A strand of 108 beads appears across several meditation traditions. Its symbolic explanations vary, so it is more honest to describe 108 as a traditional structure than to give it a single universal meaning.
A structure for attention.
When a strand is used for a practice, a bead can mark a word, a repetition or an ordinary breath. The object helps keep a place; it does not decide what the practice means to you.
You do not have to finish the strand.
Begin with a few beads. If the number becomes another task to complete, set it aside. A small practice that feels possible is a better beginning than an impressive number.
Further reading: Prayer Beads, Rubin Museum of Himalayan Art.
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