Howlite necklace

The yapa mala is used in the Buddhist tradition, mainly in Tibetan schools, for the recitation of mantras.

In Buddhism the number 108 also has several representations. It is said that there are 108 types of mental obscurations that prevent one from seeing clearly or with the eyesight of a Buddha, awake or enlightened.

These 108 kleshas (obscurations or poisons) come from the following formula: The three forms of experience (positive, negative or neutral) multiplied by the 6 senses (sight, hearing, touch, taste, smell and consciousness or mind) gives us a total of 18. Then these 18 times the two ways of experiencing all experience either as attachment or aversion gives us 36. And these multiplied by the three forms of time (present, past and future) ends up giving us the number of 108.

According to the Buddhists, when the being is able to overcome these 108 klesha, then he will reach nirvana or enlightenment.