This traditional Tibetan style Rosewood Mala has a traditional 108 beads with 3 interspersed Bodhi seeds between. This is a traditional mala with a touch of added beauty but at a lower price for those who are on a budget or simply starting off with meditation and mantra chants.  This particular style of mala, which came long before Christianity, is the model for the rosary that the Christian faith "borrowed" for their religion a couple of thousand years ago, although these were being used as far back as four or five thousand years ago.

Tradition states that the correct way to use a mala is with the right hand, with the thumb moving from one bead to the next as a mantra is repeated, while the mala is draped over the middle finger. Interestingly enough, the index finger, in Buddhist tradition represents the ego (the greatest impediment to Self-Realization), so it is best to avoid this finger altogether when reciting mantras using a mala.

Tradition also states that to empower the mala and the mantra being recited to its full potential, japa (mantra meditation) should be practiced each day for 40 continuous days (something else that Christianity "borrowed" from the Tibetans and Hindus).  Once the mala is empowered with this energy, it can be worn or lightly placed on oneself or others to transmit the energy of the mantra as well as the energetic qualities of the mala.  Teachings say that when you use a new mantra with a mala, the energy of the mala is replaced, so a diferent mala should be used for each manta or intent if possible.