108

A Yoga Mala has 108 beads. I learned why in this nice article "Meaning of 108 Beads on a Mala" by Swami Jnaneshvara Bharati. In it, it lists many reasons why 108 is so special. The swami does maintain that, "Regardless of the meaning of 108, it is important that if a mala is used to count mantras, the mantra be remembered with sincerity, devotion, feeling, and full attention."