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The Significance of the number 108

The Indian Subcontinent rosary or set of mantra counting has 108 beads. 108 has

been a sacred number in the Indian Subcontinent for a very long time. This

number is explained in many different ways. The ancient Indians were excellent

mathematicians and 108 may be the product of a precise mathematical operation

(e.g. 1 power 1 x 2 power 2 x 3 power 3 = 108) which was thought to have

special numerological significance. Powers of 1, 2, and 3 in math: 1 to 1st

power=1; 2 to 2nd power=4 (2x2); 3 to 3rd power=27 (3x3x3). 1x4x27=108 Sanskrit

alphabet: There are 54 letters in the Sanskrit alphabet. Each has masculine and

feminine, shiva and shakti. 54 times 2 is 108. Sri Yantra: On the Sri Yantra

there are marmas where three lines intersect, and there are 54 such

intersections. Each intersections has masculine and feminine, shiva and shakti

qualities. 54 x 2 equals 108. Thus, there are 108 points that define the Sri

Yantra as well as the human body. 9 times 12: Both of these numbers have been

said to have spiritual significance in many traditions. 9 times 12 is 108.

Also, 1 plus 8 equals 9. That 9 times 12 equals 108. Heart Chakra: The chakras

are the intersections of energy lines, and there are said to be a total of 108

energy lines converging to form the heart chakra. One of them, sushumna leads

to the crown chakra, and is said to be the path to Self-realization. Marmas:

Marmas or marmastanas are like energy intersections called chakras, except have

fewer energy lines converging to form them. There are said to be 108 marmas in

the subtle body. Time: Some say there are 108 feelings, with 36 related to the

past, 36 related to the present, and 36 related to the future. Astrology: There

are 12 constellations, and 9 arc segments called namshas or chandrakalas. 9

times 12 equals 108. Chandra is moon, and kalas are the divisions within a

whole. Planets and Houses: In astrology, there are 12 houses and 9 planets. 12

times 9 equals 108. Gopis of Krishna: In the Krishna tradition, there were said

to be 108 gopis or maid servants of Krishna. 1, 0, and 8: 1 stands for God or

higher Truth, 0 stands for emptiness or completeness in spiritual practice, and

8 stands for infinity or eternity. Sun and Earth: The diameter of the sun is 108

times the diameter of the Earth. Numerical scale: The 1 of 108, and the 8 of

108, when added together equals 9, which is the number of the numerical scale,

i.e. 1, 2, 3 ... 10, etc., where 0 is not a number. Smaller divisions: The

number 108 is divided, such as in half, third, quarter, or twelfth, so that

some malas have 54, 36, 27, or 9 beads. Islam: The number 108 is used in Islam

to refer to God. Jain: In the Jain religion, 108 are the combined virtues of

five categories of holy ones, including 12, 8, 36, 25, and 27 virtues

respectively. Sikh: The Sikh tradition has a mala of 108 knots tied in a string

of wool, rather than beads. Chinese: The Chinese Buddhists and Taoists use a 108

bead mala, which is called su-chu, and has three dividing beads, so the mala is

divided into three parts of 36 each. Stages of the soul: Said that Atman, the

human soul or center goes through 108 stages on the journey. Meru: This is a

larger bead, not part of the 108. It is not tied in the sequence of the other

beads. It is the quiding bead, the one that marks the beginning and end of the

mala. Dance: There are 108 forms of dance in the Indian traditions.

