Wood Mala Beads Rare Mala from Nepal Fair Trade item from Nepal - Bought in Bouddha! string circumference is 94cm 108 beads bead width 10mm / 1cm Wood Mala Beads They are similar to other forms of prayer beads used in various world religions and therefore the term "Buddhist rosary" also appears. Malas are used for keeping count while reciting, chanting, or mentally repeating a mantra or the name or names of a deity. This practice is known in Sanskrit as japa, hence the name japamala. Malas are typically made with 18, 27, 54 or 108 beads. In Tibetan Buddhism, malas of 108 beads are used. Some practitioners use malas of 21 or 28 beads for doing prostrations. In Tibetan Buddhism, malas are mainly used to count mantras. These mantras can be recited for different purposes linked to working with mind. The material used to make the beads can vary according to the purpose of the mantras used. Beads can be used for all purposes and all kinds of mantras. All our Tibetan Monk items are bought in Nepal near the countries most famous and holiest temple, Boudenath. We bring them to you with the help of our local contact and clothing maker Uttam. We buy it where the local monks buy it!   More information on malas including buddhist ones can be found here .  We sell lots more malas and other jewellery All our  Tibetan Monk items  are bought in Nepal near the countries most famous and holiest temple, Boudenath. We bring them to you with the help of our local contact and clothing maker  Uttam .  For more information on tibetan buddhist clothing see this  link .  We buy it where the local monks buy it!