Simple Japa Mala: Black Tulsi Wood

A Japa Mala is a strand of prayer beads used to count mantra repetitions during meditation and chanting, and this one is made from 108 black Tulsi (holy basil) wood beads strung into a 28" loop.

Tulsi, also called holy basil, is considered a sacred plant in many Hindu and Vaishnava traditions, and malas made from its wood are valued for their light weight and naturally aromatic character as much as for their symbolism. Each bead keeps its natural dark wood tone, and the strand follows the classic 108-bead count used across Hindu, Buddhist, and yogic mantra practices, closed with a single guru bead where the loop meets.

To use it, hold the mala in one hand and move from bead to bead with your thumb as you silently or aloud repeat a mantra, breath, or intention — one bead per repetition, working around the full strand (108 repetitions) or as many rounds as feels right for your practice. Outside of formal counting, many people simply wear it as a long necklace or keep it nearby as a portable grounding tool.

It fits naturally alongside our other Japa Malas, and pairs well with the ritual and meditation tools in our best-selling collection for anyone building out a daily practice.

Quick facts

Care & cleansing

Because this mala is wood, keep it away from prolonged water exposure, perfumes, and lotions, which can dull or stain the beads over time. Store it in a soft pouch when it's not being worn or used, and wipe the beads occasionally with a dry cloth. Many practitioners cleanse a mala energetically with incense smoke or moonlight rather than water, which suits wood beads especially well.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Japa Mala used for?
It's a strand of prayer beads used to count mantra or breath repetitions during meditation and chanting practice.

Why are there 108 beads?
108 is a traditional count across Hindu, Buddhist, and yogic practices, considered a complete cycle of repetitions for one round of mantra practice.

What is Tulsi wood?
Tulsi, or holy basil, is a plant considered sacred in many Hindu and Vaishnava traditions; its wood is prized for malas for its light weight and natural aroma.

How do I use a mala during meditation?
Hold it in one hand and move your thumb from bead to bead, repeating a mantra, word, or breath once per bead as you work around the strand.

Can I wear it as jewelry?
Yes, many people wear their mala as a long necklace outside of formal practice, though it remains rooted in its meditative purpose.

Can this mala get wet?
Keep it away from prolonged water exposure, lotions, and perfumes, which can dull or stain the wood; a dry cloth is the safest way to clean it.

This is a decorative/symbolic meditation tool, not a health product or medical device.