Hello! Readers, you must have noticed we often come across the number 108.The meaning of 108 in Hinduism has fascinated spiritual seekers, yogis, and scholars for centuries. Especially in Indian households, during auspicious occasions, whether it is a wedding ritual, an offering to the gods, or someone is meditating.
But have you ever wondered why this particular number only?
Is there something beyond the usual meaning of this number? Is this number connected with us and the universe in some way?
If you have the same curiosity as I, then you are at right place. Welcome to Zenalgorithms, here we will together explore ancient wisdom to incorporate into our daily life to make it wonderful.
1. Spiritual Significance.
We all know or have Learned about the cosmic dance of Shiva, referred to as Shiv Tandav. It is believed that the Shiv Tandav has a total of 108 Postures, which symbolize that the 108 is associated with the wholeness of the universe. We have a total of 9 planets which revolves total in 12 houses, which makes 108 total possibilities.
It is also said that 108 represents the oscillation between god and us. 1 is uni, 0 is nothing, 8 is infinity. It means if I become 0 and merge with God or the universe, it becomes vast and infinite, as god and the universe, and becomes an integral part of God and the universe.
2. Yoga Significance
In yoga, it is believed that there are a total of 7 chakras in our body, and they settle from the bottom to the top of our spine. Among these 7 chakra heart chakra is believed to be the centre, which is responsible for love and compassion in humans.
It is believed that this heart chakra has 108 energy lines, and if someone chants 108 times the word “Yam,” it harmonizes all the energy lines and gives the person a feeling of love and compassion, which ultimately causes Peace.
In yoga, during meditation, it is advised to chant the mantra 108 times; maybe the repetition creates better focus and concentration of the mind. Even psychologist has proven that repetition causes some types of boredom and eventually boredom given sharp focus, for this we just take an example of our daily life the day we are tired or bored we sleep quickly and the sleep quality is better but the day we are not tired or excited or maybe trapped in thoughts we could not sleep, because boredom gives ultimate relaxation.
According to yoga, it is also believed that if a person breathes only 108 times in a day, they will attain enlightenment.
3. Scripture and nature.
As per Ayurveda, we have a total of 108 vital points in our body. When a mantra is chanted 108 times, it activates and bursts all these 108 points.
Also, as per Hindu mythology, God has 108 names, a total of 108 Upanishads are there, and it is believed that we humans are connected with the Lord through all 108 names of the Lord through the 108 energy lines of our heart chakra.
In Sanskrit, there are a total of 54 alphabets with both male and female, which means 54 multiplied by 2 makes 108.
Also, our holy river Gangs flows at a longitude of 12° and latitude of 90°, if it is multiplied,d it makes 108°.
3. Buddhism
Not only in Hinduism, but 108 also has tremendous importance in Buddhism. There are 108 names known to Buddha, and 108 lamps are devoted to him.
Most Buddhist temples have 108 steps. In Buddhism, there are a total of 108 lies, 108 earthly desires, and 108 illusions of the mind.
4. Cosmology
108 is not just a number, it is a bridge between the U.S. and god, the Earth, and the Universe
Finally our Earth’s distance from the sun is 108 times its diameter, and similarly moon’s distance from Earth is 108 times the Diameter of the moon.
108 is not just a number; it is magic, the magic of nature, spirituality, and psychology.
5. Personal Experiment
Everywhere I practice a very simple exercise to increase focus and awareness, either at work or in my personal life.
Whenever I feel demotivated or frustrated, I do this simple exercise. I see and observe my complete breath cycle 108 times and keep a count of each. It helps me calm down instantly. Whenever I feel angry, I hold my reflex just for 108 sec and see myself as an observer, try to understand my emotion, reason, and its consequences.
I am telling you it has helped me a lot. I do not remember when I had unnecessary conflicts with anyone. I have passed through many situations, both in personal and professional life, when I was overstimulated or when my workload caused fatigue. At this time, this simple exercise has helped me a lot, and the best part about this is that for practicing it, you do not need any prop any isolated place; for practicing it, you just need yourself, which is always with you.
Then what is stopping you from merging your I with yourself and living life profoundly and excellently?