{"product_id":"mala-108-perles-en-pierre-de-lave-nacre-et-cinabre","title":"108-bead mala made of lava stone, mother-of-pearl, and cinnabar","description":"\u003ch2\u003e\n\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\n\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 170, 255);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHandcrafted Buddhist mala with 108 lava stone beads, tridacna mother-of-pearl, and reconstituted cinnabar lotus – meditation and inner transformation\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003ePhotos and video are contractually binding; you will receive exactly this 108-bead mala made of lava stone, mother-of-pearl, and cinnabar\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI entirely designed and handcrafted this Buddhist mala with 108 beads made of black lava stone, white tridacna mother-of-pearl, and reconstituted cinnabar, with a specific intention: to express the journey of inner transformation through three materials with profoundly different origins and characteristics.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBlack lava stone symbolizes the strength of change and perseverance in the face of adversity; white tridacna mother-of-pearl evokes clarity of mind and serenity; finally, red cinnabar, adorned with a double-sided engraved lotus, represents the aspiration for wisdom and awakening.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach material, color, and detail was deliberately chosen to give coherence to this personal creation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 170, 255);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTechnical information about this 108-bead mala made of lava stone, mother-of-pearl, and cinnabar\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 128, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e🔬 Gemological expertise:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 42, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAs a gemologist graduated from the National Institute of Gemology (ING, Paris, France)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e, I personally examined the materials making up this 108-bead mala to control their nature, verify the declared treatments, and identify any identifiable imitations. The reconstituted nature of the cinnabar is expressly stated.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e📿 \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 128, 0);\"\u003eHandcrafted \u003c\/span\u003e:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 42, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAs a \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 42, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003emalakara\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 42, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e, artisan mala maker\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e, trained in the Tibetan region of Gyaltran in northern Yunnan, I entirely designed and assembled this handcrafted mala, from selecting the materials to arranging this 108-bead Buddhist rosary.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e🪨\u003cstrong\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 128, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMain beads \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 108 spherical beads made of natural black volcanic lava stone, featuring a porous texture characteristic of vesicular volcanic rocks.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e📏 \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 128, 0);\"\u003eDiameter of the main beads \u003c\/span\u003e:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 8 mm.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e⚪ \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 128, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSeparator beads:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Three beads made of natural tridacna mother-of-pearl (\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTridacna\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e), commercially known as tridacna mother-of-pearl, composed mainly of aragonite (CaCO₃).\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e📐 \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 128, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDiameter of the separator beads:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 9 mm, placed every 27 main beads, dividing the mala into four sections of 27 beads.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e🪷 \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 128, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGuru bead:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e A finishing bead made of natural tridacna mother-of-pearl, measuring 16 mm in length, 10.37 mm in width, and 9 mm in thickness.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e🔴 \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 128, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCinnabar bead:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 128, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eDecorative element made of reconstituted cinnabar, with a declared cinnabar (mercury sulfide, HgS) content of 90%, red in color, adorned with a lotus engraved on both sides.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e📐 \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 128, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions of the cinnabar bead:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 128, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e15.22 mm wide × 10 mm high × 4.34 mm thick.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e✨ \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 128, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eInterstitials and ornaments:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Small decorative and interstitial elements made of gold-plated brass, placed between certain beads to highlight the contrasts between the materials.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e🧵 \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 128, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCord:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Black cord specially designed for making malas, selected for its high resistance and the strength of the assembly.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e📿 \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 128, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCord finish:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Two terminal strands, each adorned with two natural lava stone beads and one tridacna mother-of-pearl bead.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e📏 \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 128, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTotal length of the mala:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 56 cm.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e⚖️ \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 128, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTotal weight:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 103 grams.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e🎨 \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 128, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDominant colors:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Volcanic black, milky white, cinnabar red, and gold.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e🙏 \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 128, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eUse:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 108-bead Buddhist rosary intended primarily for counting mantras and meditative practice. It can also be worn as a handcrafted piece of jewelry.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e🪷 \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 128, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSymbolism of the creation:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Deliberate combination of black lava stone, white tridacna mother-of-pearl, and red cinnabar lotus to express three dimensions of the inner journey: transformation, clarification, and the aspiration for awakening.