Tulsi Mala (Holy Basil) – 108 beads with tassel

What is Tulsi Wood?

Tulsi – or "Holy Basil" – is a shrub that has been revered as sacred in India for thousands of years. For mala beads, not the leaves but the woody stem of the mature shrub is used. Over time, this stem becomes hard and fine-pored enough to be turned into round beads.

This mala consists of 108 beads plus a guru bead and weighs only about 12 grams in total – making it almost imperceptible when worn on the wrist or around the neck. The coloring ranges from warm honey brown to darker chestnut brown, with each bead displaying its own natural grain. The mala is finished with a hand-braided tassel made of silk threads.

108 Beads – a Number with History

The number 108 has been with me my whole life in Tibet: Mantras are repeated 108 times, and the mala helps with counting without having to use your head – your fingers simply glide from bead to bead. While gemstone malas are often chosen for special occasions, lightweight wooden malas like this one are faithful companions for every day – for commuting, walking, or simply in your bag.

Tulsi itself originates from Indian tradition, where the shrub is a symbol of purity and protection. I like this idea because it shows that mindfulness practice knows no bounds – whether in India, Tibet, or here in Bern, the principle remains the same.

Care & Application – How I Do It

• No water, no creams on the beads – wood can swell or crack.
• I avoid direct heat and strong sun, otherwise the wood dries out too quickly.
• Over time, the mala develops a beautiful, slightly shiny patina from hand contact – this only makes the piece more personal.
• To count, I hold the mala loosely between my thumb and middle finger and slide bead by bead – the guru bead is not crossed, but marks the turning point.

The Pouch – A Small Gesture from Us

Every mala comes in an elegant silk brocade pouch that I personally choose to match – sometimes turquoise with a gold pattern, sometimes warm yellow. This way, the mala is beautifully packaged right away, whether it's meant as a gift – or simply because beautiful things deserve a beautiful wrapper.