We were taught to recite each mantra 108 times for 40 days straight. Complimentary Silk Satin Mala bag is offered in assorted colors, and we make the best effort to choose a harmonious color and style, to go with your mala. Islamic prayer beads, called Misbaha or Tasbih, usually have 100 beads (99 +1 = 100 beads in total or 33 beads read thrice and +1). Mala beads offer a simple way to keep count of how many mantras you have said. Your prayer beads are then properly and traditionally finished with a real three holed “guru bead” with well crafted 100% cotton tassel or beaded ends. A mala also usually has 108 beads. Mala beads (also known as Buddhist prayer beads) were traditionally used as a tool to count the number of times a mantra is repeated, breaths taken while meditating, or the amount of prostrations. Another option (our favorite!) is to choose a gemstone for your guru bead. Their stunning simplicity enhances meditative and prayer intentions; and, with spiritual wear re-emerging as a huge trend, the best mala beads are available in a variety of beautiful designs and colors. Types of Japa Malas. A wide variety of materials are used to make japa mala beads and each material has certain properties which subtly affect the subconscious mind of the practitioner. Commonly recognized forms of beadwork include bead stringing, off-loom bead weaving, bead looming, bead embroidery, braiding with beads, and wire wrapping with beads. There are many different types of beadwork.. Nowadays there are a huge number of different materials and designs for mala beads—even with our own company we have expanded from 5 malas to over 160 mala designs ! Buddhists and Hindus use the Japa Mala, which usually has 108 beads, or 27 which are counted four times. Guru Beads are made of many different types of materials. Mala Beads, or prayer beads, are a set of sacred rosary beads used for chanting & counting mantras, meditation, prayer, yoga & reflection. This silver bead is a great choice if you want the focus to be on your Mala Beads. When we started Japa Mala Beads in 2004 there was only a couple of other companies making and importing mala beads so choosing a mala was a fairly easy task. In the most general sense, beadwork is any type of work with beads. Reviews of the 11 Best Mala Beads, Plus 1 to Avoid: Mala beads are a beautiful talisman for all types of devout spiritual practitioners. In Tibetan Buddhism, common numbers of beads are 21, 28, or 108. (Some have more). Mala is a Sanskrit word meaning garland.The Tibetan word for mala is threngwa. Buddhist Prayer Beads are sometimes referred to as Japa mala, japa is a Sanskrit word meaning “repeat internally”. The number of beads varies by religion or use. MeraKalpa Mala Kits include a Tibetan Silver bead with a beautiful filigree design. Generally, meditation practices include a mantra that is repeated a specific number of times. What are Mala Beads & Buddhist Prayer Beads?.