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 170, 255);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBlack lava stone: a material born of fire\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 108 main beads are carved from natural basaltic volcanic rock commonly known as lava stone.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis material forms during the cooling of volcanic products derived from magma. The numerous cavities visible on the surface of the beads testify to its vesicular structure, characteristic of certain volcanic rocks in which gases left their mark during solidification.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the design of this mala, this geological origin takes on a metaphorical dimension. Lava stone represents transformation: a material that was once molten, now solid, symbolizing the changes and trials that shape existence.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn lithotherapy, lava stone is associated with grounding, stability, and inner strength.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 170, 255);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTridacna mother-of-pearl: clarity at the heart of this handcrafted Buddhist rosary\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThree white separator beads placed at intervals of 27 lava beads pace the mala. They are accompanied by a guru bead also made of tridacna mother-of-pearl, as well as two white beads integrated into the cord ends.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe tridacna \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eis a marine bivalve mollusk belonging to the Tridacnidae family. Its shell is composed mainly of aragonite, a crystalline form of calcium carbonate (CaCO₃), organized in interlaced lamellar structures.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCommercially known as \"tridacna mother-of-pearl,\" this material is distinguished by its white color and delicately milky appearance.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMother-of-pearl holds a special place in the history of precious materials associated with Buddhism. \u003cbr\u003eIt is traditionally linked to the \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/shosointen-glossary.narahaku.go.jp\/shippo-2\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"External link to: The Seven Treasures (Shippō) - Nara National Museum\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(43, 0, 255);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eseven treasures of Buddhism (\u003cem\u003esaptaratna\u003c\/em\u003e)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e, mentioned notably in the \u003cem\u003eSūtra of Amitābha\u003c\/em\u003e and the \u003cem\u003eLotus Sūtra\u003c\/em\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn this creation, the whiteness of the tridacna was chosen to represent inner clarification, serenity, and purity of intention. It introduces a visual and symbolic transition within the sequence of black volcanic beads.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIn lithotherapy, mother-of-pearl is associated with soothing and emotional harmony.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 170, 255);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRed cinnabar and the lotus: an aspiration for awakening\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBelow the guru bead is an oval bead made of reconstituted cinnabar, with a declared cinnabar content of 90%, adorned with a lotus engraved on each of its two sides.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCinnabar is a mineral with the chemical formula HgS, composed of mercury sulfide. Its characteristic red color earned it an important place in the history of \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.metmuseum.org\/perspectives\/cinnabar-vermilion\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"External link to: The Story of Cinnabar and Vermilion (HgS) at The Met - Metropolitan Museum\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(43, 0, 255);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChinese pigments and artistic practices\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. It also holds a special place in the history of \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/press.anu.edu.au\/downloads\/press\/n7034\/html\/08-fluid-being\/index.html\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"External link to: Cinnabar and Mercury in Chinese Alchemy: Transformation, Longevity, and Immortality - Australian National University (ANU Press) — Yan Liu and Shigehisa Kuriyama.\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(43, 0, 255);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaoist alchemy\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, where it played a role in ancient research on the transformation of matter, longevity, and immortality.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe bead used here is not made of a solid block of cinnabar: it is a reconstituted material combining cinnabar with a binder.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIts red color was deliberately chosen to evoke transformation and symbolic vitality.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 128, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe lotus motif introduces a more directly Buddhist dimension.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRooted in the mud, the lotus develops its stem through the water before blooming on the surface. In Buddhist thought and iconography, this image expresses, among other things, the possibility of cultivating purity, wisdom, and compassion in the midst of a world marked by difficulties and attachments.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe lotus is also one of the\u003cstrong\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/obsidian-dragons.com\/blogs\/culture-bouddhiste\/astamangala-les-8-symboles-auspicieux-du-bouddhisme\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Internal link to the blog: Astamangala- The 8 Auspicious Symbols of Buddhism - Obsidian Dragons\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(43, 0, 255);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eeight auspicious symbols of Buddhism, called Ashtamangala\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIts double-sided engraving is a personal aesthetic and symbolic choice here: no matter which side is presented, the lotus remains visible, as a reminder of the aspiration for awakening in all circumstances of existence.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 170, 255);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e108 beads and three separator beads: a structure derived from Buddhist tradition\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe composition of this mala follows a traditional organization of the Buddhist rosary, with 108 main beads divided into four groups of 27 by three distinct separator beads.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIn Tibetan Vajrayāna Buddhism as well as in several Mahāyāna schools (notably Pure Land, Chinese Chan, Korean Seon, as well as the Japanese traditions of Jōdo-shū, Nichiren, Tendai, and Shingon), 108-bead Buddhist rosaries accompany different spiritual practices. Depending on the schools, they are used to count mantra recitations, invocations of Buddhas, and prayers, or serve as devotional objects. Their form and use vary according to the traditions.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIn Buddhist traditions, the number 108 is the subject of several doctrinal interpretations. It is notably associated with the 108 mental afflictions, called \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003ekleśa\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e in Sanskrit, including the different forms of attachment, aversion, and ignorance that perpetuate suffering. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eIn the Zhiguan fuxing chuanhong jue (止觀輔行傳弘決), a commentary on the Chinese Tiantai school written by Zhanran (711–782), the enumeration of the 108 mental afflictions is explained based on the six sensory faculties, the reactions they arouse, and their inscription in the three times: past, present, and future.