Swamiji answers - 16 - Bag for mala

[Guest guest]

Question from Sankar:Pranam Swamiji,I see most people keeping their Japa Malas inside a cotton bag while chanting the Mantra. This is what is stated in a web site and also in some of the books on Mantra/Tantra. <<The Mala should always be kept inside a cotton bag (Gomukhi) and during counting the beads, the hand should be within the Gomukhi.>>I have never used a bag. When I do my daily rounds of Japa in the temple, everyone looks at me curiously since I do not use the bag. Some of the kindly souls have also told me that I should use a bag. I tell them that my Samparadhaya does not use a bag. No such problem at home, though my wife uses a bag.So the question is To Bag or not to Bag? Jai MAA!!! Swamiji's response:Vaishnavas, especially Gaudyamath, use a bag, and often want every one to do as they do. That you do it, is ever so much more important than how you do it.In short, it makes no difference.

[Guest guest]

Thank you, maa Nanda. That was quick.

 

My pranams to Sree MAA and Swamiji.