Jap means mantra and Mala means necklace.  Jap Mala beads are a praying necklace.  Jap Mala beads are used to pray and/or meditate.  With regular use the Jap Mala beads can enhance prosperity, patience, health and increase energy and reduce stress.  The number 108 is sacred in the Hindu religion, predating Buddhism; it is the classical number of the Hindu names assigned to a Hindu Deity or God. 

 Each bead represents one mantra.  Mantras are sometimes repeated hundreds of times at one sitting.  Mantras are sacred sounds that reflect the spiritual teaching or religion they represent.  The bead at the end of the mala is called the Guru Bead or the Mother Bead.  It validates the end of one round in the prayer cycle. 

When the beads are passed over the ring finger calmness is attained.  When using the mala it is important that you turn around at the Guru Bead and go the other direction.  Never cross the Guru Bead.

Hindu tradition holds that the correct way to use a mala is with the right hand, with the thumb flicking one bead to the next, and with the mala wrapped over the middle finger. 

The tassel found at the end of the mala beads represents enlightenment.

You can wear the Jap Mala around the neck for enlightenment and calmness.