Pythagorean: The nine is the limit of all numbers, all others existing and

coming from the same. ie: 0 to 9 is all one needs to make up an infinite amount

of numbers. We have listed below 108 Upanishads as per the list contained in the

Muktikopanishad . We have arranged them in four categories according to the

particular Veda to which each of them belong. Rigveda(10): Aitareya ,

Atmabodha, Kaushitaki, Mudgala, Nirvana, Nadabindu, Akshamaya, Tripura,

Bahvruka, Saubhagyalakshmi. Yajurveda(50): Katha, Taittiriya , Isavasya ,

Brihadaranyaka, Akshi, Ekakshara, Garbha, Prnagnihotra, Svetasvatara, Sariraka,

Sukarahasya, Skanda, Sarvasara, Adhyatma, Niralamba, Paingala, Mantrika,

Muktika, Subala, Avadhuta, Katharudra, Brahma, Jabala, Turiyatita, Paramahamsa,

Bhikshuka, Yajnavalkya, Satyayani, Amrtanada, Amrtabindu, Kshurika, Tejobindu,

Dhyanabindu, Brahmavidya, YogakundalinI, Yogatattva, Yogasikha, Varaha,

Advayataraka, Trisikhibrahmana, mandalabrahmana, Hamsa, Kalisantaraaa,

Narayana, Tarasara, Kalagnirudra, Dakshinamurti, Pancabrahma, Rudrahrdaya,

SarasvatIrahasya. SamaVeda(16): Kena, Chandogya, Mahat, Maitrayani, Vajrasuci,

Savitri, Aruneya, Kundika, Maitreyi, Samnyasa, Jabaladarsana, Yogacudaman,

Avyakta, Vasudevai, Jabali, Rudrakshajabala. Atharvaveda(32): Prasna ,

Mandukya, Mundaka, Atma, Surya, Narada-Parivrajakas, Parabrahma,

Paramahamsa-Parivrajakas, Pasupatha-Brahma, Mahavakya, Sandilya, Krishna,

Garuda, Gopalatapani, Tripadavibhuti-mahnarayana, Dattatreya, Kaivalya,

NrsimhatapanI, Ramatapani, Ramarahasya, HayagrIva, Atharvasikha, Atharvasira,

Ganapati, Brhajjabala, Bhasmajabala, Sarabha, Annapurna, TripuratapanI, Devi,

Bhavana, SIta.

The Significance of the number 108 We must agree that all measuring systems are

merely reference frames. They give us a starting point. It doesn’t really

matter if you call them farenheits or cycles. All science is based on

fundamental assumptions of the mechanics of this universe. Yet, these

assumptions, if correct, connect like building blocks. Much in the same way,

the number ‘108’ is just a reference frame. It is symbolic of a bigger picture:

that of humility. When devotees recite 108 Hanuman Chalisas, in their minds they

believe, they are proving their love for God, and that there is in fact a need

to prove their love. When devotees assign a 108 names to Shri Ganesh, they are

once again gauging their devotion through numbers. This, of course, may be

considered unreasonable, since it suggests that 108 chants are more effective

than 109 chants. How do they know this? Have they proved it? Is 108 the magic

number of the universe? No, it is not! It is a reference frame. What is

important is that a system is imposed to guide us through the fundamental

struggles encountered in any evolutional process. Otherwise, chaos and anarchy

follow and nothing gets done. Having said that, I will show you justifications

from a few subcultures in India. Obviously, I consider the Vedic rationale to

be the most consistent with the fundamental laws of this universe. The others

have borrowed and built, but it still smells of Vedic beginnings. In present

times, we can find many rationales for the proliferation of ‘108’ throughout

our scriptures. In fact, this number seems to garner its unfair share of

attention from myriad cults and faith systems around the world. I will give you

a few justifications that have been brought to my attention. JYOTISH SHASTRA

{VEDIC SYSTEM} This universe was created by the five elements: space, air,

fire, water and earth. From these elements came the three attributes: Raj

{birth}, Sat {protection} and Tam {destruction or death.} The mathematical or

geographical evidence proves that one circle has 360 degrees in space. Why is

this circle or wheel of life considered to be of 360 degrees only? If we take a

circle and start dividing it using the four elements and three attributes, all

the logic can be observed. The circle itself, is considered the first element

of space, since we must consume space in drawing a circle. In this space {or

circle}, the four remaining elements and three attributes create the idea of

time. The circle is divisible by the product of four elements multiplied by

three attributes. This involves the belief that the three attributes exist in

the circle. By moving three times, each element completes its revolution. So

now we have the number 12 {3 x 4}. This division gave birth to our 12 months,

and also to the 12 horas {1/2 of the day or Ahoratri}. We now have 360 degrees

as well as 12 divisions. We can now further divide the wheel of time: there are

27 fixed stars (nakshatras) along with three attributes that divide the time in

smaller portions. So this 27 + 3 = 30 is interpreted as 30 degrees or days of

one part of the wheel (circle) or month. All of this is only half of a day. The

night is yet unaccounted for. Therefore, we multiply these 30 degrees by 2. This

gives us our reference of 60 seconds in a minute. Thus the 360º x 30º = 10,800.

Zero {0} is considered ‘Purna’ or complete. So we take out the last zeros and

are left with 108. The idea of our total universe is represented by this number

of 108. Offering 108, devotees believe that they are showing ultimate or

complete respect to the Supreme. There are many other justifications but all

can be traced back to this system. A few are explained below: SHOSHU BUDDHIST

Followers use 108 beads in their malas. They implement the following formula: 6

x 3 x 2 x3 = 108 6 senses [sight, sound, smell, taste, touch, thought] 3 aspects

of time [past, present, future] 2 condition of heart [pure or impure] 3

possibilties of sentiment [like, dislike, indifference] BUDDHA’S FOOTPRINT All

Buddhists accept the Buddha Footprint with its 108 Auspicious Illustrations.

