Rudraksha + Black Sandalwood order Necklace, Prayer Beads, Mala, Clarity, Calming, Soothing Energy

A 108 bead mala/prayer beads composed of traditional rudraksha, and black sandalwood beads. Four of the black sandalwood beads are carved in a lotus flower shape. Accented with brass, and finished with a lucky knot. This mala is strung on ELASTIC CORDING, making it versatile--can be worn around the neck or wrapped around the wrist.

Dimensions: 17.5" long from back of mala to end of tails, 8mm beads

Rudraksha have been very traditional seed beads for malas in India, Nepal, and many parts of Asia for thousands of years.

A rudraksha is the seed of the Elaeocarpus ganitrus tree. The seeds are harvested from trees grown in Nepal, Burma, Thailand, or Indonesia.

The name rudraksha stems from Hindu mythology and means “the eyes of Shiva.” It's believed that the God meditated on the welfare of mankind and emerged crying tears of compassion. The tears, upon hitting the Earth, crystallized to form the trees that grow rudrakshas.

Rudraksha beads are said to increase clarity, calm the central nervous system, and help quiet the mind.

Sandalwood is said to help the mind to unwind and open the heart to love. Sandalwood is cooling, calming, and soothing. Increased tranquility, relaxation, serenity, and an enhanced sense of awareness are a few of the benefits of working with sandalwood while meditating.

Created by Made With Mantra, each hand-crafted mala is imbued with the mantra “Om Mani Padme Hum” as order it is knotted. Translation: The jewel is within the lotus. This mantra is a reminder and invitation to be pure in body, mind, and speech. Follow the path of wisdom with love and compassion. Buddhahood will result.

Each full mala carries 108 beads (not including spacer beads), plus the guru bead which hangs at the bottom of the mala.

Why 108 beads?
There are many explanations for this very specific number. The most interesting are:
* There are 54 letters in the Sanskrit alphabet. Each has masculine (Shiva) and feminine (Shakti). So 54 times 2 equals 108.
* There are said to be 108 energy lines that converge to form the heart chakra.
* The diameter of the sun is 108 times the diameter of Earth. The distance from the sun to the Earth is 108 times the diameter of the sun.
* The sacred River Ganga spans a longitude of 12 degrees (79-91), and a latitude of 9 degrees (22-31). 12 times 9 equals 108.

The guru bead symbolizes either the guru from whom the student received the mala or mantra, or paying homage to the student-guru relationship.

How to care for your mala:
* Never shower, bathe, swim, or otherwise get your mala wet.
* Store your mala in the included bag when not in use.
* Please do not sleep with your mala on.
* Gently slide the mala on and off, and avoid excessive stretching of the mala, as the cord can break.

How to cleanse your mala:
* Smudge with sage.