1) Meru refers to the brain or vertebral column, which supports consciousness and life. 2) Meru-mani refers to a large bead used in rosaries for counting repetitions of a mantra during namasmaran (remembrance of God's name). 3) It is recommended not to pass over the meru-mani bead when counting repetitions, in order to replicate the flow of impulses between the left and right hemispheres of the brain during meditation and prayer.