King Boliuli Mala – Hematoid Quartz, Sand Jasper & Soapberry Seeds
A one-of-a-kind hand-knotted meditation mala made with 108 natural gemstone beads in hematoid quartz and sand jasper, two soapberry seeds, and sterling silver details. Warm, earthy, and luminous, this mala brings together the mineral depth of quartz and jasper with a material closely connected to one of the earliest Buddhist stories about prayer beads. Hematoid quartz is natural quartz containing hematite or iron-rich inclusions. These inclusions create its distinctive shades of red, rust, ochre, gold, and smoky transparency. Each bead holds a slightly different landscape, with clouds, threads, and mineral deposits suspended inside the quartz. The sand jasper introduces softer, earth-toned patterns that recall stone, soil, and sediment shaped over time. Together, the two stones create a composition rooted in transformation: clarity does not appear separate from matter, but develops through it. Two natural soapberry seeds are placed within the mala as a reference to the Buddhist Soapberry Seed Sutra, also known as the Mokugenshi-kyō in Japan. The story of King Boliuli According to the sutra, King Boliuli ruled a small kingdom affected by conflict, disease, rising food prices, and widespread suffering. Burdened by the responsibilities of governing, he felt unable to undertake the Buddha’s vast and demanding teachings. He therefore sent a messenger to ask the Buddha for an essential practice—something simple enough to accompany him throughout the day and night, without requiring him to abandon his duties. The Buddha instructed him to string together 108 soapberry seeds, carry them with him, and move one seed at a time while repeating the names of the Three Jewels: Buddha, Dharma, Sangha. The practice could be continued while walking, sitting, or lying down. The beads gave the hands a way to preserve the count while the mind returned again and again to the recitation. King Boliuli received the teaching with joy. He ordered one thousand strands to be made and distributed them among his family and the people around him. The sutra adds that he continued the practice even while engaged in military affairs. The story does not present prayer beads as an escape from responsibility. They become a way of sustaining a direction within life as it is—complex, demanding, and uncertain. The two soapberry seeds in this mala recall that ancient narrative. They represent the meeting point between repetition and daily life, between a practice and the circumstances in which it must be lived. Sterling silver details bring light and definition to the warm colors of the stones, creating a subtle contrast between earthy mineral textures and a cool metallic finish. This is a one-of-a-kind mala necklace. Only one piece exists with this exact arrangement of gemstones, seeds, and sterling silver elements. Created as both spiritual jewelry and a practical mala for meditation, it can accompany mantra repetition, breath practice, mindfulness, and intention-setting. Its 108 prayer beads allow the hands to hold the rhythm while attention remains connected to the practice. Details Handmade meditation mala One-of-a-kind piece 108 prayer beads Natural hematoid quartz Natural sand jasper Two natural soapberry seeds Sterling silver details Individually hand knotted Total circumference: approximately 42 inches / 106.7 cm Handmade by Samdea Natural stones and seeds are never perfectly identical. Variations in color, transparency, inclusions, pattern, shape, and surface belong to their natural origin and make this hand-knotted mala completely unique. A meaningful spiritual gift for someone drawn to Buddhist history, natural materials, repetition practices, and one-of-a-kind spiritual jewelry.