The significance of the number 108 in our lives and in religion

WHY do we use 108 rosary beads when chanting? THE early Vedic sages were renowned mathematicians. They invented our number system. The number 108 represents the whole of existence and, for this reason, has become the number of choice.

The numbers nine and 12 both have significance in many traditions. Also, nine multiplied by 12 equals 108.

The number 108 is considered sacred in many Eastern religions and traditions, such as Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism. It’s connected to yoga and dharma-based practices.

The individual numbers 1, 0, and 8 represent one thing, nothing and everything (infinity).

Here are more reasons why 108 beads are the accepted norm for chanting in Hinduism:

The most important is that there are 108 Upanishads according to the list contained in the Muktikopanishad. Also, the 108 Upanishads contain the full knowledge of the absolute truth, which adds to the acceptability of 108 beads.

Hindu deities generally have 108 names.

The nine planets travelling through the 12 zodiac signs represent the whole of existence. (9 x 12 = 108).

In Vedic astrology, the 27 nakshatras or lunar constellations each have four padas or parts. This also constitutes the whole of existence (God is omnipresent). (27 x 4 = 108). Also, in astrology there are 12 houses and nine planets.

In a horoscope birth chart, there are 12 houses and nine planets.

It is believed there are 108 marmas (energy centres) in the subtle body, according to Ayurveda.

In ancient India, Vedic seers calculated the following distances which modern scientific measurements have reconfirmed:

The sun’s diameter is 108 times that of the Earth.

The average distance from the Earth to the sun is equivalent to 108 suns in a row.

The average distance from the Earth to the moon is equivalent to 108 moons in a row.

It is said in the Skanda Pura that of the thousands of gopas, 108 are especially prominent, true and great devotees of Lord Krishna.

On the sri yantra (ancient configuration of geometry) there are marmas where three lines intersect, and there are 54 intersections. Each intersection has masculine and feminine, shiva and shakti qualities: 54 multiplied by two equals 108. Therefore, there are 108 points that define the sri yantra.

There are 54 letters in the Sanskrit alphabet. Each has masculine and feminine, shiva and shakti, facets: 54 multiplied by two equals 108.

According to Tantra, an ancient Indian tradition of beliefs, meditation and ritual practices, the average number of breaths in a day is 21 600, of which 10 800 are solar energy and 10 800 are lunar energy.

There are 108 divine or sacred tirtha (a Hindu place of pilgrimage) in the world.

In numerology and mathematics, the number 108 is the product of a precise mathematical operation, which was thought to have special numerological significance.

The number nine represents wholeness and 108, when added together, equals nine. Interestingly, if you multiply 9 by any number, the answer is always 9 when you add the numbers together. Try it: 1x9=9. 2x9=18. 1+8=9. The logic is that nine represents wholeness or God.

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