Mala Prayer Beads Rose Quartz (Each) is typically made from 108 beads and one larger additional bead called a Sumeru.. Begin the round with the Sumeru and end when it is reached again.. The following round should begin with the same bead upon which the previous round ended. The mala should be held in the right hand with the middle finger and thumb, never with the index finger which is considered inauspicious. With each bead, one repeats the mantra. The mantra should be recited with the highest attention