Individually carved ebony wood beads are knotted together in this handmade meditation mala. The elongated beads in this particular mala make it easier to meditate by allowing the fingers to move through the beads with ease. The use of a mala in meditation can help to focus the mind, calm the body, and deepen the practice.
The mala comes in two lengths, with either 54 or 108 beads. The choice of length depends on personal preference and the intended use of the mala. The shorter 54-bead mala is often used for shorter meditation sessions, while the longer 108-bead mala is used for longer sessions or more intensive practice.
- Knotted mala
- Made of ebony wood beads
- Also features a guru bead and tassel
- Tassel thread: wool
- Available in two different bead counts: 54 beads and 108 beads
- 54 beads: Measures approximately 37" long + 3" for guru bead + Tassel
- 108 beads: Measures approximately 68" long + 3" for guru bead + Tassel
- Handmade in India
design: A traditional knotted meditation mala of individually hand-carved ebony wood beads, each elongated bead knotted in place and finished with a turned guru bead and soft wool tassel.
size: Available in two lengths: 54 beads (approximately 37" long plus 3" guru bead, plus tassel) or 108 beads (approximately 68" long plus 3" guru bead, plus tassel).
material: Ebony wood beads with a wool tassel thread.
features: Individually hand-carved beads, elongated bead shape for easy finger movement, hand-knotted construction, turned guru bead, wool tassel, available in 54-bead or 108-bead counts
care: Wipe gently with a soft, dry cloth and keep away from water, lotions, and direct sunlight to preserve the wood's finish.
disclaimer: Because each bead is individually hand-carved and the mala is handmade, slight variations in bead shape, color, and tassel detail are natural and add to the piece's one-of-a-kind character.
Meaning & Intention
Ebony's deep, almost light-absorbing black has long been linked to grounding and quiet strength, a color that steadies the mind rather than drawing it outward. In many mala traditions, dark, dense woods like ebony are chosen precisely for this reason: they anchor the practitioner in stillness, making them well suited to meditation that seeks depth rather than distraction.
The 108 count follows one of the most enduring numbers in contemplative practice, appearing across Hindu and Buddhist tradition as the number of beads used to complete a full round of mantra or breath. Each bead marks a single repetition, and the guru bead where the strand begins and ends serves as a quiet marker of the point where practice comes full circle, a moment to pause and offer gratitude before starting again.
The hand-carved texture of each bead is itself part of the meaning. Where a smooth, machine-finished bead can slip past the fingers unnoticed, these elongated, individually shaped beads ask to be felt one at a time, keeping the hand and the breath moving together at the same unhurried pace.
Held during a seated practice or simply carried in a pocket or bag, this mala becomes a small daily anchor, something to return to when the mind wanders or the day feels scattered. Its weight and texture make it easy to move through slowly, whether counting a mantra, following the breath, or simply pausing for a few quiet moments.
Essence & Elements
- Ideal For: Meditators and mantra practitioners who want a substantial, texturally rich mala for daily use or dedicated practice
- Purpose: Meditation, mantra counting, japa practice, prayer, everyday grounding ritual
- Suggested Mantra: So Hum
- Intention: Grounding, Focus, Calm, Stillness
- Chakra Connection: Root Chakra (Muladhara) — for grounding and stability
Questions & Guidance
What's the difference between the 54-bead and 108-bead mala?
The 54-bead mala is shorter, at about 37" plus the guru bead and tassel, and suits quicker sessions or wear as a long necklace, while the 108-bead mala, at about 68" plus guru bead and tassel, follows the traditional full count used for longer meditation or mantra practice.
Why are the beads elongated instead of round?
The elongated shape gives the fingers more surface to move across, making it easier to advance bead by bead during meditation without fumbling, especially during longer sessions.
Is this mala made from real wood?
Yes, each bead is individually hand-carved from ebony wood and hand-knotted onto the strand, finished with a turned wood guru bead and a wool tassel.
Can I wear this mala as jewelry, or is it only for meditation?
While it's designed as a traditional meditation tool, the 108-bead length in particular is long enough to be worn wrapped as a necklace between practice sessions.
Will my mala look exactly like the picture?
Because each bead is hand-carved and the mala is hand-knotted, you can expect small natural variations in bead detail and tassel color, which is part of what makes a handmade mala unique.