How does the choice of specific materials such as metals and gems affect the power of a mala necklace?
The choice of materials used in a mala necklace can have symbolic and traditional significance, but it is not believed to affect the power of the necklace. The power of a mala necklace comes from its use in meditation and spiritual practices, rather than the materials it is made of. The traditional materials used in malas are 108 beads of rudraksha seeds, tulsi wood or sandalwood, and a marker bead, usually made of a precious metal or a gemstone. Some people believe that certain materials have specific properties that can enhance the spiritual properties of the mala, but this is a matter of personal belief and tradition.