Yak Bone & Bodhi Seed Mala Set

The natural materials used to create our Yak Bone & Bodhi Seed Mala Set serve as a powerful symbol of the concept of impermanence in Buddhism. This mala bead set is intended for japa mantra repetition/ prayer during meditation. These Tibetan prayer beads feature flat ivory yak bone beads, black bone accent beads, bodhi seed marker beads, and a bodhi seed guru bead, all strung along black string. The bodhi seed comes from the Bodhi tree, a large fig tree located in India, that is a sacred symbol in Buddhist tradition. It was underneath this bodhi tree that Buddha sat for 49 days, meditating without pause until he attained enlightenment. About Yak Bone Malas Yak bone is associated with one of the three marks of existence in Buddhism: the concept of impermanence (anicca). This Buddhist philosophy reminds us of the ever changing nature of life; that nothing is forever and everything changes with the passage of time. Accepting impermanence is vital to both our mental and spiritual well being, as it detaches us from that which is out of our control and insignificant in life. In Tibet, Yak bone is used to make a variety of goods, including Tibetan prayer beads. For thousands of years, people have relied on the yak, a species of cattle, for survival in the harsh climate of the Himalayas. These animals provide resources and labor that are essential to survival in one of the most rugged terrains in the world. You can learn more about the ethicality of yak bone malas here. Please note: this mala necklace runs small and may be better suited as a wrist mala for some people. Please refer to the size measurements below. Size Mala necklace: 10.5". Mala bracelet: 2.5". Stretchy; one size fits most. 11mm - 13mm beads. Handmade in Nepal.