My trip to Nepal i also found these raktu seed malas. There are 108 Raktu seeds on the mala and 3 turquoise spacers and each raktu seed beads measures between 7 and 8mm. We have a matching wrist mala bracelet in our store. They call these seeds "Bodhi seed's brother" Because they fall from similar trees as bodhi seed tree. Now the smaller bodhi seed beads are very harder to find and even if you find some, they are very expensive. So these raktu seeds are affordable and nice size. When i was in Nepal i used one for the whole time i was there. It is very easy to carry, since it is small. All of our malas come in a handmade cloth bag, but the color of the bag varies. Please let me know with any questions.
Malas are used all over by the Buddhists around the world especially they are used in Tibet, Nepal and India. You will always see the monks as well as lay people using them while walking around the stupas or temples or monasteries. A Mala is usually used for prostrations, counting mantras, and so on. It is worn on left wrist while not in use. Please let me know if you have any other questions.
Suggested Mantras for this mala
I think touch is important with a mala; 'grainy' beads rather than smooth add to meditation and the spacers give another totally different touch that can say "you're meditating, remember?" and bring you back. This is my first experience with spacers. For me, it takes some time to 'bond' with a mala but I bonded with this one with the first mantra.. I highly recommend this mala, not only because of the variations in touch but because it is extremely beautiful.
