Meditation & Mindfulness
Singing bowls, gongs, malas, Buddha statues, incense and calming stones: everything for a meditation corner and a few quiet, present minutes each day.
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Setting up a meditation space
A meditation corner needs very little: somewhere comfortable to sit, a focal point and something that tells your mind it is time to slow down. A small Buddha statue, a candle and a stick of incense are a classic start, and a singing bowl is a beautiful way to open and close each session.
Malas and prayer beads
A mala of 108 beads is used to count breaths or repeat a word or mantra, a practice known as japa. Hold it in your right hand and move one bead at a time with your thumb. Between sessions, many people wear their mala as a necklace.
Sound for meditation
Sound gives a wandering mind something to rest on. Strike a bowl and follow the hum until it fades, or let the long, rolling tone of a gong carry you into stillness. Tingshas, a pair of small cymbals, mark the start and end of a practice with one bright, clear note.
Questions and answers
What do I need to start meditating at home?
Only a comfortable place to sit and a few quiet minutes. Many people add a cushion, a candle, incense and a singing bowl to create a dedicated space that makes the habit easier to keep.
What is a mala used for?
A mala is a string of 108 beads used to count breaths or mantras during meditation. Moving one bead at a time helps keep attention steady and gently brings the mind back when it wanders.
Which incense is best for meditation?
Sandalwood, frankincense and nag champa are traditional meditation scents. Choose a calm, warm fragrance and burn it safely, never leaving a flame or smouldering stick unattended.