This mala is made of natural wood beads with one larger guru bead and is hand strung on red cord with a knot tied between each individual bead. A prayer mala bead is used as a tool to help the mind focus on meditation. It provides a much-needed anchor allowing you to keep an easy count during a mantra, in sets of 108 repetitionsIt’s a common belief that when malas are used regularly for meditation and repeating mantras, they absorb the vibrations of the practice.