Short answers, pulled from the story.
The earliest clear depiction of a Japamala being used as a recitation tool appears on a bodhisattva image created during the Northern Wei dynasty between the 4th and 6th century CE. This image shows the mala held in the hand rather than worn around the neck like a decorative necklace.
Traditional malas have been crafted from wood, stone, gems, seeds, bone, and precious metals strung together with natural fibers like cotton, silk, or animal hair. Sandalwood remains one of the most common woods used for these prayer beads across various traditions.
Traditional Buddhist thought states that people possess 108 afflictions or kleshas requiring spiritual purification through practice. Another reckoning suggests 108 represents the number of possible dharmas or phenomena existing within reality.
Complex malas incorporate three marker beads inline with the main loop plus two short cords of ten beads each hanging from the primary loop as counters. A bhum counter starts next to the guru bead attached via clip or slip knot enabling counting up to approximately 1.2 million recitations when moved consistently.
Hindu Saivas consider rudraksha tree fruitstones sacred, using them in garlands taught within the Rudrakshajabala Upanishad text. These practitioners drape the mala loop over the index finger of their right hand held in place by the thumb of the first bead next to the guru bead.