Handmade Mala - Cobra Protection

Handmade Mala - Cobra Protection

As Malakara, we make all of our malas ourselves, scrupulously respecting tradition.
As a gemologist graduated from the National Institute of Gemmology in Paris, all our materials are appraised and certified.

To know everything about malas, their meanings, their uses, their different variants and also a short explanation on malakaras, the creators of mala, please click on this text taking you to our dedicated and explanatory article on our blog

Total length of this handmade mala: 63cm long
Total weight: 80 grams

THE COBRA, PROTECTOR OF THE BUDDHA

While the historical Buddha, Siddhartha Gautama was meditating deeply under the Bodhi tree in search of enlightenment, a violent thunderstorm broke out. A giant cobra then appeared and spread its hood over the Buddha's head to protect him from the rain.

The cobra gesture symbolizes veneration and respect for the future Buddha. This encounter with the cobra is interpreted as a manifestation of the deep connection between all living beings and nature, emphasizing the benevolence and protection offered even by creatures considered dangerous.

The legend of the protective cobra also emphasizes Buddha's inner peace and ability to transcend external elements while pursuing his spiritual quest. This story is often shared to illustrate universal compassion and the interconnectedness of all life in the context of Buddhist teachings.

THE MYTH OF THE WHITE SNAKE IN ASIA

In Asia, the white snake has a rich symbolism associated with mythological and spiritual elements. One of the most notable representations is that of the white snake in Chinese mythology, where it is known as "Bai Ze" or "Ao Shun".

The white snake is considered a celestial being with divine powers. In Chinese mythology, it is associated with the benevolent forces of nature and the protection of human beings. The white snake is also a symbol of purity, wisdom and transcendence.

One of the most famous legends involving the white snake is that of "Lei Feng Pagoda" where a white snake transforms into a beautiful woman. This story highlights the ability of the white snake to change shape and play a positive role in human destiny.

In other Asian cultures, the white snake is linked to water and rain deities, symbolizing fertility and regeneration. It represents also the harmony between natural elements, especially water, and its role in the cycle of life.

This handmade mala is made up of:
108 red buffalo horn beads
Diameter of each pearl: 9mm high by 6mm wide.

The centerpiece of this mala is an authentic naturalized white cobra head (from the food industry)
Diameter of this snake head: 38.90mm long by 30.38mm wide by 16.22mm high.

The two counter beads every 27 beads are natural amber beads from Burma
Diameter of these counter-pearls 9.18mm long by 9.38mm wide.

On each side of the snake head, 8 beads before it, we placed a skull on each side carved from buffalo bone.
Under each of them is a small three-eyed DZI bead.

In Tantric Buddhism, the skull is a powerful reminder of the impermanence of life and the inevitable reality of death. This meditation on death aims to awaken a deep understanding of the ephemeral nature of existence and encourage practitioners to transcend the fear of death.
The skull, as a symbol of death, is also associated with the transcendence of the ego. Meditation on the skull helps practitioners abandon attachment to individual identity and realize the illusory nature of the self.

Three-eyed DZI
Each of the three eyes symbolizes different facets of Buddhist wisdom: the wisdom of the body, the wisdom of speech, and the wisdom of the mind. Together, they represent the triple wisdom necessary to achieve enlightenment.
The three eyes also symbolize the balance of energies , representing the harmonious union of feminine (the left eye), masculine (the right eye) and neutral (the third eye in the center) energy.

To learn all about DZI, history and tradition, please click on this link which will take you directly to our detailed article on our blog

Skull Diameter: 15.71mm high by 13.63mm wide by 13.62mm deep
Diameter of the two DZI beads: 9.81mm

We have also integrated into this artisanal mala a dorje and a Tibetan bell made of buffalo bone , on the top of this artisanal mala after the first 13 beads.

Dorje (or Vajra): The dorje is an important symbol in Tibetan Buddhism, representing the indestructible nature of the awakened mind. It is often used as a symbol of stability and spiritual power. When used as a counter, it can represent the completion of a cycle of 10 mantra recitations.

Bell (or Drilbu): The bell, or drilbu, is also a significant symbol in Tibetan Buddhism. It represents transcendent wisdom and is often associated with the feminine and emptiness. When used as a counter, it can symbolize the completion of a cycle of 10 mantras.

Finally the finishing pearl or guru pearl is carved from white buffalo horn.
Diameter of this guru bead: 18.71mm wide by 28.85mm high by 15.78mm deep.

Below this Guru bead, this artisanal mala ends with the same skull as the other two resting on a small DZI bead with three eyes and below it all ends with a yellow and black tassel.

The presence of the cobra head in this artisanal mala brings specific benefits to spiritual and meditative practice.

Due to the legend of the cobra protecting the Buddha, the cobra head is considered a symbol of spiritual protection . It provides a sense of security and energetic support during meditation.

The loving-kindness associated with the cobra's protection of the Buddha positively influences the energy of each practice , encouraging a compassionate and altruistic state of mind.

The presence of the cobra head serves as a focal point during meditation, helping to strengthen concentration and facilitate the transition into deeper meditative states .

The gesture of the cobra protecting the Buddha symbolizes the transcendence of obstacles and challenges on the spiritual path. This inspires practitioners to overcome difficulties with resilience .

The cobra, as an energetic symbol , contributes to the balance of energies during meditation, thus promoting an inner state of calm and harmony.

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