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe number 108 also appears in the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAṭṭhasata Sutta\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e (Saṃyutta Nikāya 36.22), which distinguishes 108 categories of sensations according to a different classification. In the use of the mala, each bead can thus become a support for recitation and mindfulness, symbolically reminding the practitioner of the inner work through which they seek to recognize and overcome their mental conditioning.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe three separator beads make it possible to identify the different sections of the rosary. This organization into groups of 27 is also attested in historical Tibetan malas.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe guru bead marks the junction of the two ends of the rosary and constitutes a special reference point in its use. Its spiritual meaning varies according to Buddhist traditions.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 42, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTo learn more about the meaning of malas\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003ediscover our study dedicated to \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/obsidian-dragons.com\/blogs\/culture-bouddhiste\/mala-origine-signification-et-utilisation-du-chapelet-bouddhiste\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Internal link to the blog: Mala: Origin, Meaning, and Use of the Buddhist Rosary - Obsidian Dragons\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(43, 0, 255);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ethe origin, meaning, and use of the Buddhist mala\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 170, 255);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAn authentic handcrafted mala designed as an inner journey\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe combination of lava stone, tridacna, and cinnabar \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eexpresses a specific intention of mine: to give material form to the idea of inner transformation.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLava stone represents changes and perseverance in the face of adversity. The white tridacna beads evoke the search for clarity and serenity. Finally, the red lotus constitutes the visual culmination of this composition, reminding us of the aspiration to develop wisdom and compassion.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTransformation, clarification, and awakening thus form the three symbolic dimensions of this mala.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDesigned to accompany mantra recitation or meditation, it can also be appreciated as a handcrafted creation whose materials, colors, and proportions tell a story.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 170, 255);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCare and precautions\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTo preserve the materials and finishes of this handcrafted mala, opt for gentle cleaning with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid immersion in water, chemicals, perfumes, acidic cleaners, as well as ultrasonic or steam cleaning processes.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTridacna mother-of-pearl, mainly composed of calcium carbonate, is sensitive to acidic substances. The gold-plated brass elements must be protected from excessive rubbing and abrasive products.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBecause the reconstituted cinnabar contains mercury sulfide, the red bead must not be heated, sanded, or abraded. Its use as an element of a worn piece of jewelry requires a prior assessment of the safety of the finished material.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eKeep the mala away from impacts and avoid excessive pulling on the two terminal cords.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 42, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTo discover other compositions and materials,\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cbr\u003eexplore our \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/obsidian-dragons.com\/collections\/mala-chapelets-bouddhistes\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"External link to the collection: Handcrafted Buddhist malas – 108-bead rosaries\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(43, 0, 255);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ecollection of handcrafted malas and 108-bead Buddhist rosaries\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/obsidian-dragons.com\/collections\/mala-chapelets-bouddhistes\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 170, 255);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrequently asked questions about this 108-bead mala made of lava stone, mother-of-pearl, and cinnabar\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 128, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAre the three tridacna mother-of-pearl separator beads counted among the 108 beads?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNo. The 108 counting beads are exclusively the black lava stone beads. The three white tridacna mother-of-pearl separator beads serve as additional markers, allowing the four sections of 27 beads to be identified by touch.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe guru bead and the decorative beads on the terminal cords are also not included in this count.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 128, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow do I use this mala to perform a complete cycle of recitation?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIn Tibetan practice\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, recitation begins with the first bead immediately following the guru bead. Each main bead corresponds to one recitation of the chosen mantra.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhen the practitioner returns to the guru bead after one full round, they turn the mala to continue in the opposite direction, without crossing this particular bead. This gesture notably expresses respect for the spiritual teacher.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 128, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhy do 108 recitations sometimes correspond to only 100 counted mantras?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe eight additional recitations provide a margin intended to compensate for possible errors in pronunciation, distractions, or lapses in attention.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThus, a physical cycle of 108 beads can be counted as 100 recitations within the framework of this particular practice.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 128, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs this lava stone mala reserved for a particular mantra or Buddhist deity?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe composition of this mala does not require any particular mantra. The red lotus expresses the symbolic intention of its creation, but does not in itself constitute a ritual dedication to a specific deity.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIts use can therefore be adapted to the owner's spiritual practice, while respecting, where applicable, the instructions of their school or teacher.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 128, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eShould this mala be blessed before use?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA blessing may be considered depending on the tradition followed by the practitioner.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Obsidian dragons","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":60076797755717,"sku":null,"price":88.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0625\/3841\/6327\/files\/mala-108-perles-en-pierre-de-lave-nacre-et-cinabre-obsidian-dragons-01.jpg?v=1793783049","url":"https:\/\/obsidian-dragons.com\/en\/products\/mala-108-perles-en-pierre-de-lave-nacre-et-cinabre","provider":"obsidian dragons","version":"1.0","type":"link"}