Six gemstones on one strand
The Wisdom mala has 111 beads and threads six different semi-precious stones onto a single round: rock crystal, yellow onyx, red jasper, jade, lapis lazuli, and carnelian. The beads are 8 millimetres in diameter, and the total length of the mala is about 46 centimetres. It is made in India in the traditional handcraft way, so every piece arrives with small unique details.
The stupa bead and the mantra
The mala carries a special white metallic stupa bead, inscribed with the traditional Tibetan mantra OM MANI PADME HUM. The stupa recalls in miniature one of the important structures of Buddhist tradition. The engraved mantra is the mantra of compassion, often repeated by people during meditation and quiet moments.
The colours of the Five Dhyani Buddhas
The tassel of the mala is made with five bright strings that represent the Five Dhyani Buddhas: white for Vairochana (space), red for Amitabha (fire), blue for Akshobhya (water), yellow for Ratnasambhava (earth), and green for Amoghasiddhi (air). These colours are not only aesthetic — they help the wearer to remember the different sides of tradition.
How to use it
The mala is a companion in meditation. When repeating a mantra, you move the beads one by one between the thumb and the middle finger, going around the strand. The 111 beads form a unique number, which can also be read as an extension of the 108-bead base tradition. It also looks good worn as a necklace and can remind the wearer of daily quiet moments.
Storage and care
After use, it is worth putting it back into the textile pouch so the gemstones do not knock into each other and the metallic surface of the stupa bead is protected. An occasional wipe with a soft cotton cloth keeps the stones shiny. Soaking in water is not recommended — the many materials prefer dry storage.