Red Jasper Hand Knotted Mala

Malas have been part of spiritual practice for thousands of years. Used in the Buddhist meditation practice, each element serves a purpose. They are overhand knotted to provide space between the beads and repetition of the mantra. There are 108 beads, there are 54 letters in the Sanskrit alphabet, and both male and female add up to 108. The guru bead is the 109th bead and symbolizes the guru-student relationship. The tassel binds the threads together and symbolizes our connection to the divine. Malas can be worn around the neck or wrist.

Hand knotted with silk cord using red jasper beads and a jasper guru bead.

Jasper is a mix of quartz and/or chalcedony, mixed with other minerals that give it its colors. It’s named is derived for the French word for “spotted stone”. It comes in many colors and sometimes with banding or layered color. Picture jaspers, such as Biggs seem to show landscapes. It is thought to be protective, restoring calm and balance during times of stress and uncertainty.

The golden tassel is associated with energy and personal power.

KM12M