Raktu seed mala with a colored tassel

Traditional mala made of 108 raktu seeds for meditation and mantra recitation. A hand-tied knot between each seed ensures even spacing and a smooth glide through the fingers. The warm, natural coloring of the seeds, the guru bead with its cap, and the colorful tassel give the mala its authentic, well-worn character. Available in various tassel colors. We deliver the mala in an elegant silk brocade pouch, which we select individually to match the color of the mala.

Circumference approx. 108 cm · Raktu seeds, diameter approx. 8 mm, hand-knotted · Made in Nepal

The raktu seed (also called “raktu” or the bodhichitta seed) is a traditional material used for prayer beads in the Himalayas. In Tibetan Buddhism, malas made from plant seeds are used for reciting mantras; the 108 beads correspond to the sacred number in the Buddhist tradition. A mantra is recited with each bead, so that one full circuit of the mala marks 108 repetitions. Through years of use, the seeds take on a dark patina and are considered a sign of active spiritual practice.