The term mala is derived from the Sanskrit word “Japamala,” which is a string of beads used for prayer and meditation by Hindus and Buddhists. The number 108 has spiritual significance and is considered sacred in the Hindu religion.
A mala is a string of 108 beads with one bead as the summit or head bead called a ‘sumeru.’ Malas are used as a tool to help the mind focus on meditation, or count mantras in sets of 108 repetitions.
Seed malas are the most common mala used in Tibet and Nepal. Seeds are sustainable and are harvested each year then drilled and made into mala beads. Raktu seeds closely resemble Nepalese Bodhi seed in appearance and they are a much more affordable alternative.
These malas can be used as is, or as material in your own art.
Sizes (all measurements are approximate):
~8mm beads, 760mm strand, 108 beads per strand