The meaning of the vaijayanti seed
The name vaijayanti literally means "the garland of victory". In the Hindu tradition, it is the seed of a flower offered as a garland to Krishna and Vishnu. You are holding an item that has long been honoured in Indian tradition. The natural brown colour of the seeds may vary slightly from piece to piece, which is the nature of the material itself.
Why exactly 108 beads
The number 108 has been important in Hindu and Buddhist traditions for thousands of years. The body recognises 108 energy channels, and the 54 letters of the Sanskrit alphabet in their masculine and feminine forms together also give 108. Going around the 108 beads provides a natural rhythm for mantra repetition. The larger central bead and the white tassel help you sense when you have reached the end of a full round.
For mantra meditation and quiet moments
Hold the mala between the fingers of your right hand and, after each mantra repetition, push one bead through with your thumb. The 0.6 centimetre beads slide comfortably. If you do not yet have your own mantra, you may begin with simple, quiet breath counting. The 34 gram total weight is light enough to wear around your neck.
The textile pouch as a practical companion
A textile pouch is included with the mala to protect it from dust and scratches. The pouch colour varies from piece to piece, as they come in several different shades. You may take it along on a trip, to your workplace or on a quiet walk. The textile inner surface is gentle on the seeds and the white tassel.
Tips for long-lasting use
Protect the natural seeds from moisture and strong sunlight. Wipe them occasionally with a dry, soft cloth. If the white tassel becomes a little tangled over time, gently comb it through with your fingers. As this is a hand-crafted item, the cord length and tassel density may slightly differ from piece to piece, which is a sign of natural variation.