mala beads

Rituu honours Hinduism and Buddhism with a glistening jap mala that is crafted by hand with aventurine, the stone of chance or luck. Also known as prayer beads or rosary, it consists of 108 malas or beads, sometimes 109, which are flicked with the thumb during jap or meditation. That way the person may concentrate fully on repeating mantras. In Buddhism, the 108 beads represent the human passions, while in Hinduism their symbolism is more complex. The number may refer to the names of Vishnu and Shiva in the Mahabharat; the 108 Upanishads; the number of deities of knowledge and various sciences; and the various permutations of the soul's defects, amongst others.

According to Hindu custom, the correct way to hold the jap mala is with the right hand, draped over the middle finger and using the thumb to flick through the beads. Since it is believed the index finger represents ego, the greatest impediment to self-realization, it is best avoided when chanting on a mala.

This jap mala features 435 gemstone carats.

Rituu honors Hinduism and Buddhism with a glistening jap mala that is crafted by hand with smoky quartz, nature's stone of endurance. Also known as prayer beads or rosary, it consists of 108 malas or beads, sometimes 109, which are flicked with the thumb during jap or meditation. That way the person may concentrate fully on repeating mantras. In Buddhism, the 108 beads represent the human passions, while in Hinduism their symbolism is more complex. The number may refer to the names of Vishnu and Shiva in the Mahabharat; the 108 Upanishads; the number of deities of knowledge and various sciences; and the various permutations of the soul's defects, among others.

According to Hindu custom, the correct way to hold the jap mala is with the right hand, draped over the middle finger and using the thumb to flick through the beads. Since it is believed the index finger represents ego, the greatest impediment to self-realization, it is best avoided when chanting on a mala.

Inspired by the beauty of the Batuan village in Bali, Ketut Sulastri designs a beaded mala necklace to add harmony to your wardrobe. Beads of black onyx and cumala wood alternate with beads crafted of 18k gold plated sterling silver. A black tassel dangles at the pendant.

Ketut Sulastri combines the beauty of purple amethyst and pink rose quartz, circling the neck in this beaded pendant necklace from Bali. It is centered by a sterling silver bauble that hosts a tassel pendant of purple thread.

From Balinese designer Ketut Sulastri, this bohemian stretch bracelet celebrates the beauty of nature's gifts. Beads of mala wood encircle the wrist, centered by alternating labradorite and 22k gold plated sterling silver beads. Finished with a petite grey tassel.

By Ketut Sulastri in Bali, this bohemian necklace celebrates the beauty of nature's gifts. Beads of mala wood encircle the neck, centered by alternating labradorite and 22k gold plated sterling silver beads. A grey tassel forms the pendant of this necklace.

Ryan Chappell aims his lens at hands in prayer holding Japa Mala rosary beads. According to Buddhist practices, 100 mantras are to be said during meditation, plus eight more to compensate for past errors. The monks at Bongeunsa Temple in Seul, South Korea, also hold fans for the long ceremonies. "They were celebrating Buddha's birthday with prayers and worship," explains Chappell. He prints the signed photograph on Fujicolor crystal archive paper. Arrives in a card paper mat board.