Difference between revisions of "Meaning of 108 beads on a mala"
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| − | Self-Realization and Yoga Meditation: Meaning of 108 beads on a mala. | + | Self-Realization and [[Yoga]] [[Meditation]]: Meaning of [[108]] beads on a [[mala]]. |
| − | On a mala, or set of mantra counting beads, there are generally 108 beads, or some fraction of that number. The question often arises: Why are there 108 beads on a mala? | + | On a [[mala]], or set of [[mantra]] counting beads, there are generally [[108]] beads, or some fraction of that number. The question often arises: Why are there [[108]] beads on a [[mala]]? |
| − | Below are some of the many reasons that have been given for having 108 beads on a mala, as well as a few other points of interest. None of these reasons are being promoted here as more or less true than the others. However, you may notice that 108 appears to be somewhat like a road map of reality in general, and the human in particular. | + | Below are some of the many [[reasons]] that have been given for having [[108]] beads on a [[mala]], as well as a few other points of [[interest]]. None of these [[reasons]] are being promoted here as more or less true than the others. However, you may notice that [[108]] appears to be somewhat like a road map of [[reality]] in general, and the [[human]] in particular. |
| − | Regardless of the meaning of 108, it is important that if a mala is used to count mantras, the mantra be remembered with sincerity, devotion, feeling, and full attention. (More on use of mantras) | + | Regardless of the meaning of [[108]], it is important that if a [[mala]] is used to count [[mantras]], the [[mantra]] be remembered with sincerity, [[devotion]], [[feeling]], and full [[attention]]. (More on use of [[mantras]]) |
[[File:Daikoku.jpg|thumb|250px|]] | [[File:Daikoku.jpg|thumb|250px|]] | ||
| − | 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. | + | 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]]. |
| − | 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 | + | [[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 |
| − | Harshad number: 108 is a Harshad number, which is an integer divisible by the sum of its digits (Harshad is from Sanskrit, and means "great joy") | + | Harshad number: [[108]] is a Harshad number, which is an integer divisible by the sum of its digits (Harshad is from [[Sanskrit]], and means "great [[joy]]") |
| − | Desires: There are said to be 108 earthly desires in mortals. | + | [[Desires]]: There are said to be [[108]] [[earthly desires]] in {{Wiki|mortals}}. |
| − | Lies: There are said to be 108 lies that humans tell. | + | Lies: There are said to be [[108]] lies that [[humans]] tell. |
| − | Delusions: There are said to be 108 human delusions or forms of ignorance. | + | [[Delusions]]: There are said to be [[108]] [[human]] [[delusions]] or [[forms]] of [[ignorance]]. |
[[File:M erapi.jpg|thumb|250px|]] | [[File:M erapi.jpg|thumb|250px|]] | ||
| − | 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. | + | [[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]]. |
| − | Sanskrit alphabet: There are 54 letters in the Sanskrit alphabet. Each has masculine and feminine, shiva and shakti. 54 times 2 is 108. | + | [[Sanskrit]] [[alphabet]]: There are 54 letters in the [[Sanskrit]] [[alphabet]]. Each has {{Wiki|masculine}} and {{Wiki|feminine}}, [[shiva]] and [[shakti]]. 54 times 2 is [[108]]. |
| − | Pranayama: If one is able to be so calm in meditation as to have only 108 breaths in a day, enlightenment will come. | + | [[Pranayama]]: If one is able to be so [[calm]] in [[meditation]] as to have only [[108]] breaths in a day, [[enlightenment]] will come. |
| − | Upanishads: Some say there are 108 Upanishads, texts of the wisdom of the ancient sages. | + | [[Upanishads]]: Some say there are [[108]] [[Upanishads]], texts of the [[wisdom]] of the {{Wiki|ancient}} [[sages]]. |
