Sandalwood Mala – from the Namdroling Monastery Shop

"When someone takes a mala in their hand for the first time at our store on Kramgasse, I often notice that their fingers automatically find the beads, almost by themselves. With this mala from the Namdroling monastery shop, this happens particularly quickly – the warm, reddish-brown wood simply feels good in the hand. I like to show it first when someone is looking for an everyday mala that not only looks beautiful but also carries a story."

Technical Classification – What "Sandalwood" is Really Inside?

A small point that is important to me because I often explain it: "sandalwood" is not always the same wood. Genuine, light sandalwood (Santalum album) is cream-colored and is mainly used for oils and incense due to its strong fragrance – today it is rare and strictly protected.

This mala is made of red sandalwood (Pterocarpus santalinus). You can recognize it by its rich, reddish-brown to chestnut color and fine grain, which varies slightly with each bead – no two pieces are alike.

108 beads, a larger guru bead, and a multi-strand tassel pendant in burgundy – the classic form. Weighing around 30g, the mala can be wrapped several times around the wrist or worn as a longer mala around the neck.

Origin – From the Namdroling Monastery Shop

Namdroling Monastery is located in Bylakuppe, South India, and is one of the largest monasteries of the Nyingma tradition in exile – also known as the "Golden Temple". There is a small shop directly on site, run by the monks themselves.

Pilgrims and visitors find incense, malas, books, and religious objects there – this mala comes precisely from this shop. The proceeds directly benefit the monastic community: the maintenance and education of the monks and nuns who live there.

Meaning & Tradition – What the Mala Represents

A mala with 108 beads is used in Tibetan Buddhism to count mantras – the most famous being OM MANI PADME HUM, the mantra of compassion. Each bead that moves between the fingers is a small repetition, a small moment of concentration.

What I particularly like about this mala is its color: this warm, earthy reddish-brown is reminiscent of roots, of something firmly connected to the earth. If someone comes to me feeling "ungrounded" – much in the head, little in the body – I often place exactly this mala in their hand.

Care & Application

• Storage: Best kept in a traditional brocade pouch, protected from dust and direct sunlight.
• Creams & Perfume: Remove the mala briefly before applying – oils and fragrances can alter the surface.
• Cleaning: A dry, soft cloth is completely sufficient – no water, no alcohol.
• Daily Use: A few rounds in the morning, a few conscious breaths – a good start to the day.