What’s So Special About 108?
If you’re a seasoned yogi, you’ll have heard mention of the number 108. But what it so special about it?
To be honest it depends who you ask and you could probably make a list of 108 reasons why this number has been revered for thousands of years. Here’s a handful to give you food for thought….
The Divine
In the Hindu tradition, there are 108 attendants of Shiva. In Gaudiya Vaishnavism, Lord Krishna in Brindavan had 108 followers. The words of the Buddha are recorded in the Tibetan Kangyur in 108 volumes. A bell is chimed 108 times in Buddhist temples in Japan to finish the old year and welcome the new one.
The Tradition
According to yogic tradition, there are 108 sacred sites known as pithas, throughout India. There are 108 Upanishads (an ancient collection of Indian religious and philosophical texts) and 108 Puranas (ancient Sanskrit sacred writings on Hindu mythology). There are 54 letters in Sanskrit, where each can be seen as either masculine (Shiva) or feminine (Shakti) - therefore totalling 108.
The Yoga & Meditation
In yoga, the number 108 represents spiritual completion.
Sun salutations are often performed in nine rounds of the 12 postures which totals 108 poses.
A mala is traditionally a string of 108 prayer beads with a guru bead. As you pray, you move along the beads, reciting your chosen mantra 108 times.
The Symbolism
The number 1 represents authority and leadership, new beginnings, taking the initiative and embarking on a new path of progress.
The number 0 represents both nothingness and eternity, but when combined with other numbers it will amplify their vibrational influence.
The number 8 represents infinity and is related to power, influence, abundance and achievement - the power to manifest desired outcomes.
The Numerology
1+0+8= 9. Number 9, as the last of the single-digit numbers and highest in value, represents a culmination of wisdom and experience. It buzzes with the energy of both endings and new beginnings, ushering in transformation. It’s considered have a high spiritual energy associated with altruism and humanitarianism. So when number 9 ‘shines’ through the number 108, it signals to us to share our gifts and abundance with those less fortunate than us.
The Maths
According to the mathematician Leonardo Fibonacci (after whom the Fibonacci sequence is (nick)named), the number 108 is believed to represent the wholeness of existence.
The Fibonacci sequence is one of the most prominent mathematical formulas; it’s been called ‘nature’s secret code’ and ‘nature's universal rule’. It is said to govern the dimensions of everything from the Great Pyramid at Giza to the iconic seashell called Nautilus.
The Random!
Considered to be an auspicious number, 108 also is the number of stitches on a baseball!