Smooth 108 rosewood beads are knotted together in this handmade meditation mala. Malas are a beautiful and convenient aid to meditation, helping you to keep track as you count or recite a chosen mantra. A single guru bead is included to mark the beginning and end of your meditation.
- Knotted mala
- Made of 108 rosewood beads
- Also features a guru bead and knotted tassel
- Available in two different bead sizes, 6mm, and 8mm beads
- 6mm: Measures approximately 29" long + Tassel
- 8mm: Measures approximately 37" long + Tassel
- Bead size may vary
- Handmade in India
design: A traditional 108-bead mala hand-knotted from smooth, deep-hued rosewood beads, finished with a single guru bead and a soft knotted tassel.
size: Available in 6mm beads (approximately 29" long plus tassel) or 8mm beads (approximately 37" long plus tassel); bead size may vary slightly.
material: Rosewood beads, cotton knotting cord
features: 108 beads for full mantra cycles, individually hand-knotted between beads, single guru bead, knotted tassel finish, available in two bead sizes
care: Keep away from water and perfume, and wipe gently with a soft dry cloth to preserve the wood's natural luster.
disclaimer: Because each bead is cut and knotted by hand from natural wood, slight variations in color, grain, and tassel detail are normal and add to the mala's individual character.
Meaning & Intention
Rosewood has long been valued in meditation practice for its warm, grounding presence — a wood believed to steady the mind and calm the heart, making it a natural companion for quiet reflection. Its deep reddish-brown tone carries an earthy richness that feels both humble and dignified, qualities well suited to a tool meant for daily inner work.
The number 108 is one of the most significant counts in yogic and Buddhist tradition, said to represent the full range of human desires and afflictions that meditation gently works to dissolve. Counting through all 108 beads with a mantra or breath is a way of completing a whole cycle of practice, beginning and ending at the same point — the guru bead — which marks the start of each round and serves as a quiet reminder not to cross over it, but to pause, reflect, and begin again.
The knot tied between each bead is more than a practical detail. It separates one repetition from the next, so the fingers move with intention rather than haste, and it keeps the beads from clicking or crowding together, preserving the hush that meditation asks for.
Slipped over the wrist between sessions or held bead by bead during seated practice, this mala becomes a quiet fixture of the day — something to reach for when it's time to slow down, count a mantra, or simply return attention to the breath.
Essence & Elements
- Ideal For: Meditators and mantra practitioners seeking a traditional, tactile counting tool
- Purpose: Mantra counting, meditation practice, japa, mindfulness ritual, wrist mala
- Suggested Mantra: So Hum
- Intention: Peace, Balance, Grounding, Focus
- Chakra Connection: Root Chakra
Questions & Guidance
What is a mala used for?
A mala is a string of beads used to count repetitions of a mantra during meditation, helping you stay focused without needing to keep count mentally.
Why does this mala have 108 beads?
108 is a sacred number in yogic and Buddhist traditions, representing a complete cycle of practice; each bead marks one repetition of your mantra as you move around the strand.
What is the guru bead for?
The single larger guru bead marks the beginning and end of the mala. Traditionally, you pause at this bead rather than counting through it, using the moment to reflect before starting another round.
Which bead size should I choose?
The 6mm version measures about 29 inches plus tassel, while the 8mm version is longer at about 37 inches plus tassel; either can be worn wrapped as a bracelet or held as a full necklace-length mala during practice.
How should I care for a rosewood mala?
Keep it dry and away from perfumes or lotions, and store it in a soft pouch when not in use to protect the wood and knotting over time.
