Importance of 108 in Spiritual traditions of the world
Majority of religions, faiths and sect in our
society follow certain norms when it comes to either worshiping the
Almighty, deity and have carved out definitive principles and procedures
for the same. Final aim might differ but basic principles
remains same .One of such practice which is in continuation and
supported by many religions around the world is of
Japa, i.e Mantra recitation ,and intimately connected with this is a Japa Mala ,a set of beads .The number of beads are generally 108.
This particular number has been considered to be
very sacred among many religions like in Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism
.Its very enlightening to know the reasons why this particular number is
so much in practice ,especially in recitation
of Mantras of various types .When we really explore the roots ,we are
left dazzled by the profound Wisdom of our ancient Masters .So lets
discuss some of the fundamental aspects about this Sacred figure and why
it holds such importance in many traditions.
Lets begin with Vedic Astrology itself .In Vedic
astrology ,we have 12 houses that make up a birth chart ,these are the
regions devoted to different aspects of life. Now one planet can be
positioned in any one of them ,so for a single planet
there can be 12 positions for a chart .As we have 9 planets in all ,so
total number of combinations would be 12x9 ,which is 108.Now when any
Mantra is prescribed ,and Mala is taken up ,their 108 beads signify all
the possible planetary impact that can effect
an individual. Also there are 27 lunar constellations ,i.e Nakshatras in our Zodiac and directions are 4,so total reach seen from constellation point of view would be 27x4 which is again 108.
Sanskrit language, which is the language of Gods
,has 54 letters in it .Now multiplying it in its two fundamental aspects
of Male and Female energies would give us a figure of 108,which deeply
signify the vibrations present in our Universe
in form of Sounds .Also human body is said to have 108 nadis ,which
are basically energy channels through which our Spiritual energy flows
.This is a very fundamental aspect for the ones involved deeply in
Spiritual practices.
Another very interesting aspect relates to desires
of a human being it their most detailed form ,or rather covering up all
combinations possible .It is believed that human beings have 108 types
of ‘desires’ .Now there are many breakup
available in traditions ,but the one which seems most fundamental
,first takes all the possible combinations and then split into three
basic attributes .Lets explore it in detail.
There are six types of Dosha i.e attributes which Soul tend to acquire which propel it in cycle of life and death ,these are
desire, anger, greed, attachment, pride and envy .Now as at a
time more than one Dosha can remain active ,so total number of
combinations would be 36.When colored according to their attributes like
Satvik(Pure) ,Rajsik (Positive/Passionate) and Taamsik
(Dull/Indifference/Ignorance), 36x3 would give 108 types of Doshas or
‘Qualities’ that a being can acquire .As per the aim, one can do Mantra
Japa ,either to achieve or fulfill that
quality ,or else go beyond these to attain Moksha i.e Self Liberation, which is usually practiced in Buddhism.
Apart from above fundamental aspects of importance
of this Sacred figure ,there are many other facts ,which either can be
seen in context of “coincidence” or can be understood as the
intelligence of our Cosmos .One such fact relates to
astronomy.
Following facts about Diameter/Distances can be
actually verified by taking accurate data from reliable sources and
doing the calculations ,we will approximately reach at this same figure
:
Diameter of the Sun / Diameter of the Earth = 108
Distance between Sun and Earth / Diameter of the Sun = 108
Distance between Moon and Earth / Diameter of the Moon = 108
Doesn’t it all show presence of some Higher
intelligence? There are many other beliefs ,myths and facts about this
figure which somehow establishes its importance
par excellence. Even planned or mere coincidence ,if we believe
statistics available (Fédération Aéronautique Internationale) then Yuri
gagarin’s first space flight too lasted for 108 minutes.
So this number actually carves out a blueprint for
entire Cosmos ,and reciting Mantras with this much figure was aimed to
reach all corners of human existence, to have composite and far reaching
benefits. But nevertheless, this journey
to explore its real significance truly leave us dazzled.
(c) Copyright 2013 Vaibhav Gupta