Traditional handmade mala - Unique - tiger and dragon

Traditional handmade mala - Unique - tiger and dragon

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: 42cm long
Total weight 83 grams.

WHY DID YOU CALL THIS ARTISANAL MALA “TIGER AND DRAGON”?

The title "Tiger and Dragon" was chosen to capture the powerful and symbolic essence of our handcrafted mala. The Tibetan DZI, known as "tiger teeth", embodies strength and protection, while the finishing bead (Guru head) representing a dragon evokes wisdom and prosperity. Together, these symbols create a handcrafted mala steeped in centuries-old traditions, uniting the power of the tiger and the wisdom of the dragon.

The harmony between the tiger and the dragon, strength and wisdom, offers a symbolic balance, particularly meaningful for those seeking a mala with complementary attributes.

THIS HANDMADE MALA IS MADE UP OF:
108 natural buffalo horn beads.
Dimensions of each pearl 9mm by 5mm

The central pearl is a DZI , sacred Tibetan agate, called tiger's teeth because of its circled patterns in 925 silver.
The Dzi, or sacred Tibetan agate, is a pearl of distant origin, bringing many mystical benefits and blessings to its wearer.
It is a Tibetan talisman or amulet, the king of lucky charms, sometimes venerated as a real divinity. Dzis are supposed to bring good fortune, ward off evil spirits, and protect its wearer from dangers and accidents, and even bring longevity and good health.

MEANING OF TIGER TOOTH DZI: STRENGTH AND COURAGE:

Tiger teeth symbolize the strength and power of the tiger, an animal associated with protection. The DZI with tiger teeth is said to offer protection against negative energies, malevolent influences and obstacles .

The tiger is also associated with courage and confidence. Wearing tiger tooth DZI beads is considered a way to attract these qualities and strengthen determination .

Tibetan DZIS are considered sacred objects linked to spirituality. The tiger teeth add a special dimension, symbolizing the courageous path to spiritual awakening.

DIMENSIONS OF THIS DZI BEAD 25mm long by 12mm wide.
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

The counter-pearls, all 27 beads of this artisanal mala, are made of mother-of-pearl from the clam .

Clam mother-of-pearl is a precious material obtained from the shells of this marine mollusk. It is known for its bright white color and smooth texture. Clam mother-of-pearl is valued in crafts and jewelry for its visual beauty.
Mother-of-pearl is often used in Buddhist crafts to create ritual objects, sculptures and ornaments.
Associated with purity because of its bright color and smooth texture. In Buddhism, purity is an important concept, symbolizing the purification of the mind from impurities and attachments.
Dimensions of each mother-of-pearl counter-pearl of this artisanal mala: 13.18mm long by 12.16mm wide

The finishing bead, also called the "Guru bead" of this handcrafted mala is a dragon head carved from buffalo bone.

In Buddhism, the dragon is seen as a symbol of spiritual power. It represents inner strength, perseverance in spiritual practice, and the ability to overcome obstacles on the path to enlightenment.
Associated with wisdom and knowledge. They are considered guardians of Buddhist teachings, transmitting esoteric wisdom to devoted disciples.
Dimensions of this Guru bead: 23mm long by 12mm wide by 15mm high.

On each side of this handmade mala, we have added the counters, specific to Tibetan malas.
These counters are used to track the number of complete cycles of mantra recitation.

These two counters are made up of 10 beads made from the seeds of sacred fig trees, also called bodhi seeds or pipal seeds.
Buddha having attained enlightenment under a sacred fig tree, pipal seeds are the most traditional material for making malas. These seeds acquire a patina and take on a beautiful shine over time called "porcelain layer". Our seeds come from the island of Hainan known for cultivating and drying the finest quality in the world. Be careful, many websites and specialty stores mistakenly name these seeds as Lotus seeds.

Below these sacred fig tree beads are placed the Buddhist worship instruments dorje and drilbou (Tibetan bell), also handcrafted from buffalo bone.
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.

The counters of this artisanal mala are decorated with Pearls three-eyed DZI rounds
Each of the three eyes symbolizes different facets of Buddhist wisdom: wisdom of the body, wisdom of speech, and wisdom of the mind.
Together they represent the triple wisdom needed 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.
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