These areas are considered to have been marked on the Buddha’s left foot when

his body was discovered. BUDDHISM 108 beads on the Hindu maalaa {rosary} 108

Arhats or Holy Ones HINDUISM 108 Gopis {consorts} of Lord Krishna 108 Holy

places for Vaishnavas 108 beads on the Japa maalaa {rosary} 108 Upanishads 108

Divyadeshes - Divine or Sacred Tirtha throughout India and Nepal 108 sacred

water taps in Muktinath - Nepal TANTRA SHASTRA 108 Pitha {Sacred Places} The

story goes that Lord Shiva was in deep and incessant meditation. His asceticism

was creating great heat in the universe. All existence was in peril and Lord

Brahma was deeply concerned. Lord Brahma asked the Mother of the Universe, Maa

Shakti, to use Her strength and wile to seduce Lord Shiva. Maa Shakti agreed

and was born as Sati, daughter of Shri Daksha. Lord Shiva was so entranced by

Sati’s asceticism and extraordinary beauty that he took human form and they

were married. Years later, at a feast, Sati’s father insulted Lord Shiva. Sati

was so humiliated that she began a deep meditation which led to her immolation.

Lord Shiva was completely heart broken. He reached into the sacrificial fire and

pulled out as much of His beloved’s body as he could grab. As He ascended to

heaven, bits of Sati’s body fell to earth. 108 bits to be precise! In time,

these places were acknowledged and worshipped. SANATANA DHARMA In a book by

Khurana, the explanation closely mirrors the original Vedic justifications: A

circle has 360 degrees, which when multiplied by 60 gives us 21,600 minutes in

a circle. 60 comes from the 60 'ghatis' which Sanatana Dharmiks believe in. One

ghati is equal to 24 minutes and 60 ghatis come to 24 hours. One ghati is

divided into 60 parts or 'palas'. So the 60 ghatis multiplied by 60 palasa

comes to 3,600. This is further multiplied by 60 (becase a pala contains 60

vipalas) which gives us 21,600. Half of this is for the day, and the other half

for the night. So, 21,600 divided by 2 gives us 10,800. For practical purposes,

we use 108. Using the number 108 helps us coordinate the rhythm of time and

space & we remain in harmony with the spiritual powers of nature.

--------------------For Ganesh Bhaktas:/

 

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Dear Sy

 

Reading below I see that the Sama Veda are listed,

would you know if the original vedic Sama Veda include

the entire Chandogya Upanishads?

I have a notion that there are more than 108

Upanishads

like the yogaupanishad or the ganeshaupanishad

would you know?

 

zmoonbl

--- SY Zenith <syzenith wrote:

> From Babaji of J. Kalianandaswami Msn Group:

>

> The Significance of the number 108

> The Indian Subcontinent rosary or set of mantra

> counting has 108 beads. 108 has been a sacred number

> in the Indian Subcontinent for a very long time.

> This number is explained in many different ways.

> The ancient Indians were excellent mathematicians

> and 108 may be the product of a precise mathematical

> operation (e.g. 1 power 1 x 2 power 2 x 3 power 3 =

> 108) which was thought to have special numerological

> significance.

> Powers of 1, 2, and 3 in math: 1 to 1st power=1; 2

> to 2nd power=4 (2x2); 3 to 3rd power=27 (3x3x3).

> 1x4x27=108

> Sanskrit alphabet: There are 54 letters in the

> Sanskrit alphabet. Each has masculine and feminine,

> shiva and shakti. 54 times 2 is 108.

> Sri Yantra: On the Sri Yantra there are marmas where

> three lines intersect, and there are 54 such

> intersections. Each intersections has masculine and

> feminine, shiva and shakti qualities. 54 x 2 equals

> 108. Thus, there are 108 points that define the Sri

> Yantra as well as the human body.

> 9 times 12: Both of these numbers have been said to

> have spiritual significance in many traditions. 9

> times 12 is 108. Also, 1 plus 8 equals 9. That 9

> times 12 equals 108.

> Heart Chakra: The chakras are the intersections of

> energy lines, and there are said to be a total of

> 108 energy lines converging to form the heart

> chakra. One of them, sushumna leads to the crown

> chakra, and is said to be the path to

> Self-realization.

> Marmas: Marmas or marmastanas are like energy

> intersections called chakras, except have fewer

> energy lines converging to form them. There are said

> to be 108 marmas in the subtle body.

