Tibetan Rudraksha Mala, Polished, 9 mm

Rudraksha malas are a familiar sight in Nepal and in Tibetan Buddhism. The beads are the dried seeds of the rudraksha tree, which grows in the Himalayan foothills, among other places. On this mala the surface of the seeds is polished, so the light ridges and dark furrows stand out clearly. A larger guru bead with a top piece closes the circle, with two yellow cord ends with beads hanging from it. 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 furrowed beads sit securely in the hand and are easy to tell apart as you count.

The name rudraksha comes from Sanskrit and is usually interpreted as ‘eye of Rudra’, an epithet of the god Shiva. According to an Indian legend, the seeds arose from his tears. In Tibetan Buddhism, too, rudraksha malas have long been widespread and are used for reciting many mantras.

Like the traditional Tibetan mala, called Threngwa in Tibetan, this one has 108 beads, a number regarded as significant in Buddhism. The larger guru bead marks the beginning and end of a round: when counting, you turn back at it instead of passing over it. The mala itself is not a talisman. Its meaning lies in the intention and attention with which you use it.

Hold the mala in your left hand and begin with the bead next to the guru bead. With each recitation, draw one bead towards you with your thumb until you arrive back at the guru bead after 108 recitations. To keep counting, turn the mala around and go back in the other direction. In between, you can wear it around your neck or wrap it several times around your wrist.

Many Tibetans carry their mala with them all day and use quiet moments, on the way somewhere or while waiting, for a mantra. Do not place the mala on the floor and keep it in a clean place, such as on your home altar.

Material

rudraksha seeds

Surface

polished

Beads

108

Bead diameter

approx. 9 mm

Guru bead

with top piece

Finish

two cord ends with beads

Cord

yellow

Circumference

approx. 90 cm

Weight

approx. 50 g

Made

strung by hand

Origin

Nepal

As each mala is strung by hand and every seed has its own shape, the shape, shade and markings of the beads may differ slightly from the picture. The circumference may also vary slightly, as we measure each mala individually by hand.

Wipe the beads with a soft, dry cloth when needed; remove dust from the furrows with a soft brush. Take the mala off for showering, bathing and swimming, as rudraksha seeds do not tolerate prolonged moisture well. With use and contact with the skin, the beads darken a little over time. Store the mala dry, for example in a fabric pouch.