Jewellery that spreads love around the world
The Mala Spirit adventure began when Frank, its founder, decided to leave everything behind to go abroad in search of meaning. Before this trip, Frank had already developed a special affection for mala necklaces, some of which he owned. When he returned home and found his sacred malas, something clicked. Mala Spirit was born.
Frank works with Soma Temple, the creator of Aum Rudraksha Designs. Based in Bali, Indonesia, Soma has been encouraged by her spiritual master Papaji in India to create and distribute malas around the world, particularly in the West. According to Papaji, if everyone wears the sacred Rudraksha beads, the world will be a place of peace.
The Rudraksha pearls used by Aum Rudraksha Designs are grown organically and locally on their plantation in Indonesia. The company's activities revolve around eco-responsibility and environmental protection. All their creations are made in a spirit of sharing love and peace around the world.
Traditionally, the mala is a support for prayers in Hindu and Buddhist culture. It can be likened to the rosary or rosary beads of other religions. Mala means "garland" in Sanskrit. It is used to concentrate the mind while reciting the mantras. After each mantra recited, the practitioner advances one bead on the necklace.
Malas always have a number of beads referring to the number 108, as this is a sacred number in the Buddhist tradition. They are made up of round Rudraksha beads and sometimes other precious or semi-precious stone beads (carnelian, lapis lazuli, agate, tiger's eye, turquoise, quartz, citrine, etc.) which have specific properties (calming, courage, rejection of negative energies, serenity, etc.). Mala necklaces end with a pendant ('guru') and a pompom.
Rudraksha pearls are considered sacred in Asia. They are sometimes called 'Shiva's tears'. The smaller they are, the rarer and more precious they are. They come from a tree called Elaeocarpus angustifolius, which grows exclusively in South-East Asia. These seeds are known for their protective and energising properties.
Mala Spirit sees malas as useful for everyone. For yogis and yoginis who want something to help them recite their mantras during meditation. But also for people looking for an organic and ethical piece of jewellery (necklace or bracelet) that will give them energy, peace and love.
As well as providing you with beautiful necklaces and bracelets, Mala Spirit is also a brand committed to social and environmental causes. For every purchase, Frank is committed to donating a portion to charity. What's more, the manufacture of the malas supports the passionate work of the Aum Rudraksha Designs team. Employees are paid what they are worth and the company provides work for an entire village during the high season.
Why we love this brand
As with all the other brands selected by Yoga Nest, Laurence was attracted by the values promoted by Mala Spirit. The quality of the products on offer is an important first criterion. The materials are ethical, organic and fair trade, produced locally by passionate people.
Secondly, the brand's commitment to offering very advantageous working conditions for its employees is obviously commendable. Frank's social commitment, which includes donating part of its sales to charities, also demonstrates the brand's committed values.
In the end, it was the beauty of the jewellery that won Laurence over! The shimmering colours of the bracelets and necklaces and the beneficial effects of the stones used make them talismans to be carried at all times.
