Malas are sacred objects and are said to absorb the energy of their surroundings. Malas hold the power of your practice. They should be kept in an organic bag when not in use and treated with reverence and care.
Therapeutic Malas, worn for their healing properties, can help wearers carry a sense of peace, calm, mindfulness and focus with them throughout the day. Some traditions suggest you “active” your mala once it arrives. You may intuitively create your own tradition.
A broken mala is meant to symbolize a broken karmic cycle. It's a sign to bring new intentions into your life. Please see the listing: https://www.etsy.com/listing/591012479/restring-broken-mala-mala-repair?ref=shop_home_active_26

I love custom orders! See my custom orders listing for details: https://www.etsy.com/listing/271312336/custom-mala108-mala54-malaknotted-prayer?ref=shop_home_active_16

Please send me a message at annaalena@gmail.com for my wholesale pricing list.

Malas are traditionally used for keeping count while reciting, chanting, or mentally repeating a mantra or the name of a deity. Repetition calms the subconscious mind. Mantras should be done at least 108 times before meditation. This sādhanā (practice) is known in Sanskrit as japa.

Malas are typically made with 18, 27, 54 or 108 beads. They are similar to other forms of prayer beads used in various world religions.

Malas hold the shakti (power/energy) of your practice. They should be kept in an organic bag when not in use and treated with reverence and care.

Mantra, in Sanskrit, means that which protects, expands, and integrates the mind. All different yogic paths from devotion and knowledge to Hatha and Raja employs mantra as the most common technique in practice. Mantra provides well-being and adaptability to the mind. Repetition and contemplation of its meaning are said to break us out of that which binds us (karmas, samskaras), and awaken us to our highest potentials.

There are many ways to use mantra. Repetition of bija (seed) mantras such as OM, and HUM and SHRIM are open to everyone. SO HUM is widely used. Longer “open” mantras can be given by a qualified teacher. Mantras should be repeated for 1-3 months before incorporating your Mala into practice.

Hold the mala on your ring finger (between ring and middle), move it with the thumb and middle finger in the direction of your heart. The index finger should not be used. Start one bead from the Guru bead. Once you go around each of the 108 beads you arrive at the beginning (back at the Guru bead), this is not a bead to be counted or passed over. Simply stop here or reverse direction for 108 more repetitions. Please see my "how-to" video.

Yes, though it will not be the one in the photo. I only use natural gemstones, so you can expect slight variation in your gems. I use the same stones listed in the description, but each piece is handmade and unique.

I buy most of my gemstones from Dakota Stones. It's a family-owned and operated business in Minnesota. I also source from Intrinsic Trading.

Yes. Please be aware that The Polished Malas shall not be held responsible for lost, damaged or stolen packages and these will not be replaced. Please contact me prior to purchase if you'd like to purchase insurance for your order.

NOTE FOR INTERNATIONAL ORDERS: Please note that customs fees and additional taxes imposed by the customer's country may not always be detailed at at checkout, as I am not able to estimate or collect these fees. These fees may be charged at the time of delivery by the buyer's country or postal service and are the full responsibility of the buyer. Items marked as "gifts" by the buyer are still subject to customs fees and taxes.