Tibetan Shell Mala, Om Mani Padme Hum

Every bead of this mala is hand-engraved with the mantra Om Mani Padme Hum, the mantra of compassion of Chenrezig. The beads are made of shell, and the light lettering stands out against the brownish ground. The guru bead bears the syllable Om on a turquoise-coloured ground, and from the tassel hang a metal endless knot and two red beads, also inscribed with the mantra. 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.

In this way the mantra accompanies you with every bead that slips through your fingers.

Om Mani Padme Hum is the mantra of Avalokiteshvara, Chenrezig in Tibetan, the bodhisattva of compassion. In Tibetan Buddhism it is recited especially often and appears on prayer flags, prayer wheels and mani stones. On this mala, every bead carries the mantra itself. The syllable Om on the guru bead stands at the beginning of many mantras. The endless knot on the tassel is one of the eight auspicious symbols and stands for the interconnectedness of all things as well as the boundless wisdom and compassion of the Buddha.

Like the traditional Tibetan mala, called Threngwa in Tibetan, this one has 108 beads, a number regarded as significant in Buddhism. The 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. Recite Om Mani Padme Hum once on each bead and draw it 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. You can also wear it around your neck or wrap it several times around your wrist.

A mala bearing a mantra is an object of practice. Do not place it on the floor and keep it in a clean, raised place, such as on your home altar.

Material

shell

Engraving

Om Mani Padme Hum

Beads

108

Bead diameter

approx. 8 mm

Guru bead

orange, syllable Om on turquoise-coloured ground

Guru bead finish

metal cap

Tassel

metal endless knot

Tassel beads

two red beads with Om Mani Padme Hum

Cord

brown

Circumference

approx. 85 cm

Weight

approx. 90 g

Made

engraved and strung by hand

Origin

Nepal

As each bead is engraved by hand and each mala is strung by hand, the pattern, shade and lettering 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. Take the mala off for showering, bathing, swimming and sport, as water, perfume and creams can affect the surface of the shell and the engraving and weaken the cord. Store the mala dry, for example in a fabric pouch.