Practice and Paraphernalia
Make sure your hands are carefully washed before beginning japa. Chant on the 108 beads by gently rolling them between the middle finger and the thumb. Never touch the beads with the index finger, which is generally used for a host of unpurified activities. Instead, keep that finger on the outside of the japa bag, placing it through the small enclosure in your bag which is made for that purpose. If you use your hands for anything other than chanting during the japa period, wash them again before coming back to your beads.
When chanting, begin with a bead next to the large 'head' bead. Chant around the beads, but never cross the 'head' bead. Rather, change direction on the beads, turning back the other way. Avoid having japa beads that are so small you can't be sure if you're chanting on one bead or two beads. Be careful not to skip beads, and don't skip ahead to the next bead while in the middle of the mantra. As you complete each round, pull down one of the small counter beads hanging on the outside of your bag, which are intended to help you keep track of the completed rounds.
Tulasi beads are considered the topmost for japa mala, but other beads may also be used. After Tulasi, Neem beads are generally considered the best. Most any kind of wooden beads will do. Rudraksa beads, however, are not generally used by Gaudiya Vaisnavas, as they are symbolic of a different spiritual practice.
Ideally, one should cultivate and offer worship to Srimate Tulasi-devi. When Her plant form dies a natural death, you may then make beads out of Her branches. While the bead making process is somewhat tedious (drilling, not splitting, polishing, etc.), it is preferable to buying beads commercially. Even when you buy Tulasi beads from the wallahs in Vrindaban, you can't necessarily be certain that Tulasi-devi was properly respected in the process. You might also make arrangements to get branches of a departed Tulasi from a temple (particularly those located in tropical climes, where Tulasi grows abundantly).
When you get a new set of Tulasi or neem beads, soak them in oil for a day or so before you start using them, so they don't crack and break with use. It's best to use Sandlewood oil, or mustard oil. If neither are available, you can use any vegetable oil (but not petroleum-based oils). Avoid using ghee, because it has a tendency to turn rancid with heat.
If stringing your own beads onto a cotton string, be sure to use a heavy gauge cotton, or one reinforced with nylon, so your beads don't break from daily wear and tear. Tie your beads in such a way as they don't get tangled up all the time in your bead bag. If there's too much string between the beads, they can become very tangled, and it's frustrating to have your japa interrupted by having to sort the tangle out.
It's become a bit of a trend for people to buy increasingly large strands of japa beads. Some devotees discourage this practice out of concern that it encourages the harvesting of live Tulasi plants for commercial purposes.
You may also wish to have two sets of japa beads: a small set that you can carry during the day, and a bigger set for home/temple use, which you may find it easier to concentrate on. It's always nice to have beads that are tapered, because the tapering sizes helps keep your mind on the progression of the round. Ideally, your Tulasi beads should be made from a single Tulasi plant, and in that case the bead size will naturally taper, as stalk and branches of various diameters are used in the making.
Japa bags should be made of cotton or silk rather than synthetic fabrics. Your japa beads and bag should be personal, rather than shared with another person. Today, bags come in a variety of sizes, colors and prints, so keeping track of your bag should be easy. It's better to keep beads in their bag rather than hanging them up on the wall or wearing them, as this protects them from dirt and damage. It's best to not use your bead bag to carry other items (keys, money, other paraphernalia) unless your bead bag has a special pouch on the outside for that purpose. Even then, remember that Srimate Tulasi-devi is present, and should receive all respects. Be careful not to let the beads touch anything, especially the floor. Always keep your japa bag clean and in good repair, and make sure that the bag is big enough to accommodate your beads, so they don't keep falling out.
Using 'clickers' instead of japa beads is a somewhat controversial practice, but is often employed by devotees who wish to chant their rounds while commuting long distances in a vehicle, or under other circumstances where beads might be difficult or dangerous to use. Devotees have been known to glue half a tulasi bead onto their clicker so they're touching Tulasi while chanting. As with all things, clickers should be used within the bounds of common sense.
Most importantly, don't starve your beads! Sri Tulasi-japa desires to be picked up and used liberally every day for the glorification of Lord Hari!
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