Physical contact with prayer beads transmits their inherent healing powers. Japa meditation cultivates a deep inner strength and inner power that may surprise you. Mantras contain and activate Shakti energy, but it is only through the repetition of these potent mantras that this energy can build up over time to be perceived. Committing to a 40-day practice of Japa meditation will further increase your inner strength, life-force energy, and resilience. Malas are used for keeping count while reciting, chanting, or mentally repeating a mantra or the name or names of a deity. Mantras are typically repeated hundreds or even thousands of times. The mala is used so that one can focus on the meaning or sound of the mantra rather than counting its repetitions.