Why is the number 108 so significant in yoga, spirituality, and science?
Within the yoga community, the number 108 is ubiquitous. From 108 beads on a Mala to 108 sun salutations in a yoga class, 108 repetitions of mantras, and more, this number has held great significance in many traditions throughout history. But why 108? In this blog post, we'll explore some fascinating reasons why this number has earned its reputation in the world of spirituality, mathematics, and science.
Our Mala beads are crafted with 108 beads, not only as tools for meditation but also as talismans for manifestation and reminders of our intentions, while harnessing the crystals' healing properties.
As I delved deeper into the significance of 108, I found many synchronicities related to this number. Although we don't know how the ancient Vedic scholars came to understand the importance of this number, it's clear that they were onto something.
Here are some interesting reasons why 108 is significant:
THE SUN, MOON, AND EARTH: The distance between the earth and the sun is approximately 108 times the sun's diameter. The diameter of the sun is about 108 times the earth's diameter. And the distance between the earth and the moon is 108 times the moon's diameter.
SANSKRIT: There are 54 letters in the Sanskrit alphabet, each having a feminine and masculine form, called shiva and shakti. Thus, 54 x 2 = 108.
HEART CHAKRA: The chakras are the meeting points of energy channels in the subtle body called nadis. The heart chakra is said to be formed by 108 nadis, including Sushumna, which leads to the crown chakra and is believed to be the path to self-realization.
ASTROLOGY: In Vedic astrology, there are 12 houses and 9 planets. Multiplying them gives 12 x 9 = 108.
UPANISHADS: There are 108 Upanishads, a collection of ancient texts containing wisdom from the sages.
GODS AND GODDESSES: There are 108 names of each of the Vedic Gods and Goddesses.
PRANAYAMA: Enlightenment is said to come to those who can have 108 breaths in a day, reflecting the importance of pranayama or breath control in yoga.
PENTAGON: The angle formed by two adjacent lines in a pentagon equals 108 degrees.
SILVER AND THE MOON: In astrology, the metal silver represents the moon. The atomic weight of silver is 108.
By placing significance on the number 108, we connect to the cosmos, ancient traditions of yoga, our energy bodies, and the elements. Whether you're wearing a mala, practicing yoga, or exploring spirituality, the significance of 108 provides a deeper understanding of our interconnectedness with the universe.
Namaste,
Candace
