If all works as planned, Jorge Infante (adept in the mysteries of malas) will join us and share some "secret" knotting techniques."  His malas are exquisite works of art.

Mala Crafting - Malas (literal translation = garlands) are strings of beads that are used in Buddhism to count repetitious actions.  For example, you might chant 108 recitations of the mantra Om Mani Padme Hum, keeping track on your neck mala, or you might do 27 bows, using your wrist mala. 

They can be utilitarian or quite artistic; simple or rather elaborate.  The use of malas predates Buddhism and does imply that the wearer is a Buddhist.  Today, malas are often worn as devotional jewelry by lay Buddhists.  But they are also sold as keepsakes, trinkets or fashion "good karma."  A mala may  be of a variety of materials or number of beads, depending upon use, tradition or your current ensemble.*  Useful for your practice and they make great gifts, too. 

We'll have a selection of beads, thread and goodies available for free or at our cost, but please do bring any supplies (including costume jewelry beads) you may have.  If you have a mala that needs to be repaired or restrung, bring it along with your ideas, nimble fingers and your vegetarian specialty or a beverage for alight potluck lunch following the Workshop.