• In India sandalwood is given divine status and is thus very commonly used in mala beads.

• The fragrance of the sandalwood is said to be one of the most pleasing to the Gods and is considered cooling, calming and soothing.

• Sandalwood also promotes humility and focuses the mind to aid in meditation.

• The mala consists of 108+1 beads saffron tassel,perimeter is approx. 17", each bead is 7 mm in diameterA mala bag is included with each mala purchase.

• Suggested Mantras for this Mala:Aham Brahma Asmi Om.

A Mala is a string of beads used to count mantras (Sanskrit prayers) in sets of 108 repetitions. A mantra is a word or series of words chanted aloud or silently to invoke spiritual qualities. Chanting is used as a spiritual tool in virtually every cultural and religious tradition. In the yogic tradition a mantra is a Sanskrit word that has special powers to transform consciousness, promote healing or fulfill desires. The practice of chanting a mantra is used as a form of meditation. Sitting in a comfortable position, with the eyes closed, the mantra is repeated silently or aloud. The mind is focused on the mantra, the thoughts are let go of and the breath is slow and deep. Hold your mala in your right hand and use your thumb to "count" each mantra by touching the bead during the recitation and then lightly pushing the bead away on completion and moving to the next bead. The index finger is extended and should not touch the mala. The large meru (mountain) bead should not be counted or touched by the thumb and is used as a starting and ending point of the recitation. If you have a wrist mala of 27 beads you will need to repeat this 3 more times. Continue by pulling the beads and going backwards until you again end at the meru and continue until you have done 108 repetitions, or multiples of 108.