> Time: Some say there are 108 feelings, with 36

> related to the past, 36 related to the present, and

> 36 related to the future.

> Astrology: There are 12 constellations, and 9 arc

> segments called namshas or chandrakalas. 9 times 12

> equals 108. Chandra is moon, and kalas are the

> divisions within a whole.

> Planets and Houses: In astrology, there are 12

> houses and 9 planets. 12 times 9 equals 108.

> Gopis of Krishna: In the Krishna tradition, there

> were said to be 108 gopis or maid servants of

> Krishna.

> 1, 0, and 8: 1 stands for God or higher Truth, 0

> stands for emptiness or completeness in spiritual

> practice, and 8 stands for infinity or eternity.

> Sun and Earth: The diameter of the sun is 108 times

> the diameter of the Earth.

> Numerical scale: The 1 of 108, and the 8 of 108,

> when added together equals 9, which is the number of

> the numerical scale, i.e. 1, 2, 3 ... 10, etc.,

> where 0 is not a number.

> Smaller divisions: The number 108 is divided, such

> as in half, third, quarter, or twelfth, so that some

> malas have 54, 36, 27, or 9 beads.

> Islam: The number 108 is used in Islam to refer to

> God.

> Jain: In the Jain religion, 108 are the combined

> virtues of five categories of holy ones, including

> 12, 8, 36, 25, and 27 virtues respectively.

> Sikh: The Sikh tradition has a mala of 108 knots

> tied in a string of wool, rather than beads.

> Chinese: The Chinese Buddhists and Taoists use a 108

> bead mala, which is called su-chu, and has three

> dividing beads, so the mala is divided into three

> parts of 36 each.

> Stages of the soul: Said that Atman, the human soul

> or center goes through 108 stages on the journey.

> Meru: This is a larger bead, not part of the 108. It

> is not tied in the sequence of the other beads. It

> is the quiding bead, the one that marks the

> beginning and end of the mala.

> Dance: There are 108 forms of dance in the Indian

> traditions.

> Pythagorean: The nine is the limit of all numbers,

> all others existing and coming from the same. ie: 0

> to 9 is all one needs to make up an infinite amount

> of numbers.

> We have listed below 108 Upanishads as per the list

> contained in the Muktikopanishad . We have arranged

> them in four categories according to the particular

> Veda to which each of them belong.

> Rigveda(10): Aitareya , Atmabodha, Kaushitaki,

> Mudgala, Nirvana, Nadabindu, Akshamaya, Tripura,

> Bahvruka, Saubhagyalakshmi.

> Yajurveda(50): Katha, Taittiriya , Isavasya ,

> Brihadaranyaka, Akshi, Ekakshara, Garbha,

> Prnagnihotra, Svetasvatara, Sariraka, Sukarahasya,

> Skanda, Sarvasara, Adhyatma, Niralamba, Paingala,

> Mantrika, Muktika, Subala, Avadhuta, Katharudra,

> Brahma, Jabala, Turiyatita, Paramahamsa, Bhikshuka,

> Yajnavalkya, Satyayani, Amrtanada, Amrtabindu,

> Kshurika, Tejobindu, Dhyanabindu, Brahmavidya,

> YogakundalinI, Yogatattva, Yogasikha, Varaha,

> Advayataraka, Trisikhibrahmana, mandalabrahmana,

> Hamsa, Kalisantaraaa, Narayana, Tarasara,

> Kalagnirudra, Dakshinamurti, Pancabrahma,

> Rudrahrdaya, SarasvatIrahasya.

> SamaVeda(16): Kena, Chandogya, Mahat, Maitrayani,

> Vajrasuci, Savitri, Aruneya, Kundika, Maitreyi,

> Samnyasa, Jabaladarsana, Yogacudaman, Avyakta,

> Vasudevai, Jabali, Rudrakshajabala.

> Atharvaveda(32): Prasna , Mandukya, Mundaka, Atma,

> Surya, Narada-Parivrajakas, Parabrahma,

> Paramahamsa-Parivrajakas, Pasupatha-Brahma,

> Mahavakya, Sandilya, Krishna, Garuda, Gopalatapani,

> Tripadavibhuti-mahnarayana, Dattatreya, Kaivalya,

> NrsimhatapanI, Ramatapani, Ramarahasya, HayagrIva,

> Atharvasikha, Atharvasira, Ganapati, Brhajjabala,

> Bhasmajabala, Sarabha, Annapurna, TripuratapanI,

> Devi, Bhavana, SIta.

