Hearing the sound of the mantra helps the practitioner stay mindful and focused. It is very important to be fully concentrated on the mantra as mechanical recitation of the mantra without being mindful is not very effective.

Our spiritual teacher Srila Prabhupada, said in this regard:
“This chanting of Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare/ Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare is directly enacted from the spiritual platform, surpassing all lower states of consciousness — namely sensual, mental and intellectual. There is no need of understanding the language of the mantra, nor is there any need of mental speculation nor any intellectual adjustment for chanting this maha-mantra. It springs automatically from the spiritual platform, and as such, anyone can take part in this transcendental sound vibration, without any previous qualification, and dance in ecstasy.”

Mantra japa is traditionally practiced with the aid of a string of beads also known as ‘malas.’ Such devices have been employed in Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism, and also in spiritual traditions outside India, notably Christianity and Islam.

Using a mala for chanting japa has several benefits. When we touch the mala we are engaging the sense of touch, and with our lips and tongue we chant, and with our ears we hear. In this way we are engaging our senses themselves in the meditation. This increases out attention and reduces distraction. With beads, we can also fix a daily number of “rounds” where we count how many times we go around the mala. In this way, we can keep track of our daily practice. Also, there is a culture in Bhakti of “receiving” beads from ones Guru. In this way one can chant with a deep feeling of connection to the saints and teachers who have so kindly given this wisdom.

Malas can be composed of a variety of materials, but ’ tulsi’ wood (holy basil) is most widely used with the Hare Krishna maha-mantra. Usually, a mala consists of 108 beads. The beads can be of different sizes depending on individual preferences and ease of handling. In addition, every mala has what is called a guru or Krishna bead, which is larger than the other beads. Often a decorative tassel is attached to this head bead.

The mala is treated with respect. Generally, it is kept carefully in its own special bag to keep it clean and preserve its sanctity. Malas are never placed on the floor or on seating surfaces or taken inside bathrooms/toilets etc. It is best to take a bath or at least wash hands before chanting on beads.

While chanting, the mala is held in one’s right hand, with the beads draped either over the middle finger or the ring finger, and the counting is done with the thumb. The index finger (also known as the “pointing” finger) is not used in mala japa. However, the important thing is to hold the mala in a comfortable manner so that the practice does not become a distraction, thereby defeating its purpose/