Swap Homepage: | http://www.malaproject.blogspot.com |
Swap Coordinator: | JoyFound (contact) |
Swap categories: | Jewelry |
Number of people in swap: | 19 |
Location: | Other |
Type: | None |
Last day to signup/drop: | December 20, 2007 |
Date items must be sent by: | January 15, 2008 |
Number of swap partners: | 9 |
Description: | |
This International swap is for anyone who wants to do a bead exchange, but the intention is to create your own personal mala with the beads you get in swap. ABOUT MALAS: A japa mala is a meditational tool traditionally strung with 108 beads to form a circle. It is held in one hand while being fingered in a circle, touching one bead for every repetition of a mantra during prayerful meditation. The 108 beads are seen in Eastern esoteric traditions as being very auspicious as the number 108 is a perfect three-digit multiple of three. Three is seen as supreme balance (think Holy Trinity, Three Pillars of Zen, etc.) Its components add up to nine, which is three threes. There is a 109th bead that sits at the center like a pendant, this is the place you are intended to pause in your meditation and thank your life teachers. NO. OF SWAP PARTNERS: 9 BEADS SENT TO EACH SWAP PARTNER: 12 (either 12 of the same bead, or 4 sets of 3 different beads) BEAD SIZE: Stay in the 9 mm (small pea) size *Beads should be mostly round so that the flow of meditative counting is not interrupted by a jagged edge WHY? The above specifications will keep with the spirit of threes and allow each member after receiving their swaps to have 108 beads to create their own japa mala that is balanced. The 109th bead will be left to your discretion. There is one more rule – absolutely no store bought plastic beads. SHIPPING CONCERNS: Please temporarily string your beads, and pack well. Loose beads tend to more easily break. If your partner is international please make sure you check their customs regulations as some natural materials are not allowed to be imported (ie. seeds). You can handcraft polymer clay beads, fire up some ceramic, buy bone, semi-precious stone, metal or glass. The only reason I am banning store bought plastic is that to me they have the spiritual connotation of everything that is lacking in this world. I want these to be quality beads that will provide a beautiful necklace for those who participate whether they choose to use the 108 beads a japa mala or not. I will. Choose beads you would want to receive, quality handcrafted or quality bought materials. WHO CAN JOIN: People with ratings 4.8 and above in through the mail swaps. Newbies who have a full profile and contact me prior to signing up are welcome. ANGEL POLICY: I will angel on this swap. If your items have not been received, I will supply you with the 12 beads you should have received. BLOG: I have started a blog for this mala swap, and my Mala Prayer Bead Project that you may want to check out. I would love if once you've strung your mala you tell me a bit about it and send me an image for the blog. If there is enough interest I hope to regularly host these, possibly with themed mala colors, etc. |
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