>

>

>

> The Significance of the number 108

> We must agree that all measuring systems are merely

> reference frames. They give us a starting point. It

> doesn’t really matter if you call them farenheits or

> cycles. All science is based on fundamental

> assumptions of the mechanics of this universe. Yet,

> these assumptions, if correct, connect like building

> blocks.

> Much in the same way, the number ‘108’ is just a

> reference frame. It is symbolic of a bigger picture:

> that of humility. When devotees recite 108 Hanuman

> Chalisas, in their minds they believe, they are

> proving their love for God, and that there is in

> fact a need to prove their love. When devotees

> assign a 108 names to Shri Ganesh, they are once

> again gauging their devotion through numbers. This,

> of course, may be considered unreasonable, since it

> suggests that 108 chants are more effective than 109

> chants. How do they know this? Have they proved it?

> Is 108 the magic number of the universe? No, it is

> not! It is a reference frame. What is important is

> that a system is imposed to guide us through the

> fundamental struggles encountered in any evolutional

> process. Otherwise, chaos and anarchy follow and

> nothing gets done.

> Having said that, I will show you justifications

> from a few subcultures in India. Obviously, I

> consider the Vedic rationale to be the most

> consistent with the fundamental laws of this

> universe. The others have borrowed and built, but it

> still smells of Vedic beginnings.

> In present times, we can find many rationales for

> the proliferation of ‘108’ throughout our

> scriptures. In fact, this number seems to garner its

> unfair share of attention from myriad cults and

> faith systems around the world. I will give you a

> few justifications that have been brought to my

> attention.

> JYOTISH SHASTRA {VEDIC SYSTEM}

> This universe was created by the five elements:

> space, air, fire, water and earth. From these

> elements came the three attributes: Raj {birth}, Sat

> {protection} and Tam {destruction or death.}

> The mathematical or geographical evidence proves

> that one circle has 360 degrees in space. Why is

> this circle or wheel of life considered to be of 360

> degrees only? If we take a circle and start dividing

> it using the four elements and three attributes, all

> the logic can be observed.

> The circle itself, is considered the first element

> of space, since we must consume space in drawing a

> circle. In this space {or circle}, the four

> remaining elements and three attributes create the

> idea of time. The circle is divisible by the product

> of four elements multiplied by three attributes.

> This involves the belief that the three attributes

> exist in the circle. By moving three times, each

> element completes its revolution.

> So now we have the number 12 {3 x 4}. This division

> gave birth to our 12 months, and also to the 12

> horas {1/2 of the day or Ahoratri}. We now have 360

> degrees as well as 12 divisions. We can now further

> divide the wheel of time: there are 27 fixed stars

> (nakshatras) along with three attributes that divide

> the time in smaller portions. So this 27 + 3 = 30 is

> interpreted as 30 degrees or days of one part of the

> wheel (circle) or month. All of this is only half of

> a day. The night is yet unaccounted for. Therefore,

> we multiply these 30 degrees by 2. This gives us our

> reference of 60 seconds in a minute.

> Thus the 360º x 30º = 10,800. Zero {0} is considered

> ‘Purna’ or complete. So we take out the last zeros

> and are left with 108. The idea of our total

> universe is represented by this number of 108.

> Offering 108, devotees believe that they are showing

> ultimate or complete respect to the Supreme.

> There are many other justifications but all can be

> traced back to this system. A few are explained

> below:

> SHOSHU BUDDHIST

> Followers use 108 beads in their malas. They

> implement the following formula:

> 6 x 3 x 2 x3 = 108

> 6 senses [sight, sound, smell, taste, touch,

> thought]

> 3 aspects of time [past, present, future]

> 2 condition of heart [pure or impure]

> 3 possibilties of sentiment [like, dislike,

> indifference]

> BUDDHA’S FOOTPRINT

> All Buddhists accept the Buddha Footprint with its

> 108 Auspicious Illustrations. These areas are

> considered to have been marked on the Buddha’s left

> foot when his body was discovered.

> BUDDHISM

> 108 beads on the Hindu maalaa {rosary}

> 108 Arhats or Holy Ones

> HINDUISM

> 108 Gopis {consorts} of Lord Krishna

> 108 Holy places for Vaishnavas

> 108 beads on the Japa maalaa {rosary}

> 108 Upanishads

> 108 Divyadeshes - Divine or Sacred Tirtha

> throughout India and Nepal

> 108 sacred water taps in Muktinath - Nepal

> TANTRA SHASTRA

> 108 Pitha {Sacred Places}

> The story goes that Lord Shiva was in deep and

> incessant meditation. His asceticism was creating

> great heat in the universe. All existence was in

> peril and Lord Brahma was deeply concerned. Lord

> Brahma asked the Mother of the Universe, Maa Shakti,

> to use Her strength and wile to seduce Lord Shiva.

