The number 108 holds a profound and enigmatic significance across numerous spiritual and religious traditions, standing out as a particularly intriguing and recurrent motif. From the ancient Vedic texts of Hinduism to the prayer beads of Buddhist monks, the number 108 appears time and time again, weaving its way through the mystical and the sacred. This number is not a mere coincidence but is intimately connected to the very fabric of reality itself. At its core, the number 108 is believed to represent the wholeness and unity of the cosmos. It serves as a quiet signature in the fabric of creation, a reminder that the rhythm of our breath mirrors the rhythm of the cosmos. It rises in mantra, mudra, geometry, astronomy, and ancient cosmology. For spiritual seekers, homeowners, business owners, and individuals interested in holistic living, understanding the significance of 108 can offer a deeper appreciation for the profound wisdom and knowledge encoded in ancient symbols and practices. It is a number that draws the practitioner inward while simultaneously expanding their awareness outward, acting as a threshold and a full turning of the spiritual wheel.
In the realm of Hinduism, the number 108 is prevalent in many sacred texts, rituals, and practices, believed to connect the individual with the divine and symbolize the universe and the path to spiritual enlightenment. There are 108 sacred sites, or pithas, scattered throughout India, each one a gateway to the divine. Major deities like Shiva, Vishnu, and Lakshmi are revered through 108 names, each representing a different quality or attribute. The Rig Veda, the oldest of the four Vedas, contains 10,800 stanzas, which is 108 times 100. The human body is believed to have 108 marma points, which are vital energy points used in Ayurvedic healing. Marmas are points where two or more tissues meet and are believed to contain the three doshas – Vata, Pita & Kapha. These points also connect with seven chakras or energy centres in the body. It is also believed that there are 108 types of delusions that bind the soul to the cycle of birth and death. By recognizing and overcoming these delusions, one can break free from the limitations of the physical realm and attain spiritual liberation. The repetition of mantras or the practice of 108 sun salutations in yoga is often used as a means to purify the mind and release these delusions. Furthermore, the chakras are the intersections of the subtle nerve channels called ‘Nadis’. There are said to be 108 Nadis converging to form the heart chakra. One of them is the Susumna Nadi which leads to the crown chakra and is said to be the path of Self-realization.
Buddhism also holds the number 108 as deeply meaningful, found in various teachings and practices. There are said to be 108 earthly desires that humans must overcome to achieve enlightenment. Like in Hinduism, Buddhist prayer beads, or malas, have 108 beads, used for reciting mantras and meditation. The Kangyur, the collection of the Buddha’s teachings, consists of 108 volumes. In Vedic and Buddhist lineages, one full round of 108 is viewed as a complete energetic cycle, a harmonizing of body, breath, and consciousness. It is a journey inward, a gathering of attention, a remembrance of the deeper Self. Every time a practitioner picks up a mala or moves bead by bead, they are entering a relationship with this ancient number. The traditional Japa mala used for meditation has 108 beads, plus one Guru bead around which the 108 beads fit like planets around the sun. This practice helps to purify the energy channels, allowing the life force energy, or prana, to flow freely throughout the body. 108 beads represent 108 opportunities to return to the truth beneath the noise. In the ancient Vedic worldview, 108 represents the intimate relationship between the individual soul (Atman) and the universal soul (Brahman).
The significance of 108 extends deeply into numerology, the study of the mystical meaning of numbers and their influence on human life. The number 108 is considered a powerful and sacred number due to its unique composition and mathematical properties. One of the most intriguing aspects is that it is the sum of its divisors (excluding itself). The divisors of 108 are 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 9, 12, 18, 27, 36, 54, and when added together, they equal 108. This property is considered a sign of completeness and perfection in numerology. 108 is also a Harshad number, which means it is divisible by the sum of its digits (1+0+8=9, and 108 is divisible by 9). Harshad numbers are believed to possess special properties and are often associated with good fortune and spiritual significance. In numerology, 108 equals 9 (1+0+8=9), which is symbolic of universal love, eternity, and awakening. The numbers 1, 0, and 8 represent one thing (1), nothing (0), and everything that is infinity or timeless (9), representing the belief of the ultimate reality of the universe as being simultaneously one, empty, and infinite. In numerology, the number 1 represents new beginnings, leadership, and independence, while the number 0 signifies potential and choice. The number 108 is believed to vibrate at a frequency that promotes balance and harmony, aligning the physical, mental, and spiritual aspects of one’s being.
Astronomical and scientific perspectives also highlight the significance of 108. Vedic astrologers determined that the average distance between the sun, moon, and earth is 108 times their respective diameters. So 108 is viewed as a number of wholeness and existence. This connection to the cosmos reinforces the idea that 108 is a number that links the microcosm of the human body to the macrocosm of the universe.
The number 108 is also prominently featured in sacred geometry. The Flower of Life, a geometric pattern consisting of evenly spaced, overlapping circles that create a flower-like shape, is found in various ancient cultures, including Egyptian, Phoenician, and Assyrian traditions. When the Flower of Life is constructed with 108 complete circles, it forms a more complex pattern known as the Fruit of Life. This pattern is believed to contain the blueprint for all creation and is considered a powerful symbol of unity and interconnectedness. The presence of 108 in these sacred geometric patterns suggests that this number holds a deep spiritual significance that transcends cultural boundaries.
Furthermore, the number 108 holds a profound connection to the breath, a fundamental aspect of human life and spiritual practice. In many traditions, the breath is seen as the bridge between the physical and the spiritual, the conscious and the unconscious. By aligning ourselves with this sacred number, practitioners can deepen their practice, expand their consciousness, and ultimately unite with the divine. The number 108 serves as a reminder of the intricate connection between our physical, energetic, and spiritual bodies. By understanding and working with this sacred number, individuals can cultivate a deeper awareness of their inner landscape and embark on a journey of self-discovery and spiritual awakening. The significance of 108 as a symbol of spiritual awakening transcends cultural boundaries and has been embraced by various spiritual traditions throughout history. Whether through the repetition of mantras, the practice of yoga, or the contemplation of sacred geometry, the number 108 continues to inspire and guide individuals on their journey towards self-realization and enlightenment. It is a number that is considered a symbol of self-realization, representing the journey of the individual soul merging with the universal consciousness.
Conclusion
The number 108 is far more than a simple numerical value; it is a sacred symbol woven through mantra, cosmos, and the inner path, representing wholeness, spiritual completion, and the intimate relationship between the individual and the universe. Its significance is deeply embedded in Hinduism and Buddhism, appearing in prayer beads, sacred texts, and the very anatomy of the human body’s energy systems. From a numerological perspective, its mathematical properties signify completeness and perfection, while its astronomical correlation highlights its connection to cosmic harmony. The presence of 108 in sacred geometry and its profound link to the breath further establish its role as a key to spiritual growth and self-realization. For those seeking balance and harmony in their lives—whether in their homes, workplaces, or personal spiritual journeys—the number 108 offers a powerful focal point for meditation, purification, and the release of delusions. It serves as a constant reminder of the potential for unity with the divine and the journey toward enlightenment, guiding seekers back to the deeper truth beneath the noise of everyday existence.