A 108-bead prayer strand of natural shell beads – a pale, pearly strand for meditation and mantra recitation.
The shell beads
Beads polished from natural shell give a pale, mother-of-pearl glow that plays softly in the light. The natural, sea-sourced material is light and cool to the touch. In many cultures the shell is a symbol of water and purity; here it serves as a simple, natural material for the prayer strand. This is a traditional, cultural idea, not a medical effect.
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-bead strand of natural shell beads, about 44.5 cm long. Shell is a natural material, so each bead's sheen and pattern is unique. Keep it dry, wipe it with a soft cloth and avoid harsh chemicals.