marjorie-woodbridge

Hello, I’m Marjorie, creator of Shanti Malas.
I am inspired by the power of meditation, ceremony, prayer, and ritual … by family, friends, nature, travel, books, and profound gratitude.

ETHOS

I am connected … to the earth, to my community, to the ancient wisdom that grows and lives in all.

Shanti Malas is an offering from the heart … devoted to creating meaningful pieces with love, prayer, and consciously-selected goods.

beautiful, with a sense of spirit and energy…

Each one-of-a-kind piece is handmade, and I am in love with each part of the process – selecting the beads, constructing the pattern, meditatively knotting – as it is a conscious extension of my personal journey and mindful life practices.

Stones, cleansing materials, and all of the bits and pieces are ethically-sourced to the best of my ability, to ensure they will hold the highest possible vibration, and to sincerely contribute to a better world for all beings.

Shanti Malas observes socially-responsible, environmentally ethical, sustainable, heart-based business practices.

the peace in me sees and honors the peace in you

payne

“Cautious people say, “I’ll do nothing until I can be sure.”
Merchants know better. If you do nothing, you lose.
Don’t be one of those merchants who won’t risk the ocean!
This is much more important than losing or making money.
This is your connection to God! You must set fire to have light.
Trust means you’re ready to risk what you currently have.
Think of your fear and hope about your livelihood.
They make you go to work diligently every day.
Now consider what the prophets have done.
Abraham wore fire for an anklet.  Moses spoke to the sea.
David molded iron. Solomon rode the wind.
Work in the invisible world at least as hard as you do in the visible.
Be companions with the prophets even though no one here will know that you are, not even the helpers of the qutb, the abdals.
You can’t imagine what profit will come!
When one of those generous ones invites you into his fire, go quickly!
Don’t say, “But will it burn me? Will it hurt?”

― Rumi, The Soul of Rumi: A New Collection of Ecstatic Poems

gayatri-mantra

Of all the mantras, the supreme and the most potent power of powers is the great, glorious Gayatri Mantra.

The Gayatri Mantra is one of the most powerful Mantras dedicated to the Mother of the Vedas and the Goddess of the five elements Gayatri, also known as Savitri.
Goddess Gayatri holds such an esteemed position as she represents infinite knowledge. It is she who eliminates the darkness (ignorance) from our life, and helps us attain enlightenment by showering us with the wisdom that we need in our day-to-day life, and also the life that extends beyond.

The Gayatri is a universal prayer to stimulate our inner power. The essence of this powerful mantra is that it instills power in the being – physical power, mental power, internal power. The prayer is about our inner divine power and bringing about the soul’s path – it is considered the essence of the Vedas the oldest text.

Om Bhur Bhuvaḥ Swaḥ

Tat-savitur Vareñyaṃ

Bhargo Devasya Dhīmahi

Dhiyo Yonaḥ Prachodayāt

Swāmi Shivānanda’s translation of the Gāyatrī Mantra

We meditate on the glory of the Creator;
Who has created the Universe;
Who is worthy of Worship;
Who is the embodiment of Knowledge and Light;
Who is the remover of all Sin and Ignorance;
May He enlighten our Intellect.

A succinct and delightful translation by S. Krishnamurthy

We meditate upon the radiant Divine Light
of that adorable Sun of Spiritual Consciousness;
May it awaken our intuitional consciousness.

THE DEFINITIVE TRANSLATION

shanti malas’ ishta-devata

GUANYIN

marjories-guanyin

GUANYIN … THE BODHISATTVA OF COMPASSION … also known as Kwan Yin, a manifestation in the female form of Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva.

in her earth life, she was devoted to compassion and the care of others.

in her time of death, she was offered to take her reward and enter Nirvana … instead, she heard the cries of the human world, wept, and vowed to remain in the world and be of service until all beings were enlightened.
she is believed to act as a bridge that connects ordinary people with deeply intellectual and spiritual ideas. 

a compassionate bodhisattva who hears the cries of sentient beings, and who works tirelessly to help those who call upon her name.

many believe that she is the female representation of Avalokitesvara, the Tibetan and Nepalese God of Compassion.

in Sanskrit, her name is Padma-pâni, or “Born of the Lotus.”

the Chinese name Guanyin is short for Guanshiyin, which means [The One Who] Perceives the Sounds of the World

quan yin
That is beautiful which is produced by the inner need . . . which springs from the soul.
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