Selecting Full-Flesh Rudraksha
This mala is a recent selection I made for a client. The fleshiness of these beads is incredibly plump. The client had browsed several malas on livestream before, but either the prices were inflated or the bead quality was mediocre. A friend referred him to me, and he asked me to pick a mala that would suit his preferences.
I first confirmed his requirements with the client: 20mm size, a preference for low-profile, plump beads, a budget of around 2,000 RMB, and that it would be worn daily with occasional breaking-in. Once the requirements were confirmed, I began sourcing beads. I contacted several suppliers I regularly purchase from and reviewed three batches of beads in total.
The Complete Process of Selecting Full-Flesh Rudraksha (Large)
The bead selection process is actually quite tedious. The first step is to measure the size, keeping only those between 19.8 and 20.2mm. The second step is to check the density and skin color; discard any that feel too light or have dark patches or uneven coloring. The third step is to examine the shape, ensuring the low-profile height is below 18mm. The fourth step is to inspect the grain; the plump flesh must be full, and the style of each bead should be similar.
It took three days of selection to choose fourteen beads from over two hundred. Twelve beads are used for the main mala, and two are kept as spares. The fourteen selected beads are highly uniform in size, shape, grain, and color. They feel heavy in the hand, indicating excellent density.
Once the beads were selected, I began drilling and stringing them. I used a 1.5mm drill bit at a slow speed, carefully drilling each bead one by one to avoid cracking. When stringing, each bead is oriented consistently, with the front facing outward and the dragon-ridges aligned, so they look neat when rotated. After stringing, I tested the fit; the client's wrist circumference is 17.5cm, so twelve 20mm beads plus the guru bead fit perfectly.
The Final Result and Client Feedback
After stringing, I delivered the mala to the client. He examined it thoroughly and was very satisfied. He said that the malas he had seen on livestream before either had inconsistent sizes or uneven grain depth, and were also more expensive. He felt that this mala was carefully selected, with each bead highly uniform, making it far superior to those seen on livestream.
In reality, selecting a mala for a client is like this—it takes time and careful attention. But when the client is comfortable wearing the mala and happy looking at it, it's all worth it. Collectibles are all about dedication; if you put your heart into it, it will reward you.
Closing Words
If any of you also want to select a Rudraksha mala, I recommend being patient and not rushing. Compare more options, look more carefully, and the beads you select will be of good quality. Collectibles are all about the process of enjoying them, so there's no need to rush.
I hope everyone can find a mala they are satisfied with and enjoy the process of breaking-in.
