What the strand is
A 108-bead strand is a long loop of beads used to count breaths, repetitions or phrases during practice. The number 108 appears in many South and East Asian contemplative traditions, and the strand is sold today through yoga studios, meditation teachers, retreat centers and gift shops. Ouvare handles it as a product and describes it neutrally: the desk supplies the strand and does not take a position on any belief or practice. Buyers decide how the strand is presented and what text, if any, goes on the card.
Why choose scented beads for a counting strand? Many teachers like a tactile object that also carries a quiet aroma, so the strand feels different from a plain wooden one. For retail, that difference is easy to explain in a single line on the tag, and it gives studios a second reason to keep the strand in the shop beyond class use. Because the beads are light, a strand also ships flat and inexpensively, which suits small studios that reorder often.
The incense version is made from scented beads so that the strand carries a gentle aroma while it is held, worn or wrapped around the wrist. It is rolled by hand in partner workshops using the same sequence as other lines, described in how incense beads are made.
Formula
| Component | Share by weight | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Sandalwood powder | 50% | Soft, creamy wood scent |
| Herbal blend | 15% | Light herbal top note, adjusts color |
| Nanmu binder | 25% | Natural plant binder |
| Honey | 10% | Plasticity while rolling |
This is the standard version. The herbal blend is a mix of aromatic plant powders chosen for scent and is confirmed on the formula sheet for each program. Sandalwood origin is stated per lot, either Australian plantation wood or legally sourced Indian wood. No synthetic fragrance oil and no industrial glue are used in the standard specification, and the sheet is confirmed in writing.
Bead sizes and strand weight
108 strands are made in 6 or 8 mm. A 6 mm strand sits closer to the body and wraps two or three times around a wrist; an 8 mm strand is the classic hand-held size. Typical weights are listed below, based on the usual 0.3-0.5 g for an 8 mm bead; they are reference figures and not promises.
| Bead size | Beads | Approx. strand length | Typical weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 mm | 108 plus guru | About 70-75 cm | About 35-40 g |
| 8 mm | 108 plus guru | About 90-95 cm | About 40-50 g |
Guru bead, tassel and counters
The guru bead is a larger or differently colored bead that marks the start and end of the count. Around it, buyers specify a finish:
- Tassel. Cotton, silk or plain cord tassel in your color; the most common retail finish.
- Counters. Small spacer beads or knotted markers at set intervals, so users can track their place.
- Knotting. Hand knots between beads protect from wear and keep the strand intact if the cord breaks; they add a day or two to production.
- Spacers. Plain wood or metal spacers; metal findings follow the declarations described on the silver set page.
- Pouch. A cotton or linen drawstring pouch with a desiccant sachet inside a foil outer bag.
Channels that buy the strand
Yoga and meditation studios usually order small runs across several colors for class retail. Retreat centers and temple shops order for visitors and hosts, and look for a plain, quiet presentation. Gift and e-commerce sellers like the light weight and the flat pack. For studios, the yoga and meditation page outlines typical programs, and for retreat shops see temples and retreats.
Care
Keep the strand dry and away from perfume and heat. Because the beads are scented with natural powders, water and sweat can dull the surface and loosen the cord, so remove it before washing or exercise. Store it sealed in its pouch when not in use. Handling releases a gentle aroma, and the scent lasts for years with proper storage.
Ordering notes
Stock strands typically start from 50-200 pieces per design; private-label packaging from about 300-1,000 pieces; a custom formula from about 500 pieces with sample rounds. Stock samples take 5-10 working days and formula samples 15-25 days. Each lot is checked for diameter, weight, bead count, hole centering, cracks and scent, see testing and inspection. All ranges are typical references confirmed in writing; send your design through the quote form.