This is handmade red coral bead mala. It has 108 beads, all of which are red coral with the exception of two copper beads and the geometric pyrite guru bead. Red coral is now illegal to be mined from our oceans in any capacity. These are vintage *deadstock* beads from the 1960’s. This mala is one of a kind and will never be replicated.
What’s a mala?
A mala (Sanskrit:माला; mālā, meaning garland) is a string of beads commonly used in the ancient spiritual traditions for the spiritual practice known in Sanskrit as japa (repetition). The main body of a mala is usually 108 beads, though other dividends of 108 are also used. In addition, there is a 109th bead (often of a distinctive size or color) known as the ‘guru’ bead and/or a tassel. Malas are used for keeping count while reciting, chanting, or mentally repeating a mantra, affirmation, or the name or names of a deity. They can also be used for intention setting and manifestation. They’re spiritual tools that double as wearable art so you can keep the energy within the beads close to your body. There is much more information around malas, their history, and how to use them, coming to the LOBAS education page in the future.
Why does LOBAS make them?
Six years ago, Alison began working for The Chopra Center in Carlsbad, CA founded by Deepak Chopra. During this time she became a Certified Meditation Instructor and began making mala necklaces for herself. As they gained popularity for being unique and well made, she began to sell them. In addition, she created a course curriculum around how to make a mala for yourself as well as the history and etiquette around how to properly use a mala that she taught regularly to Chopra Center guests as well as the Chopra Center staff. She prides her malas for their unlikely gemstone pairings and extremely well made and enduring quality level. Every LOBAS mala is one of a kind and special. If you are interested in a custom mala, please contact us!
