When experienced players pick an Old Tree King 108, the first thing they look at is fleshiness. Experienced players have a system for choosing malas (prayer beads): first look at fleshiness, and here is the experience shared. When experienced players pick an Old Tree King 108, they make it clear that the first thing to look at is fleshiness.
Why look at fleshiness first
Why look at fleshiness first: fleshiness is the foundation of a mala. A mala with good fleshiness develops a solid, substantial look through breaking-in (patina process); a mala with poor fleshiness stays woody no matter how you break it in; fleshiness determines the grade of the mala.
How to judge fleshiness
How to judge fleshiness: fleshiness is judged by plump grain / texture; coarse teeth and deep lines mean good fleshiness; a 108 beads mala with good fleshiness looks substantial as a whole; when you handle it, good fleshiness feels weighty in the hand.
What to look at after fleshiness
What to look at after fleshiness: once fleshiness is good, then look at skin quality and oiliness; thick skin and abundant oiliness develop a translucent look through breaking-in (patina process); only when both fleshiness and skin quality are good is it a good mala. When experienced players pick an Old Tree King 108, the first thing they look at is fleshiness: fleshiness is the foundation, look at plump grain / texture, then combine it with skin quality and oiliness, and a good mala is determined at a glance.
Fleshiness is the skeleton of a mala. When the skeleton is right, the mala's foundation is good. This is the experience of seasoned players, and beginners can learn to judge it with confidence.
Experienced players judge a mala quickly because they have seen many. Fleshiness is determined at a glance, then skin quality and oiliness follow, and a good mala will not slip away.
Fleshiness is the skeleton of a mala. Experienced players determine the quality at a glance. Once beginners learn this trick, their path in choosing malas will go smoothly.
