MeraKalpa Malas Designs Malas for Meditation & Intention Setting

MeraKalpa Malas helps people manifest their intentions by making their own mala necklaces. Using 108 beads, these necklaces are often used as a meditation tool to help you stay on track as you recite your mantras. When Amanda Jaten founded MeraKalpa Malas, her goal was to sell her own handmade malas, while also creating the opportunity for everyone to create their own custom, high-quality mala beads to support their intentions and guide their meditation journey. She will be joining the Firefly Handmade Summer Market for the first time on August 28-29th. 

​​What are malas?

Malas (also called Prayer Beads) have been used for centuries as tools to focus the mind and connect to one’s intentions. In fact, the traditional Mala Beads pre-date the catholic rosary!  They are not religion-specific and can be worn or used by anyone to deepen their meditation and manifesting practice. They always have 108 beads, often made of wood, seed, or stone, and they usually have a large bead (called the guru bead) at the end, finished with a tassel.

Why DIY kits?

The first malas I made were for myself, then for family members. I quickly realized how powerful of a practice mala making was for setting clear intentions in my life and how the art of making the mala was really the most meaningful aspect. "There’s magic in the knots” I always say! After a few years of making custom malas it became my purpose to share this beautiful art; to help others set and manifest their intentions through the ancient art of mala making! My mission was to take all that I had learned and create a DIY Mala Kit experience for anyone to enjoy. DIY Mala Kits allow even “non-crafty” beginners the chance to experience the magic themselves and enjoy this art which is a meditation in itself.

How did you come up with your business name? Thank you for asking! Sometimes I wish I would have chosen something a little easier for people to pronounce, haha! But there is sooo much meaning in the name “MeraKalpa”. 

“Mera” is short for “Meraki” which is a Greek word that describes doing something with soul, creativity, love, and passion. The Modern Greeks describe this as putting yourself into whatever you are doing.

“Kalpa” is short for “Sankalpa”

Which is a Sanskrit word (from yoga). It is an intention that honors the deeper meaning of our lives.  

So, yes! There’s a lot in this funky little name, but I believe it truly expresses what the art of mala making is. I believe it’s a way of living that we all should try as well! Doing things with passion, love, and intention… while honoring our soul’s purpose.

How do you choose the beads you work with?  

Soooo much time, love, and meditation goes into choosing the crystals that become Mala Kits, Custom Malas, or Jewelry pieces. I only work with high-quality, natural, stone beads. Each stone carries its own vibration, its own unique energy. Some may think that sounds silly, but after 7 years of working so intimately with crystals, I can tell you that there’s something to it. Just like colors impact our emotions and energy, so do crystals. When I’m creating a new Mala Kit I ask myself, what does the world need now? Literally. Is it Love + Compassion to heal a broken heart? Is it Strength + Protection to help get them through 2020? Maybe it’s Moonstone, the stone of new beginnings, fertility, and bringing dreams to life!

What are you looking forward to most as a new Firefly Handmade artisan?  

Oh my GOSH, I am so excited!!! I love how curated these events are and I am most excited to experience the energy among other artisans and the community! I know that 2020 was hard on artists as well as art lovers. I am so excited to be among the community again (in person)! 

​​Visit and shop with MeraKalpa Malas atFirefly Handmade Summer Market, August 28 & 29, on Historic South Gaylord Street, Washington Park, Denver.