| − | 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 times 2 equals 108. Thus, there are 108 points that define the Sri Yantra as well as the human body. | + | Sri [[Yantra]]: On the Sri [[Yantra]] there are marmas where three lines intersect, and there are 54 such intersections. Each intersections has {{Wiki|masculine}} and {{Wiki|feminine}}, [[shiva]] and [[shakti]] qualities. 54 times 2 equals [[108]]. Thus, there are [[108]] points that define the Sri [[Yantra]] as well as the [[human body]]. |
| − | Pentagon: The angle formed by two adjacent lines in a pentagon equals 108 degrees. | + | Pentagon: The angle formed by two adjacent lines in a pentagon equals [[108]] degrees. |
[[File:Lily-mind-trainin.jpg|thumb|250px|]] | [[File:Lily-mind-trainin.jpg|thumb|250px|]] | ||
| − | Marmas: Marmas or marmasthanas 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. | + | Marmas: Marmas or marmasthanas 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. | + | [[Time]]: Some say there are [[108]] [[feelings]], with 36 related to the past, 36 related to the present, and 36 related to the future. |
| − | 8 extra beads: In doing a practice of counting the number of repetitions of the mala, 100 are counted as completed. The remaining are said to cover errors or omissions. The 8 are also said to be an offering to God and Guru. | + | 8 extra beads: In doing a practice of counting the number of repetitions of the [[mala]], 100 are counted as completed. The remaining are said to cover errors or omissions. The 8 are also said to be an [[offering]] to [[God]] and [[Guru]]. |
| − | Chemistry: Interestingly, there are about 115 elements known on the periodic table of the elements. Most of those, around or higher than the number 100 only exist in the laboratory, and some for only thousandths of a second. The number that naturally exist on Earth is around 100. | + | {{Wiki|Chemistry}}: Interestingly, there are about 115 [[elements]] known on the periodic table of the [[elements]]. Most of those, around or higher than the number 100 only [[exist]] in the laboratory, and some for only thousandths of a second. The number that naturally [[exist]] on [[Earth]] is around 100. |
| − | 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. | + | [[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. |
| − | River Ganga: The sacred River Ganga spans a longitude of 12 degrees (79 to 91), and a latitude of 9 degrees (22 to 31). 12 times 9 equals 108. | + | [[River]] [[Wikipedia:Ganga (goddess)|Ganga]]: The [[sacred]] [[River]] [[Wikipedia:Ganga (goddess)|Ganga]] spans a longitude of 12 degrees (79 to 91), and a latitude of 9 degrees (22 to 31). 12 times 9 equals [[108]]. |
[[File:Life-of-buddha-4.jpg|thumb|250px|]] | [[File:Life-of-buddha-4.jpg|thumb|250px|]] | ||
| − | Planets and Houses: In astrology, there are 12 houses and 9 planets. 12 times 9 equals 108. | + | {{Wiki|Planets}} and Houses: In [[astrology]], there are 12 houses and 9 {{Wiki|planets}}. 12 times 9 equals [[108]]. |
| − | Goddess names: There are said to be 108 Indian goddess names. | + | [[Goddess]] names: There are said to be [[108]] [[Indian]] [[goddess]] names. |
| − | Gopis of Krishna: In the Krishna tradition, there were said to be 108 gopis or maid servants of Krishna. | + | Gopis of {{Wiki|Krishna}}: In the {{Wiki|Krishna}} [[tradition]], there were said to be [[108]] gopis or maid servants of {{Wiki|Krishna}}. |
| − | 1, 0, and 8: Some say that 1 stands for God or higher Truth, 0 stands for emptiness or completeness in spiritual practice, and 8 stands for infinity or eternity. | + | 1, 0, and 8: Some say that 1 stands for [[God]] or higher [[Truth]], 0 stands for [[emptiness]] or [[completeness]] in [[spiritual]] practice, and 8 stands for [[infinity]] or {{Wiki|eternity}}. |
| − | Sun and Earth: The diameter of the Sun is 108 times the diameter of the Earth. The distance from the Sun to the Earth is 108 times the diameter of the Sun. | + | {{Wiki|Sun}} and [[Earth]]: The diameter of the {{Wiki|Sun}} is [[108]] times the diameter of the [[Earth]]. The distance from the {{Wiki|Sun}} to the [[Earth]] is [[108]] times the diameter of the {{Wiki|Sun}}. |
