Summa Iru: Papaji Mala

This mala is made with 6mm purple lepidolite beads, sparkling pave beads as marker beads, a simple marble stone pendant and purple tassel to match the lavender hues of the beads. Lepidolite is associated with the third eye and crown chakras and is known for its ability to sooth your mind and put your spirit at ease.

This mala was made while watching many documentaries about Papaji who started teaching approach after encountering Ramana Maharshi in 1944. His core teaching centered on self-inquiry as a direct path to realizing one's true nature as the Self.

A key element was his emphasis on stillness. Papaji liked a Tamil phrase that Ramana Maharshi often uttered: 'Summa iru', which means 'Be quiet', or 'Be still'. Papaji taught immediate, direct pointing to the truth, and having an enlightened experience, rather than gradual practice. Like Ramana, he valued teaching through silence over verbal instruction. His essential message remained consistent with Ramana's core insight: that liberation is not something to be attained but rather the recognition of what one already is - pure awareness or the Self.

Use this mala as a traditional meditation and prayer beads, or a meaningful necklace, or wrap bracelet. Use mantras for Papaji’s teachings “be still” or “who am I” or “pure awareness”.