Santosha Mala - acceptance and contentment

Every one of these 6mm malas is unique and they feature

Hand-carved tulsi wood guru bead

Multiple crystal beads in polished, faceted and matte finishes

Recycled sari ribbon tassel - choice of colour

Made with a broad variety of crystal beads that are 'seconds' meaning that they have an imperfection to them, these malas have a profound spiritual message to share. I wanted to find a way to use these beads as I know them to still be just as powerful despite their perceived 'flaws' and it made me think what a lesson they have to offer. 

The concept of santosha came to my mind. Sam means 'completely' in Sanskrit and tosha means 'acceptance' or 'contentment' and its a term used to describe the spiritual concept of accepting what is, finding peace and joy inside no matter the circumstances and without attachment to results. It is one of the niyamas which are inner practices and make up the second of the eight limbs of yoga, as described in The Yoga Sutras text by Patanjali. Embodying this concept and practicing it in every day life helps us to become more spiritually evolved and live in a state of peace and ease.

This mala offers a way of connecting to the concept of Santosha, to remind you to conjure up that inner contentment by practicing gratitude and appreciation for all that you do have. The imperfect beads teach us to appreciate beauty in all forms, to know that our worth is not correlated to external circumstances and that there is so much to be grateful for in this gift of life.

Prayers, mantras or affirmations that would be supportive of this energy that can be chanted with the mala:

A simple thank you

A gratitude list

Om shanti shanti shanti - the famous peace mantra

Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu - May all beings in all realms be happy and free

So Ham - 'I am' 

Or  anything you feel called to use it with of course!

Tulsi or Holy Basil is native to India has been sacred and revered for thousands of years. It is a manifestation of the Goddess Tulsi who is an avatar of Lakshmi and its leaves are offered up in daily rituals to honour the Goddess. It also relates to Vishnu as Lakshmi is his consort. It helps spiritual progress, raises vibration, calms the mind and offers protection. It has a cooling, soothing vibration and encourages alignment with and embodiment of spiritual truth.

The tassel is made from a recycled sari ribbon which comes from the off-cuts of sari fabric, knotted or stitched together, often showing frayed edges and details from the design. Each mala is completely unique and are cleansed and charged in ritual and programmed with Reiki to help instil the concept of santosha.