Malas are tools used for meditation or prayer and are used to center, focus, and amplify our intentions.  Malas are created with 108 beads that correspond to energy centers within the body and 1 guru bead, or center bead, usually attached to a tassel.  To use a mala in meditation, set your intention and use the beads to count your mantras.  Start at the first bead next to the guru bead and repeat your mantra once for each bead until you reach the guru bead again.  The repetition brings mindfulness and focus while the stones ground you in your practice.