Ebony Mala – 108 Beads (⌀ 6 mm) – Hand-strung by Kunsang

Ebony Mala – 108 Beads (⌀ 6 mm) – Hand-strung by Kunsang

This mala is handmade in Bern. Kunsang strung each of the 108 ebony beads herself – with black thread, with care, and with the awareness that Tibetan craftswomen have put into this work for generations. The result is a mala that could not have come from a machine: even, lively, with a quiet presence that you immediately feel.

The beads have a diameter of 6 mm and a total weight of approximately 27 grams. Ebony is one of the densest woods in the world – the beads feel cool and heavy in the hand, with a natural, matte luster that comes from the wood structure itself. The close-up shows the fine grain: black and deep brown, each bead a unique little piece. The finish is simple – two black bead strings without a tassel, traditional and understated.

Ebony – what makes this wood special?

Ebony (Diospyros) is one of the most valuable and densest woods of all – it sinks in water. In Tibetan and Buddhist tradition, black malas stand for protection, clarity, and the ability to let go of external influences. Black absorbs – and that's exactly what this mala does: It absorbs restlessness and gives back stillness.

Meaning & Tradition

108 is a sacred number in Buddhism – it represents the 108 worldly desires that one releases through meditation and mantra prayer. A full round means: you were completely with yourself once. The simple ebony mala is deliberately without distraction – no color, no jewelry, no sparkle. Just you, your breath, and the wood.

In many monasteries in Tibet, monks wear exactly this type of mala – dark, smooth, grounded. Not because it is simple, but because it embodies the essential: stillness.

Care & Use

• Ebony is very dense and easy to care for – an occasional wipe with a soft, dry cloth is sufficient.
• In very dry air, rub in a tiny drop of jojoba oil or sesame oil – the wood will remain supple and develop a warmer luster over time.
• Do not immerse in water permanently – brief contact is harmless, but avoid prolonged wetness.
• For meditation: hold the mala in your right hand, thumb and middle finger guide the beads – the index finger is traditionally left out.
• Can also be worn as a multi-wrapped bracelet – the 108 beads can be comfortably wrapped three times around the wrist with 6 mm.

The Pouch – a small gesture from us

Each mala comes in a beautiful brocade pouch that we select to match. This protects the mala and at the same time ensures it is lovingly packaged – even if it is intended as a gift.

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Come by Kramgasse 63 in Bern – Kunsang will gladly show you how she makes this mala and how it feels in your hand. Or order it conveniently online.