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The number 108 might seem like just one among the myriad of natural numbers employed in mathematical puzzles and examples for students. Yet, its scope is significantly broader.

This number is interpreted as “special, sacred” across numerous religions and cultures. Accordingly, it is with this number that sacred ceremonies are conducted, it is this number that many mystics utilize in their rituals, and it is this number that is deemed sacred by adherents of Hinduism and Buddhism. So, what is it that makes this number “special”? Let’s explore this today.

Why is 108 Considered a Sacred Number?

The number 108 is multifaceted and versatile. Each culture interprets it in its own way, imbuing this numeral with its unique symbolism. Relying purely on numerology, the significance of this number emerges from the meanings of its components:

• 1 (one) — signifies beginning, the first phase, a new starting point;
• 0 (zero) — represents emptiness, the absence of anything;
• 8 (eight) — symbolizes infinity.

Numerology perceives the number 108 as a symbol of “beginning leading to infinity.” Essentially, this reflects the life of our soul: starting from the day of birth and never ending.

This concept was also embraced by ancient Indian mathematicians. They referred to 108 as the number representing the wholeness of human existence. The attribution of its sanctity and sacredness dates back to the era of the Vedic civilization. In the Vedas, this number was perceived as a miraculous formula for success and perfection. It was believed that by undertaking 108 attempts at any action, a person would achieve perfection in the specific area.

The Number 108 in Numerology

The special significance of the number 108 was also noted by the ancients of India. They were brilliant mathematicians and numerologists. Delving into the study of everything we see, they determined that our eyes are capable of perceiving the surrounding world in three dimensions. Each dimension was assigned a corresponding number: 1, 2, 3. The powers of these numbers are 1, 4, and 27 respectively. When multiplying 1, 4, and 27 together, the result is 108.

If the number 9 is considered a symbol of wholeness (being the last single-digit number), then the number 108 signifies infinite completeness. Summing all the digits in it, we get 9 (1 + 0 + 8). And when multiplying any natural numbers by 9, the sum also results in 9: 1 * 9 = 9; 8 * 9 = 72, 7 + 2 = 9; 18 * 9 = 162, 1 + 6 + 2 = 9. In this context, nine is perceived as wholeness, the Universe, God. And the number 108 represents the path through which we journey towards the Universe.

The Number 108 in Esoteric Practices

Esoteric practitioners attribute special power to the number 108. The eight is interpreted as representing infinite might, authority, and abundance. The one symbolizes vitality and life force. And the zero acts as a connecting number, amplifying the qualities of both 8 and 1. Therefore, esoteric guides often recommend that individuals suffering from fatigue, those who frequently experience depressive states, or those unable to find their life’s purpose, surround themselves with the number 108. This can be achieved through various means such as:

• A smartphone wallpaper featuring the number 108;
• Buddhist mala beads, which consist of 108 beads;
• Tattoos of this sacred number.

The Number 108 in the Vedas and Hinduism

The magic of “108” originates from Hinduism, where this number is “discovered” in various aspects. For instance, ancient Indian astronomers believed that our universe was comprised of 108 elements (a theory later disproven).

The Sanskrit alphabet is made up of 54 letters, each represented in both masculine and feminine forms. Thus, the total number of letters in the Sanskrit alphabet amounts to one hundred and eight.

In the Vedas, it was mentioned that Vishnu and Shiva (ancient Indian gods) each had 108 names. This is why the japa mala beads consisted precisely of 108 beads. They were used in the spiritual practices of Hinduism. Today, these prayer beads remain popular. They are also made from 108 stones (or 109, with the 109th stone being beyond the Universe) and are used for various ritualistic purposes.

Interestingly, devout followers of Hinduism and Buddhism run their fingers over the beads 5 to 20 times a day. Monks do it even more frequently—up to 100 times daily.

Moreover, today, malas are used for protection. Made from natural gemstones, these prayer beads serve as a talisman, surrounding their owner with well-being and good company. During practices and meditation, they help focus on one’s inner state and distract from distracting thoughts.

The Number 108 in Buddhism

As in Hinduism, the number 108 is considered sacred in Buddhism and is used in counting prayer beads. However, the significance attributed to each bead is slightly different. Here, they represent the 108 desires that negatively impact the human soul. By reciting 108 prayers, a person seeks to save and purify their soul.

Interestingly, the Tibetan Canon, which is a collection of Buddhist texts, consists of 108 volumes.

