japa mala

The japa mala is a string of beads used in Hinduism for reciting mantras during meditation. It typically has 108 beads, symbolizing the cycle of life, and often includes a larger guru or bindu bead to mark the beginning and end of the strand. Different Hindu traditions use the mala to chant the names of specific deities, such as Krishna. Some believe the beads absorb energy from the mantras, leading to the use of various malas for different meditations. The practice of using prayer beads, known as malas, is also found in Buddhism, where they are used similarly for counting mantras or directing meditation.1