A 108-bead prayer strand of deep black shungite beads with a decorative brocade pouch – an ancient, carbon-rich stone as a companion to meditation.
Shungite
Shungite is a carbon-rich, matte-black rock estimated to be more than two billion years old; it takes its name from the village of Shunga in Karelia. Type II shungite has a carbon content of roughly 50–90%, and the beads here are about 8 mm across. In tradition it is held to be a stone of protection and cleansing, and many speak of it in connection with the emanations of modern technology. These are traditional ideas, not proven medical effects. The deep, full black beads bring a calm, steadying mood.
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 meru or guru bead closes the 108 beads, standing for wisdom and the completeness of the circle. The beads pass one by one between the fingers while attention rests on the meaning and vibration of the words. This slow, repeating motion has helped practitioners gather their attention to a single point 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 index finger and the thumb; on reaching the guru bead you turn the circle back rather than crossing it. Through the day it can be worn wrapped around the wrist as a quiet reminder.
Material and care
A 108-bead strand of natural semi-precious stone beads. Being a natural stone, each piece is unique: shade, veining and pattern may vary slightly from the image. Keep it dry, wipe it with a soft cloth and avoid harsh chemicals and perfumes. The meaning attached to it comes from tradition, not from any medical effect.
The strand arrives in a decorative brocade pouch and is about 44 cm long. The matte black surface of shungite is natural; each bead is unique.