8mm 108 Black Agate Beads Buddhist Prayer Mala Necklace
Share the joy A Japa mala or mala (meaning garland) is a set of beads commonly used by Hindus and Buddhists, usually made from 108 beads, though other numbers, usually divisible by 9, are also used. Malas are used for keeping count while reciting, chanting, or mentally repeating a mantra or the name or names of
A Japa mala or mala (meaning garland) is a set of beads commonly used by Hindus and Buddhists, usually made from 108 beads, though other numbers, usually divisible by 9, are also used. Malas are used for keeping count while reciting, chanting, or mentally repeating a mantra or the name or names of a deity. This practice is known in Sanskrit as japa. Malas are typically made with 19, 21, 27, 54 or 108 beads.
In Tibetan Buddhism, traditionally malas of 108 beads are used. Some practitioners use malas of 21 or 28 beads for doing prostrations. Doing one 108-bead mala counts as 100 mantra recitations, the extra repetitions done to amend any mistakes in pronunciation or other faults of recitation.
Malas are mainly used to count mantras. These mantras can be recited for different purposes linked to working with mind. The material used to make the beads can vary according to the purpose of the mantras used. Some beads can be used for all purposes and all kinds of mantras. These beads can be made from the wood of the Bodhi tree (ficus religiosa), or from ‘Bodhi’ seeds, which is a misnomer as the seeds are from a tree related to the Rudraksha (Elaeocarpus ganitrus) and not the Bodhi tree (being a fig tree, its seeds are inside a tiny fig, and are minuscule). The scientific name of this tree, native to Nepal, is yet to be determined. Another general-purpose mala is made from another unknown seed, the beads themselves called ‘Moon and Stars’ by Tibetans, and variously called ‘lotus root’, ‘lotus seed’ and ‘linden nut’ by various retailers. The bead itself is very hard and dense, ivory coloured (which gradually turns a deep golden brown with long use), and has small holes (moons) and tiny black dots (stars) covering its surface.
Product Features
- Beads Size: about 8mm (0.32 inches)
- Total Beads: 108
- Total Length about: 85cm (34 inches)
- Rosary, Japa Mala
- The color is dyed and might be slight different
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Great item, slow shipping Very good item, very solid, very well made. Has a nice thick silk cord that the beads are strung on, the tassles are silk as well. It should hold together much better than regular string or wire. The bag that it came in was a little cheap, but I just found another one to put it in. Only gave it 4 stars, however, due to the extremely long ship time. It took over a month for it to get to me in the eastern US, it was shipped from overseas, Hong Kong. So if you don’t expect it or want it at any…
View CommentVery nice! I also bought the multi colored agate beads and, like that item, these stones are absolutely gorgeous, all uniform and of a lovely weight. Again, my only complaint is that they are on a very thin thread, and the tassel is not especially good quality. But as an item, I would definitely recommend this mala necklace. Very good value for money! Anni Beale
View CommentFive Stars My absolute favorite item. Has a good weight and size.
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