Caring for your Mala
No matter which medium your gemstone beads are strung on, necklaces and bracelets WILL eventually break.
Why? They’re only held on a braided thread sized to match the hole size of the smallest beads on your Mala necklace. Even the strongest thread ages and weakens. By wearing your Mala and using it for Japa meditation (which is what you should do), the string is exposed to abrasion from bead, body oils, cosmetics and simple wear-and-tear.
Through trial and error we have found that Nylon® is better than silk. We use a brand which has a tensile strength of 16kg and even with knotting has a breakage point of 8kg. Nylon® is more resistant than silk to moisture, body oils, cosmetics and handling. Your Mala is hand knotted between the beads for beauty and ease of use and to prevent loss of beads in case of breakage.
Our original Malas were strung on thick, German silk. Satya Malas desired to leave a very light footprint on planet earth and most of our buyers respected our efforts to provide the most natural, ecologically healthy product possible.
But our silk did not always go the distance! Some malas fared better than others butoften the silk did not cope with the humidity of Queensland Australia, as well as usual wear and tear. Nylon thread displays the very same knot as silk and holds up better to all the stresses. BUT it is not unbreakable! The more you wear and use your mala the sooner it will have to be restrung.
It is believed that if a mala breaks, it has served its purpose and has balanced your karma. It may have absorbed all the energy it can. Allow your mala to be at peace, and consider replacing her. But if you so adored your broken mala and you still need to work with her, then contact us (see below) for restringing.
Examples of mistreatment that may cause your Mala to break
- Pulling on/fidgeting with the pendant as this will cause the cord to break at the pendant.
- Getting your mala wet will degrade the nylon cord quicker.
- Spraying on perfume and the use of body oils and cosmetics will age the nylon cord. Check for discolouring of the cord to determine how aged it is. Put your mala on after you have applied your cosmetics and perfume.
- Do not wear your mala beads during any activity where they could get caught on something.
- Hanging your mala up when not in use will prematurely age the nylon cord. Like any other gemstone or precious necklace please store your mala necklace FLAT and use your Satya Mala pouch when not wearing it.
Satya Malas does not take any responsibility for breakages caused due to lack of care or mistreatment. However, if your mala breaks within 30 days of purchase we will happily repair it for you for no charge. Otherwise you can have your mala restrung for a small fee of $40. Any beads that are lost (it should only be a few because of hand knotting between the beads) will be replaced no charge.
Returns: Satya Malas is unable to accept any returns due to change of mind.
Cleansing your Mala
Like any high vibrational healing tool, malas omit, absorb, carry and clear energy. Your Mala is delivered to YOU: cleansed, blessed and infused with the healing Reiki symbols. But like all energetic tools, malas need a little love and cleansing from time to time, so to cleanse your Mala you can place your mala in a singing bowl and ring the bowl and/or burn sage (smudging) over your mala
Recharging your Mala
All Satya Malas have been charged with moonlight (Ida – the Chandra energies of the moon: feminine, yin, cooling) and sunlight (Pingala – the Surya energies of the sun: masculine, yang, warming). If you would like to recharge your mala simply place your mala outside in indirect natural light. Do not leave your mala in direct sunshine as the crystals might fade and crack, direct sunlight is just too strong. To recharge it with moonlight, place it inside on the windowsill on the night of a full moon and allow her to bask in its light. Consider setting some intentions for the new cycle coming in, and even read up on the significance of the particular full moon you are charging her in.