Sandalwood Mala – from the Namdroling Monastery Shop

"When someone at our shop on Kramgasse picks up a mala for the first time, I often notice: their fingers automatically find the beads, almost as if by themselves. With this mala from the Namdroling Monastery shop, that happens especially 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."

Expert Classification – What “Sandalwood” is Really Inside?

One small point that is important to me because I often explain it: "sandalwood" is not always the same wood. Real, 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-colored hue and the 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." Directly on site, there is a small shop run by the monks themselves.

There, pilgrims and visitors can find incense, malas, books, and religious items – this mala comes precisely from that shop. The proceeds directly benefit the monastic community: the upkeep and education of the monks and nuns who live there.

Meaning & Tradition – What the Mala Stands For

A mala with 108 beads is, in Tibetan Buddhism, a tool for counting 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 ground. When someone comes to me feeling "ungrounded" – too much in their head, too little in their body – I often place exactly this mala in their hand.

Care & Use

• Storage: Ideally 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 sufficient – no water, no alcohol.
• Daily Use: A few rounds in the morning, a few conscious breaths – a good start to the day.