| − | Moon and Earth: The average distance of the Moon from the Earth is 108 times the diameter of the Moon. | + | [[Moon]] and [[Earth]]: The average distance of the [[Moon]] from the [[Earth]] is [[108]] times the diameter of the [[Moon]]. |
[[File:Mind-b ndi.jpg|thumb|250px|]] | [[File:Mind-b ndi.jpg|thumb|250px|]] | ||
| − | Silver and the moon: In astrology, the metal silver is said to represent the moon. The atomic weight of silver is 108. | + | Silver and the [[moon]]: In [[astrology]], the metal {{Wiki|silver}} is said to represent the [[moon]]. The [[atomic]] weight of {{Wiki|silver}} is [[108]]. |
| − | 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. | + | 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. |
| − | Meditations: Some say there are 108 styles of meditation. | + | [[Meditations]]: Some say there are [[108]] styles of [[meditation]]. |
| − | Breath: Tantra estimates the average number of breaths per day at 21,600, of which 10,800 are solar energy, and 10,800 are lunar energy. Multiplying 108 by 100 is 10,800. Multiplying 2 x 10,800 equals 21,600. | + | [[Breath]]: [[Tantra]] estimates the average number of breaths per day at 21,600, of which 10,800 are {{Wiki|solar}} [[energy]], and 10,800 are {{Wiki|lunar}} [[energy]]. Multiplying [[108]] by 100 is 10,800. Multiplying 2 x 10,800 equals 21,600. |
| − | Paths to God: Some suggest that there are 108 paths to God. | + | [[Paths]] to [[God]]: Some suggest that there are [[108]] [[paths]] to [[God]]. |
| − | 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. | + | 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. |
| − | Hinduism: 108 is said to refer to the number of Hindu deities. Some say that each of the deities has 108 names. | + | [[Hinduism]]: [[108]] is said to refer to the number of [[Hindu]] [[deities]]. Some say that each of the [[deities]] has [[108]] names. |
| − | Islam: The number 108 is used in Islam to refer to God. | + | [[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. | + | [[Jain]]: In the [[Jain]] [[religion]], [[108]] are the combined [[virtues]] of five categories of {{Wiki|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. | + | {{Wiki|Sikh}}: The {{Wiki|Sikh}} [[tradition]] has a [[mala]] of [[108]] knots tied in a string of wool, rather than beads. |
| − | Buddhism: Some Buddhists carve 108 small Buddhas on a walnut for good luck. Some ring a bell 108 times to celebrate a new year. There are said to be 108 virtues to cultivate and 108 defilements to avoid. | + | [[Buddhism]]: Some [[Buddhists]] carve [[108]] small [[Buddhas]] on a walnut for [[good luck]]. Some ring a [[bell]] [[108]] times to celebrate a new year. There are said to be [[108]] [[virtues]] to cultivate and [[108]] [[defilements]] to avoid. |
| − | 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. Chinese astrology says that there are 108 sacred stars. | + | {{Wiki|Chinese}}: The {{Wiki|Chinese}} [[Buddhists]] and {{Wiki|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. [[Chinese astrology]] says that there are [[108]] [[sacred]] stars. |
| − | Stages of the soul: Said that Atman, the human soul or center goes through 108 stages on the journey. | + | 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. | + | [[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. | + | Dance: There are [[108]] [[forms]] of dance in the [[Indian]] [[traditions]]. |
| − | Praiseworthy souls: There are 108 qualities of praiseworthy souls. | + | Praiseworthy [[souls]]: There are [[108]] qualities of praiseworthy [[souls]]. |
| − | First man in space: The first manned space flight lasted 108 minutes, and was on April 12, 1961 by Yuri Gagarin, a Soviet cosmonaut. | + | First man in [[space]]: The first manned [[space]] flight lasted [[108]] minutes, and was on April 12, 1961 by Yuri Gagarin, a {{Wiki|Soviet}} cosmonaut. |
</poem> | </poem> | ||
{{R}} | {{R}} | ||
[http://www.swamij.com/108.htm www.swamij.com] | [http://www.swamij.com/108.htm www.swamij.com] | ||
[[Category:108]] | [[Category:108]] | ||
Revision as of 08:05, 21 November 2013
by Swami Jnaneshvara Bharati
Self-Realization and Yoga Meditation: Meaning of 108 beads on a mala.
