I have always used seed or wood mala beads. I like the feel of the bone mala. Too small to wear around the neck, but the small size makes it easy for me to use in situations a larger mala would not work. I simply keep it in my pocket or wear it around one of my belt-loops of my pants. I like this mala much, and recommend it highly. (Posted on 3/21/13)

I got this in the mail today. So excited to get it! I'm a bit of a numbers nerd, so I counted to see how many was in each section (between meru and colors or between colors and colors). There are 27 ivory beads. 27x4=108. Add 3 red and 6 blue, and you have a mala with 117. Those that are very strict with their mantras may not want this, as following it will put you beyond your sacred 108. :(

Response from BUDDHA GROOVE

Please note as mentioned on the product details, the colored beads are "counter beads" and are always in addition to the beads used for mantra counting which is correctly set at 108 beads. (Posted on 6/15/12)