Three months into getting the Old Tree King 108 beads, here are my true feelings. Three months ago, I got this 108-bead mala. From the initial prep to starting the breaking-in (patina process), it's been a journey of ups and downs. Let me share my genuine experience over these three months to serve as a reference for friends who want to get the Old Tree King 108 beads.
Experience with the initial prep
The initial prep can be described in one word: grinding. 108 beads, every single one needs brushing. Hard brushing to clean the crevices, soft brushing for polishing, one or two hours a day. It took over a month of brushing for the alkaline bloom to completely fade. Countless times I wanted to slack off, but seeing the mala get a little bit cleaner, I persevered. The prep phase is taxing, but finishing it brings a real sense of accomplishment; only you can truly understand this feeling.
Experience with the breaking-in (patina process)
The breaking-in (patina process) is a pleasant surprise. Once the prep phase passed, I started handling it, and the changes in the mala became visible. The color took on a reddish tint, the patina began to emerge, and it felt substantial in hand. Wrapping the 108 beads around the wrist for the breaking-in (patina process) feels much better than a single-loop mala; it carries a sense of ritual. After three months of the breaking-in (patina process), although the changes in the mala are subtle, there is something to look forward to every day. This feeling is the motivation to keep going.
An honest summary
An honest summary: the 108 beads are worth getting. The prep is hard work, but it's not difficult if your method is right; the breaking-in (patina process) gives you hope, and the changes are visible; the sense of ritual of the 108 beads is unmatched by a single loop. Three months into getting the Old Tree King 108 beads, here are my true feelings: the hard work is real, and the surprises are real too. For friends who want to get one, be prepared for the initial prep; the mala won't let you down.
