Malas are also called japamala, japa beads, juzu beads, or worry beads. It means garland in Sanskrit. In Catholicism, they are called rosary beads. Prayer beads are commonly used by Tibetan, Hindu, Chinese, Korean, and Japanese Buddhist monks, Zen priests, or nichirens. They normally have 108 beads plus dividers and guru bead. The number, 108, is considered a sacred number in Hinduism, Jainism, Tibetan Buddhism, and some Sikh traditions. It represents the 108 volumes containing the words of the Buddha. This set of mala is handmade with natural wood. The subtle natural wood smell, unglazed wooden surface, and beautiful grains give this set of Jape beads a Bohemian touch.