"Whatever it is that I may offer You,
is from You already.
So I offer simply my love
to You, who are Love already."
-Shail Gulhati
Some very recent events have left my mind unsettled and probably have some significance to the posts I was working on before the Holidays. So while I meditate on these things and work to calm my thoughts, I thought I might write about something I have found great joy and peace in over the last year, and have intended to write about for some time. Perhaps I might not be able to get it all in one post, but I will at least make a start.
During the Fall of 2013, as I began to learn about Shaivism and practice meditation again, I found myself wanting a mala for Japa. This wasn't the first time, I had looked at some of the stores we went to while in India, but at the time nothing struck me. Most of the stores we went to were tourist and government stores, so I'm pretty certain I hadn't seen a Rudraksha mala anywhere - they are distinctive enough that it's very likely I'd at least remember seeing one, but realistically I have to admit that possibly I just don't remember seeing any.
Back home a month or so later, I began looking online. It didn't take me long to think of looking up what was traditional for Shaivites to use. I learned about Rudraksha, the various kinds and faces, and the fairly big problem of counterfeiting. I began looking for a place to buy a mala and be sure what I was getting was real. There are a lot of sellers on Amazon who sell malas and some who claim the malas are 'Certified', but I held back from buying one because it was nearly the Holidays, money was tight and any we had was meant for gifts and for a trip to see family; among other reasons. Meanwhile I kept learning and reading about the Beads, about how to judge authenticity and about their various uses and lore. I was still trying to decide what to do when we returned from our annual trip for FL and our friends and Neighbors returned from their trip home to Mumbai. They had brought back a Rudraksha mala for me, of 5 to 6mm beads. My first Rudraksha mala, I still wear it almost all the time.
I took my time and continued to keep learning about these beads and the trees they came from. I was drawn to the beauty of the Nepal variety of beads and found everything about them fascinating. I learned about the Tree's natural tolerances and the mineral qualities of the fruits and seeds, the holistic uses of the seeds. The more I learned the more amazed I became by this amazing Tree and the natural jewels it produces, and the more I was drawn to somehow find a way to get an authentic mala of Nepal beads.
Of course, the only certified Nepal bead malas you can find online are very expensive, even the most basic ones, and that's assuming any of the vendors are really trustworthy - and I still don't know how trustworthy even american sellers are. The problem with buying online is not being able to judge quality or authenticity until the product arrives - and many sellers abroad don't seem to take returns. So I defaulted to something I often find myself doing: Want to be sure what you get is real and/or good work, and is worth your money? Want to very likely save money while you're at it? Do it yourself. I began looking for a vendor who might sell the fruits.
I had found one person who might be able to help me, and was about to contact him/her, when Shivaratri began to come closer and my focus shifted to the possibility of finding Bel Leaves to offer Shiva. I had looked before and found nothing, had asked at a few Temples and at a couple of groceries, but no one seemed to know. So one Monday morning, I asked Sri Shiva, and asked every day after. Perhaps it was coincidence, but the timing was very convenient. Within days I found a seller who had not only Bel Leaves, but all kinds of flowers, leaves, fruits and other Puja items. This vendor focuses on selling certified Rudraksha in custom jewelry, and also in general purpose jewelry and malas, but also happened to sell the dried fruits of the Nepal variety seeds.
I was blessed to not only receive puja items I had been seeking for some time, but because I wasn't aware of the amount in each package, I ended up with way more than I could use and was able to share with some of my friends who hadn't known where to buy them but had wished they did.
Last Maha Shivaratri was when I cleaned my first Rudraksha beads. I initially intended to make myself a mala of 5-faced beads, but soon found inspiration to make items for others instead. I have found the process of cleaning the beads relaxing, calming, focusing, and generally therapeutic, and watching each bead emerge as a singular, unique jewel is a beautiful thing. So, I've continued to work with them, not only as part of my daily sadhana but also to pursue the inspirations I've had. Each time I finish one, I find a new one. I am hoping to be able to grow my own Tree, and as of today I have a hope that I will be able to work with these natural treasures and spread their beauty and gifts, for the measure of this life and any others after.
Lest this post become too long, I'm going to end it here. There will be more on Rudraksha to come though, as I want to share the knowledge I've gained on the cleaning, care and stringing of these beads.
~Namaste
