Japamala Workshop with Laura DeFreitas, Julia Einarsson and Samantha Spitzer

A mala is a set of prayer beads used during chanting or meditation in Hindu and Tibetan Buddhism.  The word mala means "garland" or rosary in Sanskrit and is commonly made from a 108 semiprecious beads.  A mala is used to focus one's awareness and concentration while reciting, chanting, or mentally repeating a mantra, a practice known as japa in Sanskrit.  Japamala has been used by practitioners from many disciplines for thousands of years to release negative feelings and karma.  The Buddha himself recommended Japamala practice as a path to enlightenment for ordinary people. 

In this workshop each participant will create his or her own beautiful and unique mala.  Participants will also learn more about Japamala, including how to practice, the significance of each bead, and the meaning of 108.  We will also briefly discuss the first two limbs of the eight-limbed yoga tradition (yamas and niyamas) and the seven main energy centers in the body (chakras) and how they can enhance the Japamala practice.   

The workshop will conclude with the repetition of the Gayatri mantra 108 times.  No previous chanting or knowledge of this mantra is necessary.  The Gayatri mantra is universally relevant for any spiritual aspirant for it is a song about the inner light or teacher; that Light, which represents our true nature as unchanging and unitive Consciousness.  We will chant this mantra together as the longest day of the year, the summer solstice, approaches as a reminder that everything is an expression of the Light within.

Location: Greenlake Studio

Time: 12:30pm to 3:30pm

Date: Saturday, June 7th

Cost: $60 (all materials will be provided)

 Pre-registration required. Call 206.529-0581 or 206.283-9642 to register.