According to Osho, wearing a mala and adopting sannyas outer changes (name, clothes) are not worship or conformity but skillful devices to awaken inner discipleship. The mala’s picture is a focus for remembrance and tuning; with deepening awareness it becomes “empty,” enabling direct communion beyond any medium. Such forms test receptivity and include occult workings best left unspoken; they support you until they’re transcended.
They’re helpful reminders that train your attention and openness until you can connect within directly, without any props.