> Maa Shakti agreed and was born as Sati, daughter of

> Shri Daksha. Lord Shiva was so entranced by Sati’s

> asceticism and extraordinary beauty that he took

> human form and they were married. Years later, at a

> feast, Sati’s father insulted Lord Shiva. Sati was

> so humiliated that she began a deep meditation which

> led to her immolation. Lord Shiva was completely

> heart broken. He reached into the sacrificial fire

> and pulled out as much of His beloved’s body as he

> could grab. As He ascended to heaven, bits of Sati’s

> body fell to earth. 108 bits to be precise! In time,

> these places were acknowledged and worshipped.

> SANATANA DHARMA

> In a book by Khurana, the explanation closely

> mirrors the original Vedic justifications:

> A circle has 360 degrees, which when multiplied by

> 60 gives us 21,600 minutes in a circle. 60 comes

> from the 60 'ghatis' which Sanatana Dharmiks believe

> in. One ghati is equal to 24 minutes and 60 ghatis

> come to 24 hours.

> One ghati is divided into 60 parts or 'palas'.

> So the 60 ghatis multiplied by 60 palasa comes to

> 3,600.

> This is further multiplied by 60 (becase a pala

> contains 60 vipalas) which gives us 21,600.

> Half of this is for the day, and the other half for

> the night. So, 21,600

> divided by 2 gives us 10,800. For practical

> purposes, we use 108. Using the

> number 108 helps us coordinate the rhythm of time

> and space & we remain in harmony with the spiritual

> powers of nature.

> --------------------

>

>

>

> For Ganesh Bhaktas:

> /

>

>

>

> Hotjobs: Enter the "Signing Bonus" Sweepstakes

 

 

 

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Thanks,JamesSY Zenith <syzenith .au> wrote:

>From Babaji of J. Kalianandaswami Msn Group:

 

The Significance of the number 108

The Indian Subcontinent rosary or set of mantra counting has 108 beads. 108 has

been a sacred number in the Indian Subcontinent for a very long time. This

number is explained in many different ways. The ancient Indians were excellent

mathematicians and 108 may be the product of a precise mathematical operation

(e.g. 1 power 1 x 2 power 2 x 3 power 3 = 108) which was thought to have

special numerological significance. Powers of 1, 2, and 3 in math: 1 to 1st

power=1; 2 to 2nd power=4 (2x2); 3 to 3rd power=27 (3x3x3). 1x4x27=108 Sanskrit

alphabet: There are 54 letters in the Sanskrit alphabet. Each has masculine and

feminine, shiva and shakti. 54 times 2 is 108. Sri Yantra: On the Sri Yantra

there are marmas where three lines intersect, and there are 54 such

intersections. Each intersections has masculine and feminine, shiva and shakti

qualities. 54 x 2 equals 108. Thus, there are 108 points that define the Sri

Yantra as well as the human body. 9 times 12: Both of these numbers have been

said to have spiritual significance in many traditions. 9 times 12 is 108.

Also, 1 plus 8 equals 9. That 9 times 12 equals 108. Heart Chakra: The chakras

are the intersections of energy lines, and there are said to be a total of 108

energy lines converging to form the heart chakra. One of them, sushumna leads

to the crown chakra, and is said to be the path to Self-realization. Marmas:

