While the number 108 may seem arbitrary, it actually has great significance in mathematics, astronomy and astrology. It also is an auspicious number with a long history in many spiritual traditions, including those of Buddhism, Yoga, Hinduism, and Sikhism. Most notably, the number 108 represents the number of counting beads in a traditional mala. While you don’t need to understand the meaning behind this number, it can be helpful and interesting to know when using your mala beads.
What is the Significance of 108?
When using a mala necklace, it is helpful to understand the significance of its 108 beads. (Technically, a mala has 109 beads, but the guru bead is not to be used for counting.) There are ten main interpretations of what the meaning and significance of the number 108. What is most fascinating is how this magical number shows up in so many ancient cultures, traditions and diciplines. While these are unnecessary to believe in when using prayer beads, they and infuse your spiritual practice with more magic, power and intention.
- Astronomy
The diameter of the sun is approximately 108 times that of earth, and the distance from the Sun to the Earth is 108 times the diameter of the Sun. We can draw parallels with the moon—its average distance from the Earth is 108 times the diameter of the Moon. - Astrology
There are 12 houses and 9 planets which multiplied together equals 108. The Earth is said to have an astrological cycle of 2160 years, which if divided by 20 equals 108. There are also 27 lunar mansions in Vedic astrology and each has 4 elements or directions, which multiplied together equals 108. - Mathematics
Mathematicians appreciate the number 108 for its myriad patterns and potential divisions. In Sanskrit 108 is a Harshad (“great joy”) number, which is an integer divisible by the sum of its digits. It is also an abundant number (a number that is smaller than the sum of its proper divisors), a semi-perfect number (equal to the sum of all or some of its proper divisors), a refactorable number (divisible by the total number of its divisors), and a self number (cannot be written as the sum of any other integer’s digits). The pentagon is a sacred symbol in many cultures, and its interior angles are 108 degrees. 108 also relates to the Golden Ratio and the Fibonacci Sequence. - Yoga
The yogic tradition describes 108 nadis (energy lines or pathways) connecting to the heart chakra. Connecting one of these, the sushumna nadi, to the crown chakra is considered a path to Self-realization. The 12 yoga asanas in the sun salutations are often performed in nine rounds which totals 108 movements. Pranayama (yogic breathing) is often practiced in cycles of 108 and it is believed that you can reach enlightenment if you can be so calm in meditation as to have only 108 breaths in a day. - Meditation on 1, 0, and 8
The Vedic tradition considers the number 108 to be a reflection of the universe, and meditating on this number can reveal spiritual truths. The number 1 represents focus, determination, will-power and Atman (higher Truth), 0 symbolizes for emptiness or being one with the universe, and 8 is a symbol for infinity or eternity. The number 8 is also thought to bring good luck, success, prosperity, and abundance. - Ayurveda
In India’s traditional healing medicine, Ayurveda, there are 108 sacred energy points, or marmas, on the body. These marma points are where matter and consciousness intersect and they can be used to awaken and align the vital energy and heal the body. - Sacred texts
Sacred texts in Eastern philosophy often mention a number of 108, either as a symbol of divinity or as a means to achieve it. The number 108 is found in the number of hymns in the Rig Veda, one of the most sacred Hindu texts. There are also 108 primary Tantras, and 108 Upanishads. - Hinduism
The number of Hindu deities is 108, and each has 108 divine names. Hindus believe it takes 108 human lifetimes for one’s soul to reach nirvana. There are 108 Pithas or sacred sites are scattered across India. These pilgrimage sites are all near a body of water that is infused with the energy of their associated goddess. - Sanskrit alphabet
The Sanskrit alphabet has 54 letters, each letter has a Shakti (feminine) and Shiva (masculine) quality, which then totals 108. - Buddhism
The number 108 is associated with many auspicious things in Buddhism and represents peace, harmony, and spiritual fulfillment. There are 108 delusions or mental poisons. These are the worldly pleasures and passions that can entrap us and cloud our reality, like enviousness, hostility, inattentiveness, lying, pride, stinginess, and unkindness. Buddhist temples often have 108 steps symbolizing the 108 steps to enlightenment. At the end of the year, they chime a bell 108 times in Zen Buddhist temples. It is also considered good luck for Buddhists to carve 108 small Buddhas on a walnut.
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Boost your Buddha energy—focus the mind and promote peace, joy, clarity and compassion—with one of our authentic 108 bead malas. Our mala beads are long lasting, durable and made of genuine gemstones and sacred woods. Every bead in the mala can be a powerful prayer to remind you of the sacred meanings of the number 108.
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