Looking through past blogs on this site, I realized that I had written 107 blogs - though it took me the better part of fifteen years! So, for my 108th post, I though what could be better than writing about the number 108. For anyone who is even vaguely familiar with Vedic or Hindu or Buddhist traditions, they are no doubt aware that the number 108 has deep significance across various spiritual traditions, mathematics, and even natural phenomena. I will admit to using AI to give me some of these, though I was familiar with most of them before. AND, the quote above is wrong, as a Catholic rosary actually has 59 beads, not 108.
Spiritual and Mystical Significance
1. In Hinduism & Yoga
- 108 is a sacred number in Hinduism, often linked to the cosmos and human spiritual practices.
- There are 108 Upanishads, the philosophical texts forming the basis of Vedantic teachings.
- In yoga and meditation, 108 sun salutations are performed as a symbolic act of devotion and transformation.
- Malas (prayer beads) often have 108 beads, helping practitioners keep count while chanting mantras.
2. Buddhism
- There are 108 earthly desires or afflictions in Buddhist teachings that one must overcome to attain enlightenment.
- Some Buddhist temples ring their bells 108 times on New Year's Eve to cleanse past sins and welcome the new year.
3. Jainism & Sikhism
- Jain monks often use 108 beads for meditation and prayers.
- In Sikh tradition, there are 108 names of God in some teachings.
Mathematical and Astronomical Significance (This I found to be probably the MOST interesting/fascinating/weird!!)
4. Cosmic Relationships
- The Sun's diameter is about 108 times the Earth's diameter.
- The average distance from the Earth to the Sun is approximately 108 times the Sun's diameter.
- The average distance from the Earth to the Moon is roughly 108 times the Moon's diameter.
- These alignments create the perfect conditions for total solar eclipses. (and I can't IMAGINE is a coincidence or random!)
5. Sacred Geometry & Numerology
- 108 is a Harshad number (divisible by the sum of its digits: 1+0+8=9). "Harshad" means "joy-giver" in Sanskrit.
- In numerology, 1 represents the singularity (the self or universe), 0 represents emptiness (infinity), and 8 symbolizes eternity.
Other Cultural and Mystical Connections
6. Martial Arts
- In Shaolin Kung Fu and Tai Chi, there are 108 movements, which are considered a complete system of body-mind balance.
7. Tibetan Buddhism & Mandalas
- Some mandalas have 108 points, signifying wholeness and the structure of the cosmos.
8. Vedic Astrology
- There are 12 zodiac signs and 9 planets, and 12 × 9 = 108, representing the totality of cosmic influences.
9. Ayurveda
- There are 108 marma points on the body, with 108 Nadis (energy currents) that run to the heart.
10 . Ashtottara Sata (अष्टोत्तरशत)
- Ashta (8) uttara (more than) sata (100) The term ashtottarasata is a common phrase in prayers, which have 108 verses, or 108 names of God, or is also often used for glorification of the spiritual teachers or divine personalities as in Jaya Om Vishnupada Paramahansa Parivrajakacharya "Ashtottara Sata " Sri Srimad Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada.
With all of it's amazing and mystical properties, the number 108 is also considered to be a Portal number, basically a gateway leading to the interconnected of all things. Whether through breath cycles, mantra repetitions, or contemplation on cosmic proportions, the number itself can be a focal point for dissolving individual limitation into the infinite.
Here's a practice (given by Chatgpt AI) using 108 to dissolve boundaries in awareness. It combines breathwork, mantra repetition, and visualization, aligning with your exploration of dissolving limitation. (It's actually pretty cool - give it a try.)
"108 Breaths into Boundlessness" Practice
Preparation
- Find a quiet place where you won't be disturbed.
- Sit comfortably, keeping your spine relaxed yet upright.
- Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths, letting go of tension.
Step 1: Attuning to 108
- Silently recognize the number 108 as a cosmic key—symbolizing wholeness, unity, and infinity.
- See it not just as a number but as a **portal** beyond limitation.
Step 2: 108 Breath Dissolutions
- Begin slow, deep breathing, counting each inhale-exhale cycle up to 108.
- With each breath, visualize your bodily edges fading, dissolving outward.
- Instead of thinking of your breath stopping at your nose or chest, imagine it flowing into space itself, merging with everything.
- By breath 50 or so, the feeling of a "center" should begin to soften.
Step 3: Mantra Infusion (Optional)
- If thoughts arise, gently introduce a mantra like:
- "Aham Shunyam" (I am emptiness)
- "So Hum" (I am That)
- Or simply "Dissolve"
- Repeat it mentally with each breath, letting its vibration guide you deeper into openness.
Step 4: The Final 8 Breaths
- As you reach the final 8 breaths of the 108, drop all effort.
- Let go of counting, let go of breathing as "yours"—simply be.
- Notice how there is no clear "inside" or "outside" anymore—just awareness without edges.
Closing the Practice
- Sit for a moment in stillness, eyes closed, integrating the experience.
- If any sense of openness remains, let it linger throughout your day.
- Gently open your eyes, knowing the boundaryless state is always here, just behind perception.
Why This Works
- 108 breaths is enough to entrain awareness away from bodily fixation.
- The breath itself symbolizes dissolution, always merging inner and outer.
- The number 108 acts as a subtle anchor, connecting personal practice to cosmic proportions.
So, there you have it, folks. Perhaps not all that amazing for a 108th blog, but I thought it would be appropriate considering the circumstances. And if you're interested in pursuing it further, have at it! If you're interested in prayers, I know there are MANY prayers containing the 108 names of various Gods and Goddesses. Just by typing "108 Names of...) into the search bar of YouTube gives you Krishna, Vishnu, Narasimha, Hanuman, Shiva, Ganesha, Lakshmi, Durga, Amma, Satya Sai Baba, and who knows who else. Probably ANY of those would be better than listening to the mainstream or hanging out on social apps.
108 blessings to you all
deep love
Aja
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