Tibetan Rosewood Prayer Beads with Metal Counters

In Tibetan Buddhism, prayer beads, called threngwa in Tibetan, are a familiar companion in daily practice. Bead by bead, they help you stay with the mantra you are reciting and count the repetitions without having to think about it.

This mala is made of rosewood beads. Turquoise-coloured marker beads divide the strand and give your fingers a point of reference. Two removable metal counters at the side keep track of how many rounds you have already recited. This makes the mala suited to a quiet daily practice as well as to longer recitations. You can read how to use and care for a mala in our article How to Use and Care for Your Tibetan Prayer Beads (Mala) Properly.

The Sanskrit word mala means wreath or garland. Each bead stands for one recitation. Like the traditional Tibetan mala, this one has 108 beads, a number regarded as significant in Buddhism. One full round therefore means 108 recitations. Many Tibetans carry their prayer beads with them all day and use quiet moments, on the way somewhere or while waiting, for a mantra.

A mantra often recited is Om Mani Padme Hum, the mantra of compassion of Avalokiteshvara, Chenrezig in Tibetan. The mala itself is not a talisman. Its meaning lies in the intention and attention with which you use it.

Many practitioners hold the mala in their left hand and, with each recitation, draw one bead towards them with the thumb. The marker beads help you keep your bearings along the way. After each full round of 108 recitations, move one of the small rings or beads on the counter along. This lets you keep track over a longer period, for example if you set out to recite a mantra many thousands of times. You can use the mala in meditation, carry it with you in daily life or wear it wrapped around your wrist.

A mala is an object of practice. Please do not put it on the floor, and keep it in a clean place, such as on your home altar or in its pouch.

Material

rosewood, sustainably sourced

Beads

108

Bead diameter

approx. 8 mm

Circumference

approx. 78 cm

Weight

approx. 42 g

Counters

2, metal, removable

Marker beads

turquoise-coloured

Origin

Nepal

Included

mala, brocade pouch

The colour and design of the pouch may differ from the picture.
As each bead is made of wood, slight variations in the grain are possible.

If needed, wipe the beads with a soft, dry cloth. Keep the mala away from water, perfume and cosmetics, and take it off before showering, bathing or swimming. When damp, for example from rain or perspiration, the beads may release a little colour onto light fabrics. At such times it is best not to wear the mala directly against light clothing. If it does get damp, let it air-dry. When you are not wearing the mala, keep it dry in its brocade pouch.