandma. Nature and grandma (family) are my roots and stay with me always. I rotate the sand dollar out depending how I am feeling. I'll put some flower petals or a pine sprig there. I had the ocean on my mind the other day, so, the sand dollar.
^^ Look at that box! Beautiful! I'll post pics later...I'm at work now...
AFA pics....I'm still adjusting to going from a laptop and digital camera to an ipad
, hahaha.
My trusty sandalwood mala. It was the first one I bought. I've restrung it a few times (which led me to learning to make my own) It's there at a moment's notice for meditation when required.
(yes I'm at work atm too
)
Love your mala @dhammachick... look forward to 'adding' to my present one...
My favorite prop is a good raking set.
I am waiting to see a pic of @lobster's fish tank!
DIY Zendo....
One of the places I practice walking meditation (or hobbling meditation at the moment) has been cordoned off by a film crew. They are filming 'The Kid Who Would Be King' starring Patrick Stewart.
So my local fish holding area (pond) has mist in this pic provided by a dry ice machine and light provided by giant arc lights ...
The only real props at the moment are my buttocks. Not having access to a photo-copier and in order not to frighten the fish, I have refrained from providing a pic ...
... and now back to everyones wonderful practice aids ...
I look forward to the movie. I think you should push yourself forward to have a bit part... There MUST be one for a crustacean in it!
The mala I wrap around my left wrist.
The book "The Word of the Buddha," which includes a translations of the Dhammapada, and which I carry everywhere.
And my altar...
My amethyst and rose quartz mala was the first knotted mala I made and it's very rough around the edges. But I love it and there's something very soothing about when I meditate.
...And there's a knot between each bead, too... That's amazingly impressive! Such a beautiful mala - amethyst & rose Quartz do wonders for the troubled spirit, and are both soothing and restorative.
Gorgeous.
I'll take 10.