108 Obsidian & Tiger Eye Mala Bracelet — A Sacred Shield for Every Wrist
Some jewelry is worn. Some is carried — as a companion through life’s challenges, a quiet reminder of the strength already inside you. This 108-bead obsidian & tiger eye mala is the second kind.
Handcrafted in the Tibetan tradition, every bead on this mala carries centuries of intention. At PotalaStore, we source each piece with care, ensuring you receive not just an accessory, but a genuine spiritual tool rooted in Buddhist practice. Whether you wear it as a wrap bracelet or a full necklace, it works with you — not just on you.
Protection,Grounding,Courage,Meditation
Dual-Use: Bracelet + Necklace
Two Ancient Stones, One Sacred Purpose
The power of this mala comes from the intentional pairing of two complementary stones. Black obsidian works inward — clearing, grounding, and protecting. Tiger eye works outward — sharpening focus, igniting courage, and drawing abundance. Together, they create a balanced energetic system that supports both shadow work and forward momentum.
Black Obsidian — The Guardian Stone
Formed from rapidly cooling volcanic lava, black obsidian has been used for protection for over 700,000 years. Ancient Aztec and Tibetan cultures alike used it as a psychic shield.
- Grounds scattered energy to the root chakra (Muladhara)
- Absorbs and dissolves negative energy from your field
- Promotes truthful self-reflection and emotional release
- In Feng Shui: placed in the north corner for career protection
Tiger Eye — The Stone of Courage
Revered by Roman soldiers before battle, tiger eye’s signature chatoyancy — that luminous “cat’s eye” shimmer — reflects its core gift: seeing clearly in the dark.
- Activates the solar plexus chakra (Manipura)
- Builds confidence, willpower, and decisive action
- Attracts luck, prosperity, and abundance
- Calms anxiety and promotes mental clarity under pressure
“When obsidian guards your roots and tiger eye sharpens your sight, you stop reacting to the world — and start moving through it with intention.”— PotalaStore, Tibetan Jewelry Philosophy
Why 108 Beads? The Sacred Mathematics of Buddhist Prayer
The number 108 is not arbitrary. In Buddhist and Hindu cosmology, 108 is the sacred number of completion. Here’s why it matters:
- There are 108 earthly temptations (kleshas) a practitioner works to overcome on the path to enlightenment
- The sun’s diameter is approximately 108 times Earth’s diameter — a cosmological connection the Vedic sages mapped with precision
- There are 108 sacred sites across India, 108 Upanishads, and 108 forms of the divine in Tibetan Buddhism
- One full mala of 108 mantras = one complete cycle of intention, without losing count
The guru bead (meru bead) sits apart from the 108 — it’s the bead you never cross during meditation. It marks the start and end of each cycle, and in Tibetan tradition it represents your teacher, your lineage, or your highest self. Our mala features a decorative metal guru bead that honors this tradition while adding a handcrafted beauty visible in both wearing styles.
The 120-bead option follows a lesser-known Tibetan practice of stringing 108 + 12 additional “buffer beads” to account for broken or imperfect beads during long retreat sessions — a mark of traditional craftsmanship you rarely see in commercial malas.
How to Use Your Mala for Daily Meditation
You don’t need years of meditation experience to benefit from a mala. A simple 5-minute daily practice is enough to feel its effect. Here’s how:
- Hold the mala in yourright hand, draped over your middle or ring finger. Avoid the index finger — traditionally it represents the ego.
- Start at the beadnext tothe guru bead. Use your thumb to pull each bead toward you as you complete one breath or one mantra repetition.
- Choose a simple intention or mantra.“Om Mani Padme Hum”(the Tibetan mantra of compassion) pairs naturally with this stone combination.
- When you reach the guru bead —do not cross it. Flip the mala and begin in the opposite direction for the next round.
- End with 3 deep breaths. Let the mala rest on your wrist or over your heart for a moment before removing it.
Even 10 minutes of daily japa meditation with this mala has been associated with measurable reductions in cortisol levels in mindfulness research — which is why millions of people across cultures have used prayer bead practices for over 3,000 years.
Product Details & Specifications
| Item Type | Mala Bracelet / Necklace (dual-use) |
|---|---|
| Materials | Natural Black Obsidian, Tiger Eye, Alloy Spacer Beads |
| Bead Size | 6 mm (daintier, ideal for slim wrists) |
| Bead Count | 108 beads / 120 beads (choose your count) |
| Cord Type | Non-elastic premium cord — tied under the guru bead for easy handling |
| Guru Bead | Decorative silver-tone alloy metal bead |
| Wear Style | 4-wrap bracelet or full-length necklace |
| Gender | Unisex — fits all wrist sizes |
| Packaging | PotalaStore gift-ready pouch — meaningful gift option |
Note on the cord: Unlike cheap elastic malas that stretch and snap within months, this mala uses a durable, non-elastic knotted cord. The cord is tied beneath the guru bead for clean presentation and easy re-stringing if ever needed. This is how traditional Tibetan malas are made.
How to Wear, Cleanse & Care For Your Mala
Wearing your mala
Wrap it four times around your left wrist for all-day energetic protection — the left side is traditionally considered the “receiving” side in Tibetan practice. Or wear it as a full 108-bead necklace during meditation or ceremony. Either way, your obsidian and tiger eye remain energetically active.
Cleansing & recharging
Stones absorb energy from their environment. Cleanse your mala monthly or after intense use using any of these methods:
- Moonlight bath: Place on a windowsill overnight during a full moon — the single most effective method for obsidian
- Sage or palo santo smoke: Pass the mala slowly through the smoke for 20–30 seconds
- Tibetan singing bowl: Set the mala inside or around the bowl and strike 3–5 times — sound vibration clears stagnant energy
- Sunlight: 30 minutes in gentle morning sun works for tiger eye; avoid prolonged sun exposure for obsidian to prevent fading
Frequently Asked Questions
Can anyone wear this mala, regardless of religion?
Yes. While rooted in Tibetan Buddhist practice, this mala is worn by people of all faiths and those with no religious practice at all. The stones work on an energetic and psychological level. Many customers at PotalaStore use it simply as a mindfulness tool — a physical anchor for daily intention-setting.
Which hand should I wear my obsidian bracelet on?
In Tibetan and Chinese metaphysical tradition, the left wrist is recommended for protection stones like black obsidian — the left side is seen as the “receiving” or “internal” side of the body. Tiger eye, associated with outward action and energy projection, is sometimes worn on the right. This mala pairs both stones, so wear it on whichever wrist feels natural.
How do I know the obsidian is real and not glass?
Ironically, obsidian is a naturally occurring volcanic glass — so the comparison isn’t quite right. What you’re really checking for is natural obsidian vs. dyed synthetic stone. Real obsidian has slight color variations in strong light and feels slightly cold and dense. All PotalaStore stones are sourced from verified natural stone suppliers and inspected for quality before production.
What is the difference between 108 beads and 120 beads?
The standard 108-bead count follows the classical mala tradition used across Buddhism and Hinduism. The 120-bead variant follows a traditional Tibetan practice of adding 12 buffer beads to the strand — these account for beads that may be imperfect or broken during long retreat practice, ensuring 108 complete mantras are always counted. If you’re an active meditator doing long sessions, the 120-bead option is worth considering.
Begin Your Practice Today
Every mala at PotalaStore is crafted with care, sourced responsibly, and shipped in a gift-ready pouch.
Protection. Clarity. Courage. All on your wrist.
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