They began to use beads to aid them in counting the number of repetitions as they chanted a mantra. As this tradition became more practiced, the people did not only give importance to counting, but when these prayer beads are assembled, the number of beads and the material used signifies a profound meaning.
The Catholics have a form of counting beads called a Rosary. The Tibetan Buddhist, on the other hand has Tibetan Prayer Beads Malas. The Buddhist Malas look like the traditional Rosary of the Catholics but instead of a cross, a tussel which is made from silk is attached to its end. The beads are usually made of sandalwood but there are some which are made of precious gemstones like jade, amber and gold.
When they are being assembled, a string of beads passes through two beads at opposite ends and one large bead at their centers. The three beads are said to symbolize Buddha, Dharma and Sangha. These three are referred to as the Jewels of Buddhism. There is also a hidden string that connects all beads which indicates the powerful force of Buddha.
These Tibetan prayer beads malas have 108 beads. The 108 beads give the assurance that the Sankskrit prayer is recited at least 100 times. But aside from this, the 108 beads also represent qualities and aspects of a being. For example, the 108 beads may represent the number of lies that a human being tells. They may also represent the 108 desires that a human being has. Moreover, for good luck, devotees would carve 108 Buddhas and during the New Year, they would ring the bell 108 times. For this reason, creating the Tibetan prayer beads Malas is considered as a sacred act.
Buddhist priest carry a large version of these Tibetan prayer beads malas and they wear them like necklaces. Followers of Buddhist esoteric schools sometimes carry a smaller version of these Malas that they can wear around their wrists. During special rituals, larger Malas are used to dedicate to certain deities.
Tibetan prayer beads, Japamalas are always a part of a devotee's life. When one is connecting with the gods, he would repeat the mantras many times while holding a mala and moving his fingers from bead to bead. The repetition of the mantras can sometimes reach to more than a thousand. However, when one is really focused, one will notice that the counting of the repetitions will not distract him from reflecting the significance of the mantras that he is chanting. Surely, these beads are desirable aids for connecting with the divine and gaining merit.