Almost all malas have a large bead at the end called the Guru Bead, Seva Mother or Mother Bead. It validates the end of one round in the prayer cycle. One prayer, chant, affirmation is recited per bead. On a full sized mala, the guru bead is the 109th bead. The small wrist mala usually has 27 or 21 beads plus Guru Bead. The Guru bead is a reminder of the bond between teacher and student.  When using the mala it is important that you turn around at the Guru Bead and continue your prayer the other direction. Counting should always begin with the bead next to the Guru Bead. Each time the mantra is repeated, the fingers move to the next bead. One bead is counted for each recitation of the mantra. Do not cross the Guru Bead with the mantra - turn the mala 180 degrees and begin chanting.