Question for SWAMIJI

[Guest guest]

Is it ok to do japa without a mala? I am uncomfortable

carrying/caring for a mala, and try to mentally count the # of times

I chant my mantra.

 

My mental counts take one of two methods:

1. 2x times for the incoming breath, x times for the outgoing

breath, where "x" is a number, like 3. Thus 1 total breath gives me

9 mantra counts. Hence 12 breaths make a mala of 108.

 

2. The other method is to create a geometric pattern of imaginary

flowers at the feet of the diety, one flower for each chant. I have

already figured out the pattern to give me '27' or '60' counts,

hence I just repeat it again if I have to do more than 1 round to

finish the desired mala. (Note: I will also try to do for more

logical rounds of '54' or '108').

 

So the questions again:

1. Is it ok to do japa without a mala?

2. Am I missing out on some intangible power by not using a mala?

 

Thanks in advance for your answers.

 

Jai Ma!