A 108-bead prayer strand of carved bone skull beads with a guru bead – a powerful strand in the Tibetan tradition, recalling impermanence.
The symbolism of the skull beads
In the old Tibetan rites the skull and bone are symbols of impermanence – a reminder that all things are transient. This mala consists of carved bone skull beads and is held in tradition to be a powerful instrument for reciting mantras and contemplating the interdependence of all things. The skull here is not a grim ornament but part of the visual language of Buddhist wisdom. This is a cultural, traditional meaning.
The 108-bead prayer strand
A mala is the prayer strand of the Hindu and Buddhist traditions, originally used to count mantras in meditation. A larger guru bead closes the 108 beads, standing for wisdom and the completeness of the circle; the practitioner repeats a mantra at each bead and, on reaching the guru bead, turns the circle back. This slow, repeating motion has helped focus attention for centuries.
How to use it
Hold the mala in your hand during meditation or mantra recitation and move from bead to bead between the thumb and index finger. Through the day it can be worn wound around the wrist as a quiet reminder.
Material and care
A 108-skull-bead strand of carved bone with a guru bead, about 54 cm long. Bone is a natural material, so each carving is unique. Keep it dry, wipe it with a soft cloth and avoid moisture and harsh chemicals.