Tibetan Prayer Beads or Prayer Mala - Mala is the Sanskrit term meaning garland or necklace.

Mala beads are used with mantra to pray or meditate. Regular use of mala prayer beads can enhance knowledge of self. intution, prosperity, patience, health, raise energy, enhance communication and reduce stress.

Hinduism, one of the worlds oldest religions, is the origin of the mala prayer beads. Hindus who converted to Buddhism took the Mala prayer beads with them and it has since become part of many religions..

Nine is the sacred number and common denominator in mala prayer beads. The most common malas are 27, 54 or 108 beads in length.

Regardless of the number of beads of the mala it is important that if a mala is used to count mantras with devotion. Japa or chanting into the sound current creates Tapa the spiritual heat. It becomes Dharma, which leads to the path of God. Mala beads can be used in any religion or spiritual tradition.

Malas created from various materials such as wood, including sandalwood, bodhi seed, rose wood, crystals, animal bones etc. are beneficial as an aid in healing or developing qualities and situations that are desirable particulary when used with a complimentary mantra. Again this varies from tradition to tradition. The shape while generally round can vary from tradition to tradition.