On a mala, or set of mantra counting beads, there are generally 108 beads, or some fraction of that number. The question often arises: Why are there 108 beads on a mala?
Below are some of the many reasons that have been given for having 108 beads on a mala, as well as a few other points of interest. None of these reasons are being promoted here as more or less true than the others. However, you may notice that 108 appears to be somewhat like a road map of reality in general, and the human in particular.
Regardless of the meaning of 108, it is important that if a mala is used to count mantras, the mantra be remembered with sincerity, devotion, feeling, and full attention. (More on use of mantras)
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.
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
Harshad number: 108 is a Harshad number, which is an integer divisible by the sum of its digits (Harshad is from Sanskrit, and means "great joy")
Desires: There are said to be 108 earthly desires in mortals.
Lies: There are said to be 108 lies that humans tell.
Delusions: There are said to be 108 human delusions or forms of ignorance.
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.
Sanskrit alphabet: There are 54 letters in the Sanskrit alphabet. Each has masculine and feminine, shiva and shakti. 54 times 2 is 108.
Pranayama: If one is able to be so calm in meditation as to have only 108 breaths in a day, enlightenment will come.
Upanishads: Some say there are 108 Upanishads, texts of the wisdom of the ancient sages.
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 times 2 equals 108. Thus, there are 108 points that define the Sri Yantra as well as the human body.
Pentagon: The angle formed by two adjacent lines in a pentagon equals 108 degrees.
Marmas: Marmas or marmasthanas 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.
8 extra beads: In doing a practice of counting the number of repetitions of the mala, 100 are counted as completed. The remaining are said to cover errors or omissions. The 8 are also said to be an offering to God and Guru.
Chemistry: Interestingly, there are about 115 elements known on the periodic table of the elements. Most of those, around or higher than the number 100 only exist in the laboratory, and some for only thousandths of a second. The number that naturally exist on Earth is around 100.
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.
River Ganga: The sacred River Ganga spans a longitude of 12 degrees (79 to 91), and a latitude of 9 degrees (22 to 31). 12 times 9 equals 108.
Planets and Houses: In astrology, there are 12 houses and 9 planets. 12 times 9 equals 108.
Goddess names: There are said to be 108 Indian goddess names.
Gopis of Krishna: In the Krishna tradition, there were said to be 108 gopis or maid servants of Krishna.
1, 0, and 8: Some say that 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. The distance from the Sun to the Earth is 108 times the diameter of the Sun.
Moon and Earth: The average distance of the Moon from the Earth is 108 times the diameter of the Moon.
Silver and the moon: In astrology, the metal silver is said to represent the moon. The atomic weight of silver is 108.
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.
Meditations: Some say there are 108 styles of meditation.
Breath: Tantra estimates the average number of breaths per day at 21,600, of which 10,800 are solar energy, and 10,800 are lunar energy. Multiplying 108 by 100 is 10,800. Multiplying 2 x 10,800 equals 21,600.
Paths to God: Some suggest that there are 108 paths to God.
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.
Hinduism: 108 is said to refer to the number of Hindu deities. Some say that each of the deities has 108 names.
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.
Buddhism: Some Buddhists carve 108 small Buddhas on a walnut for good luck. Some ring a bell 108 times to celebrate a new year. There are said to be 108 virtues to cultivate and 108 defilements to avoid.
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. Chinese astrology says that there are 108 sacred stars.
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.
Praiseworthy souls: There are 108 qualities of praiseworthy souls.
First man in space: The first manned space flight lasted 108 minutes, and was on April 12, 1961 by Yuri Gagarin, a Soviet cosmonaut.