Marmas or marmastanas are like energy intersections called chakras, except have

fewer energy lines converging to form them. There are said to be 108 marmas in

the subtle body. Time: Some say there are 108 feelings, with 36 related to the

past, 36 related to the present, and 36 related to the future. Astrology: There

are 12 constellations, and 9 arc segments called namshas or chandrakalas. 9

times 12 equals 108. Chandra is moon, and kalas are the divisions within a

whole. Planets and Houses: In astrology, there are 12 houses and 9 planets. 12

times 9 equals 108. Gopis of Krishna: In the Krishna tradition, there were said

to be 108 gopis or maid servants of Krishna. 1, 0, and 8: 1 stands for God or

higher Truth, 0 stands for emptiness or completeness in spiritual practice, and

8 stands for infinity or eternity. Sun and Earth: The diameter of the sun is 108

times the diameter of the Earth. Numerical scale: The 1 of 108, and the 8 of

108, when added together equals 9, which is the number of the numerical scale,

i.e. 1, 2, 3 ... 10, etc., where 0 is not a number. Smaller divisions: The

number 108 is divided, such as in half, third, quarter, or twelfth, so that

some malas have 54, 36, 27, or 9 beads. Islam: The number 108 is used in Islam

to refer to God. Jain: In the Jain religion, 108 are the combined virtues of

five categories of holy ones, including 12, 8, 36, 25, and 27 virtues

respectively. Sikh: The Sikh tradition has a mala of 108 knots tied in a string

of wool, rather than beads. Chinese: The Chinese Buddhists and Taoists use a 108

bead mala, which is called su-chu, and has three dividing beads, so the mala is

divided into three parts of 36 each. Stages of the soul: Said that Atman, the

human soul or center goes through 108 stages on the journey. Meru: This is a

larger bead, not part of the 108. It is not tied in the sequence of the other

beads. It is the quiding bead, the one that marks the beginning and end of the

mala. Dance: There are 108 forms of dance in the Indian traditions.

Pythagorean: The nine is the limit of all numbers, all others existing and

coming from the same. ie: 0 to 9 is all one needs to make up an infinite amount

of numbers. We have listed below 108 Upanishads as per the list contained in the

Muktikopanishad . We have arranged them in four categories according to the

particular Veda to which each of them belong. Rigveda(10): Aitareya ,

Atmabodha, Kaushitaki, Mudgala, Nirvana, Nadabindu, Akshamaya, Tripura,

Bahvruka, Saubhagyalakshmi. Yajurveda(50): Katha, Taittiriya , Isavasya ,

Brihadaranyaka, Akshi, Ekakshara, Garbha, Prnagnihotra, Svetasvatara, Sariraka,

Sukarahasya, Skanda, Sarvasara, Adhyatma, Niralamba, Paingala, Mantrika,

Muktika, Subala, Avadhuta, Katharudra, Brahma, Jabala, Turiyatita, Paramahamsa,

Bhikshuka, Yajnavalkya, Satyayani, Amrtanada, Amrtabindu, Kshurika, Tejobindu,

Dhyanabindu, Brahmavidya, YogakundalinI, Yogatattva, Yogasikha, Varaha,

Advayataraka, Trisikhibrahmana, mandalabrahmana, Hamsa, Kalisantaraaa,

Narayana, Tarasara, Kalagnirudra, Dakshinamurti, Pancabrahma, Rudrahrdaya,

SarasvatIrahasya. SamaVeda(16): Kena, Chandogya, Mahat, Maitrayani, Vajrasuci,

Savitri, Aruneya, Kundika, Maitreyi, Samnyasa, Jabaladarsana, Yogacudaman,

Avyakta, Vasudevai, Jabali, Rudrakshajabala. Atharvaveda(32): Prasna ,

Mandukya, Mundaka, Atma, Surya, Narada-Parivrajakas, Parabrahma,

Paramahamsa-Parivrajakas, Pasupatha-Brahma, Mahavakya, Sandilya, Krishna,

Garuda, Gopalatapani, Tripadavibhuti-mahnarayana, Dattatreya, Kaivalya,

NrsimhatapanI, Ramatapani, Ramarahasya, HayagrIva, Atharvasikha, Atharvasira,

Ganapati, Brhajjabala, Bhasmajabala, Sarabha, Annapurna, TripuratapanI, Devi,

Bhavana, SIta.

The Significance of the number 108 We must agree that all measuring systems are

merely reference frames. They give us a starting point. It doesn’t really

matter if you call them farenheits or cycles. All science is based on

fundamental assumptions of the mechanics of this universe. Yet, these

assumptions, if correct, connect like building blocks. Much in the same way,

the number ‘108’ is just a reference frame. It is symbolic of a bigger picture:

