How to perform Japa?

1) Malas should be used by the right hand (only one hand should be used)

2) The index finger and the little finger should not touch the beads.

3) The beads should be held by the middle finger and should be turned with the help of the thumb.

4) Malas always have an extra bead hanging outside the row of beads, whose total number is usually 108. This 109th bead is called Sumeru.
The sumeru bead of malas should never be passed. It thus becomes a static point in these malas.

5) The aspirant should start the mala at the first bead next to sumeru and should end on the last bead before sumeru.

6) For Japa purpose a sumeru bead is very necessary but for wearing a mala a sumeru bead is optional.

7) If the aspirant has to do the mala twice (or more), he should turn it and make the last bead become the first bead for starting the second round.

8) One mala shouldnt be used for two purposes that is wearing + for japa purposes. one should maitain seperate malas for respective purpose.