FAQs

How Do I Use My Mala?

A Japa Mala or Mala (a Sanskrit word meaning garland) is a set of beads traditionally used by Hindus, Buddhists, and yoga practitioners during meditation. Malas are usually made from 108 beads though other numbers, usually divisible by 9, are also used. Malas are used for keeping count while reciting prayers, chanting, or mentally repeating a mantra. This practice is known in Sanskrit as japa. It is believed that using a Mala during mediation empowers restful, centered awareness. Wearing your Mala throughout the day carries the energy of meditation into activity. Most Malas are typically made with 21, 24, 27, 54 or 108 beads.

Using this powerful tool in your meditation is easy and enjoyable. Begin with finding a quiet and comfortable space. Sitting in a cross-legged position, choose your mantra and set your intention. Let go of any concerns or preoccupations. With your eyes closed, focus on your natural breath. As you begin to deepen your breath, bring your focus to your mantra or affirmation. If you wish to follow the Tibetan tradition, hold your Mala with your left hand, closer to your heart, by placing the first bead next to the guru bead on top of your index finger and thumb on the guru bead. Each bead represents one repetition of your mantra. At the end of each repetition, slide the bead with your thumb towards the body and move onto the next bead. Continue, until you reach a count of 7, 21, 27 or 108. Out of respect for our teachers, the guru bead should never be crossed. If you reach your guru bead and wish to do more repetitions, turn your Mala around and move in the opposite direction.

May you be happy. May you be healthy. May you be wise. May you be free.

 
How Should I Care For My Mala?

Please be gentle with your Mala. Bathing, swimming, or partaking in any vigorous activity may lead to a breakage or damage of your Mala. Please keep in mind that frequent stretching will weaken the thread over time and may damage your Mala.
Regular cleansing of your semiprecious stone Mala is recommended. Gemstones absorb negative energy well and could also transmit the negativity back if they become saturated. To remove any unwanted energy, leave your Mala in moonlight overnight, let it rest under a tree or in a potted plant, smudge it with sage or lemongrass, or use other crystals such as Amethyst or Quartz Crystal.
Keep in mind the Silver and Gold beads may tarnish due to their exposure to air and natural oils. If preferred, a polishing cloth can be used to restore their shine.

What Are Your Gold and Silver Spacers and Findings Made Of?

All our findings are made of the base metal brass. The Gold plating is 18k and Silver is pure Silver. These are breathable and living metals. When in contact with the elements, they will adjust to their environment, turning different colours. We have seen greys, yellows, blacks, and pinks. The is the charm of "Earth Jewelry" and is not a sign that your piece has gone "bad" or is poor quality. We strive to give you beautiful pieces that are economically sustainable. Imperfections are a quality of the earth, and we enjoy seeing how your piece has developed over time when it has been given the proper care. 

If you have received a promotional piece, please note: We do our best to gift you a piece with our vision, care, love, and style, but the spacers and beads have to be economically sustainable as well. Our pieces will always be made from elements of the Earth, however, they may be a lower grade. So the love is there, but you will notice a difference in the overall quality of these pieces compared to our purchase products. 

 

Your String is Thinner Than Most Mala Strings. Will It Break?

Our beading string is made of Nylon. We have tested all strings and have found our string is very resilient. Sabrina's (one of the owners) little boy can attest to this! We chose a thinner string for beauty and versatility. You may wear our pieces to school, yoga, work, dancing, or even your wedding. We strive to make our pieces functional and beautiful.

 

What Do I Do If My Mala Breaks?

We've had very few Malas break. But, we understand, if it happens, it can be devastating. 

Traditionally, it is believed that if your Mala breaks, you have broken a pattern you were working through. It symbolizes rebirth and is cause for celebration! If you have bonded with your Mala, you must cleanse your piece to invite a new beginning using sunlight, sound, smudging, or prayer. Ritual is very powerful. 

However, if you would prefer we restring your Mala, we offer restringing at a rate of $16.50 plus shipping. If your Mala broke within one month of purchase, we will restring it at no cost. Please send us a message through our contact page, and we will send you all the steps you need to take.

 

Will I Receive the Exact Mala in the Picture?

Malas, and all our items, pictured on our site are samples. Because we only use natural gemstones, you can expect slight colour variation in your gemstones. Each Mala is created with handpicked beads and is as beautiful as the one shown... unique and with its own energy. 

 

Where Do Your Beads Come From? Are They Fair Trade or Ethically Sourced? 

We source our beads from a supplier located in Thailand. Our supplier, in turn, hand selects beads and stones from a variety of mines all over the world. The supplier we work with has been sourcing beads for Malas and gemstone jewelry for 14 years and knows what to look for in terms of quality, standards, and genuineness. All of the beads sourced by our supplier are from local suppliers. Our Malas are also handmade by our supplier in Bangkok, Thailand. Employees make fair wages and enjoy an excellent work/life balance which leaves time for their personal practices of meditation, yoga, and more. They start their workday with 20 minutes of meditation so their work is infused with their practice.

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