One hundred and eight beads of light tulsi wood, accented near the tassel with pale-blue angelite and blue-green amazonite: this mala is at once a meditation tool and a wearable piece. It measures roughly 35 cm, can be worn as a necklace, and arrives in a colourful pouch.
What is a mala?
A mala is the ancient prayer string of Hindu and Buddhist tradition, used to count mantras during meditation. A mantra is a sequence of words — often in Sanskrit — traditionally repeated 108 times. As you repeat them, attention rests on the meaning and vibration of the words, thoughts settle, and the body relaxes. Today many also wear a mala simply as an accessory.
Why 108 beads?
108 is a sacred number in Hindu and Buddhist tradition, carrying many meanings. Tradition holds that 108 subtle energy channels (nadis) converge at the heart, that the 54 letters of the Sanskrit alphabet in their masculine and feminine forms total 108, and that many sacred texts bear this number. That is why malas use it too.
The stones
Tulsi (holy basil) wood is especially revered in Hindu tradition; its light, warm beads feel pleasant in the hand. Near the tassel sit angelite, the pale-blue stone of gentleness, and amazonite, the blue-green feldspar of hope and calm self-expression — both regarded in crystal lore as quiet and balancing.
Good to know
Both stones are AA quality; as natural minerals, the shades vary slightly from piece to piece.