Prayer Mala: Howlite & Map Stone

Made from 108 matte finished white Howlite and Map Stone beads. Finished with a natural Quartz point and matching tassel. This quality sacred jewelry is well crafted and aesthetically pleasing.

In translation, japa means repetitive prayer and mala means garland. The beads are used to count repetitions of prayers, chants or mantras to aid one's focus on the meaning or sound of the mantra. One repetition is usually said for each bead while turning the bead clockwise with the thumb.

108 bead malas were traditionally used by the Buddhist, Hindu and Sikh traditions, however their use has spread to western culture. The 109th bead is the sumeru or guru bead, counting should start and end on either side of this bead. There are many styles of holding and using the mala and many types of mantras, therefore individual research is recommended to find the style that works for each individual.

A good mantra to get started with is Om Mani Padme Hum which essentially stands for universal compassion.

Beads approx. 10 mm. Necklace approx. 100 cm length