that of humility. When devotees recite 108 Hanuman Chalisas, in their minds they

believe, they are proving their love for God, and that there is in fact a need

to prove their love. When devotees assign a 108 names to Shri Ganesh, they are

once again gauging their devotion through numbers. This, of course, may be

considered unreasonable, since it suggests that 108 chants are more effective

than 109 chants. How do they know this? Have they proved it? Is 108 the magic

number of the universe? No, it is not! It is a reference frame. What is

important is that a system is imposed to guide us through the fundamental

struggles encountered in any evolutional process. Otherwise, chaos and anarchy

follow and nothing gets done. Having said that, I will show you justifications

from a few subcultures in India. Obviously, I consider the Vedic rationale to

be the most consistent with the fundamental laws of this universe. The others

have borrowed and built, but it still smells of Vedic beginnings. In present

times, we can find many rationales for the proliferation of ‘108’ throughout

our scriptures. In fact, this number seems to garner its unfair share of

attention from myriad cults and faith systems around the world. I will give you

a few justifications that have been brought to my attention. JYOTISH SHASTRA

{VEDIC SYSTEM} This universe was created by the five elements: space, air,

fire, water and earth. From these elements came the three attributes: Raj

{birth}, Sat {protection} and Tam {destruction or death.} The mathematical or

geographical evidence proves that one circle has 360 degrees in space. Why is

this circle or wheel of life considered to be of 360 degrees only? If we take a

circle and start dividing it using the four elements and three attributes, all

the logic can be observed. The circle itself, is considered the first element

of space, since we must consume space in drawing a circle. In this space {or

circle}, the four remaining elements and three attributes create the idea of

time. The circle is divisible by the product of four elements multiplied by

three attributes. This involves the belief that the three attributes exist in

the circle. By moving three times, each element completes its revolution. So

now we have the number 12 {3 x 4}. This division gave birth to our 12 months,

and also to the 12 horas {1/2 of the day or Ahoratri}. We now have 360 degrees

as well as 12 divisions. We can now further divide the wheel of time: there are

27 fixed stars (nakshatras) along with three attributes that divide the time in

smaller portions. So this 27 + 3 = 30 is interpreted as 30 degrees or days of

one part of the wheel (circle) or month. All of this is only half of a day. The

night is yet unaccounted for. Therefore, we multiply these 30 degrees by 2. This

gives us our reference of 60 seconds in a minute. Thus the 360º x 30º = 10,800.

Zero {0} is considered ‘Purna’ or complete. So we take out the last zeros and

are left with 108. The idea of our total universe is represented by this number

of 108. Offering 108, devotees believe that they are showing ultimate or

complete respect to the Supreme. There are many other justifications but all

can be traced back to this system. A few are explained below: SHOSHU BUDDHIST

Followers use 108 beads in their malas. They implement the following formula: 6

x 3 x 2 x3 = 108 6 senses [sight, sound, smell, taste, touch, thought] 3 aspects

of time [past, present, future] 2 condition of heart [pure or impure] 3

possibilties of sentiment [like, dislike, indifference] BUDDHA’S FOOTPRINT All

Buddhists accept the Buddha Footprint with its 108 Auspicious Illustrations.

These areas are considered to have been marked on the Buddha’s left foot when

his body was discovered. BUDDHISM 108 beads on the Hindu maalaa {rosary} 108

Arhats or Holy Ones HINDUISM 108 Gopis {consorts} of Lord Krishna 108 Holy

places for Vaishnavas 108 beads on the Japa maalaa {rosary} 108 Upanishads 108

Divyadeshes - Divine or Sacred Tirtha throughout India and Nepal 108 sacred

water taps in Muktinath - Nepal TANTRA SHASTRA 108 Pitha {Sacred Places} The

story goes that Lord Shiva was in deep and incessant meditation. His asceticism

was creating great heat in the universe. All existence was in peril and Lord

Brahma was deeply concerned. Lord Brahma asked the Mother of the Universe, Maa

Shakti, to use Her strength and wile to seduce Lord Shiva. Maa Shakti agreed

and was born as Sati, daughter of Shri Daksha. Lord Shiva was so entranced by

Sati’s asceticism and extraordinary beauty that he took human form and they

were married. Years later, at a feast, Sati’s father insulted Lord Shiva. Sati

was so humiliated that she began a deep meditation which led to her immolation.

Lord Shiva was completely heart broken. He reached into the sacrificial fire and

pulled out as much of His beloved’s body as he could grab. As He ascended to

heaven, bits of Sati’s body fell to earth. 108 bits to be precise! In time,

these places were acknowledged and worshipped. SANATANA DHARMA In a book by

Khurana, the explanation closely mirrors the original Vedic justifications: A

circle has 360 degrees, which when multiplied by 60 gives us 21,600 minutes in

a circle. 60 comes from the 60 'ghatis' which Sanatana Dharmiks believe in. One

ghati is equal to 24 minutes and 60 ghatis come to 24 hours. One ghati is

divided into 60 parts or 'palas'. So the 60 ghatis multiplied by 60 palasa

comes to 3,600. This is further multiplied by 60 (becase a pala contains 60

vipalas) which gives us 21,600. Half of this is for the day, and the other half

for the night. So, 21,600 divided by 2 gives us 10,800. For practical purposes,

we use 108. Using the number 108 helps us coordinate the rhythm of time and

space & we remain in harmony with the spiritual powers of nature.

--------------------For Ganesh Bhaktas:/

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