Malas are used to count mantras, prayers, and prostrations.
Traditionally, they consist of 108 or 111 beads and are made
from a variety of seeds, wood, and semiprecious stones.
The large bead (usually with a tassel) is called
the "guru bead" and symbolizes the teacher.
The 111 bead malas include three spacing beads.

Specialty malas

		Counters, guru beads, and silk mala bags