Buddhists believe that humans have 108 forms of emotions, which are equally divided (36 each) among the past, present, and future. Additionally, each person is thought to have 108 concerns, obstacles, and passions that hinder the achievement of enlightenment. During the New Year, Buddhists in Japan perform 108 bell rings, symbolizing the overcoming and destruction of the 108 passions.

Buddhism perceives the number 108 as a symbol of order—both in the external and internal universe. Reciting such a number of prayers and counting the beads facilitates the attainment of internal order, which is one of the main goals of Buddhist practices.

The Number 108 in Science, Astrophysics, and Astrology

Ancient and many modern scientific inquiries suggest that the number 108 holds a “central” position in our Universe:

• The Earth orbits the Sun at a speed of approximately 108,000 km/h;
• The volume of the Earth is 1.08 * 10^12 cubic kilometers;
• The Sun’s diameter is roughly 108 times larger than that of the Earth;

An intriguing scientific observation is that information repeated three times (aloud or in thought) stays in short-term memory. When information is repeated 108 times, it becomes fixed in long-term memory and remains with us forever.

Interestingly, it is believed that a prayer or mantra repeated 108 times becomes part of our essence, transforming life into continuous meditation.

Ancient astrophysicists claimed that the distance from the Earth to the Sun is maximally close to 108 times the diameter of the Sun. Similarly, the Moon is believed to be distanced from our planet by 108 times its own diameter. Although we now have more accurate calculations, they do not significantly deviate from those proposed by ancient scientists.

Medieval astrologers perceived the cosmos as consisting of 9 celestial bodies moving through 12 constellations. The celestial bodies included 7 planets and 2 lunar phases. Multiplying 9 by 12 yields 108. Ancient astronomers believed that this number possessed a strong universal potential and greatly amplified both negative and positive qualities.

The Number 108 in Yoga

The number one hundred and eight is prevalent in many yogic practices. During meditations, it is customary to use prayer beads consisting of 108 beads. Performing the Sun Salutation (Surya Namaskar) 108 times is also a tradition.

This dedication to the sacred number in yoga is understandable given its significance to Hindus and Buddhists. For instance, in Indian medicine, it is believed that humans have 108 points that can be used to influence the subtle body through the physical one. These points are utilized in acupuncture and Eastern massage. They also help focus attention during the performance of asanas.

It is believed that enlightenment through the practice of pranayama can only be achieved when a person is capable of 108 deep breaths in and out. The human heart chakra is said to consist of 108 energy channels, one of which is the path to complete self-realization and leads to Sahasrara (the crown chakra). Therefore, in the practice of Kriya Yoga, aimed at purifying the chakras, no more than 108 repetitions are allowed in one session.

Five Fascinating Facts About the Number 108

The symbolism and special energy of one hundred and eight are felt almost everywhere in the world:

• The western slope of the Tibetan mountain Kailash, which is today one of the major Buddhist pilgrimage sites, is 108 degrees. The sum of the angles of its northern slopes also equals 108° (30° and 78°).
• “108” is used in Islam to denote God.
• The angle of inclination of the Pyramids of Khufu, Menkaure, and Khafre is 108°.
• The diameter of the ancient Stonehenge solar calendar is 108 feet.
• The sacred significance of one hundred and eight manifests in our lives from the very first days of birth. A mother carries a child for 9 months. The baby is born under one of the 12 zodiac signs. The product of these values gives us 108.

If 108 Accompanies You Through Life

If you frequently come across the number 108 (1:08 on the clock, room 108, etc.), it means the Universe is favorably disposed towards you. It’s ready to assist you in achieving success and cherished goals. All you need to do is:

• Continue learning new things;
• Be grateful to yourself, the world, and the people around you;
• Avoid negative emotions and negative information;
• Focus on reciprocity (don’t pursue unrequited love, refrain from interacting with people who don’t value you).

If the number one hundred and eight is a rare visitor in your life, then bring the bright streak closer with your own efforts. Use a mandala with the number 108, count beads from a mala of 108 beads during meditation, or at least set a wallpaper with this number on your smartphone. In this way, you can attract the Universe’s favor towards you and achieve harmony (but only if you engage in regular meditations and practices).

The magic of the number “108” is boundless. It is discovered much like unraveling a ball of yarn. The difference is that one hundred and eight has no end. This number manifests in every person at birth and is reflected in cosmic connections. It symbolizes life itself, which is already sacred and mystical enough.